Information
Want to know what the Diocesan Synod does? Need help with Net Zero targets? Or a new Vestry Member needing some guidance? You should find useful help and guidance here.
Diocese information
We explain what happens at Diocesan Synod and how this provides our governance through the General Synod. You’ll also find important information about the role of the Diocesan Climate Change Group and helpful guidance on what we as individuals and churches should be doing to contribute to our joint Net Zero targets. There is a page explaining where to find our Diocesan Archives. Finally, you will find helpful information for church Vestry members, such as, the Vestry Secretary, Treasurer and PVG Officers.
Information sheets on processes related to the Diocese are below. These are related to the full audit processes that the Diocese has to abide to by law, how Quota is assessed, and other matters in the life of the Diocese.
Quota is the way that we share in the costs of being part of the Scottish Episcopal Church (Diocese and Province). The Digest of the Code of Canons lists its payment as a duty.
The Diocese is subject to a Full Audit due to the size of its financial assets. This document explains the process of a Full Audit, which differs from the Independent Examination the majority of congregations experience.
Two documents useful to all members and employees of the Diocese are the Grievance Policy for Employees and the Diocesan Unacceptable and Unreasonable Actions Policy.
Internal Resources
If you’re a member of a church Vestry in the Diocese you will find the pages below provide a comprehensive guide outlining the roles and responsibilities of key church office bearers.
Diocesan Synod
The Diocesan Synod is the central governing body of the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney in the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Climate Change Group
As Christians, we are called to protect, preserve and guard the world in the which we live and work, alongside all the creatures of creation.
Diocesan Archive and Library
The Diocesan Christie Memorial Library is held at Aberdeen University Library and consists of over 10,000 volumes, ranging from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century. It is available for consultation in the Rare Books department.
People Stories – The Diocese oF Aberdeen and Orkney
Bishops Robert Kilgour and John Skinner
One of the last of the bishops to have to operate under the Penal Laws, Robert Kilgour (1714 – 1790) was a true son of the diocese. Born at Cruden, he graduated from King’s College, Aberdeen, in 1733, and was ordained and made incumbent of Peterhead in 1737. He was consecrated Bishop of Aberdeen in 1768, and made Primus in 1782. In that role, along with his co-adjutant bishop, John Skinner, and Bishop Arthur Petrie of Moray, he consecrated Samuel Seabury in Aberdeen in 1784, to be the first Bishop to serve in America, forming a link between Scotland and the Episcopal Church in America that continues strong today.