Joining the Church
You can join the Church of Scotland at any stage of your life; whether you were baptised as a baby and now wish to be confirmed into the Church or you are an adult seeking both baptism and confirmation.
You may also join the Church from other denominations and religions.
Moving to a new congregation
When Church members move from one congregation to another they take with them a Certificate of Transference, commonly known as "lines". Members of other denominations can also transfer to the Church of Scotland. There is no standard procedure and, in these circumstances, an approach should be made to the minister of the relevant congregation, and he or she will advise.
Download the Certificate of Transference
Confirmation
The usual pattern for joining the Church of Scotland is that infant children of Church members are received into the Church through Baptism. In time it is hoped that the child will come to make his or her own public profession of faith and the congregation will support the family in this task.
This public profession of faith is sometimes referred to as confirmation. It occurs from around the age of 16, and admits the individual to all the rights and privileges of Church membership. The person's name is then added to the congregation's communion roll and they become eligible to vote in Church meetings and be elected to offices such as the eldership.
Traditionally, confirmation has involved admission to Holy Communion for the first time, which explains why the ceremony is sometimes known as Admission to the Lord's Supper.
However, since 1992 the Church has allowed children to receive communion as part of their Christian nurture. Prior to confirmation or admission to the Lord's Supper a course of instruction is given to the candidates. Normally, this is given by the minister through a weekly class over a period of six to eight weeks. These are usually referred to as communicants' classes.
Baptism for adults
While infant baptism is the norm, the Church of Scotland also baptises adults. Someone seeking an adult baptism should approach their local parish minister who will either give specific instruction or invite them to join in the communicants' class. They would then be baptised and confirmed in the same service and have their names added to the communion roll of the congregation.