The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, the Rt Revd Anthony Poggo,  visited the Scottish Episcopal Church (SEC) between 11 and 13 June. Hosted by the Most Revd Mark Strange, Primus of the SEC, Bishop Anthony attended the General Synod in Stirling as an observer.

The Scottish Episcopal Church is a Member Church of the Anglican Communion and describes itself as an ‘open, discussing and engaging church in Scotland’ that is ‘firmly rooted in the life of Scotland and part of its rich history'.

Present at the General Synod were representatives of laity, clergy and bishops from the seven dioceses of the province who met together to discuss, deliberate and discern key legislative matters for the Church. In addition to the presence of the Secretary General, guests at the synod also included a representative from the Church of Ireland and ecumenical representatives from other Christian traditions in Scotland.

For the first time in 20 years, the General Synod met outside of the city of Edinburgh in the historic city of Stirling. Organisers said this new venue offered new surroundings for meeting together away from the main business events, as well as a central location for the convenient access of synod members from all over the country.

There were a variety of topics on the Synod agenda, including Safe Church, the environment, mission priorities, and the legacy of slavery and racial tension in society today. There was also a dedicated session to discuss the SEC’s response to The Nairobi-Cairo Proposals. This theological paper has been written by the Inter-Anglican Standing Committee on Unity, Faith and Order (IASCUFO) and will be discussed at this year’s ACC-19 in Belfast (June 27 – July 5).

The Nairobi-Cairo Proposals and the more recent Supplement Paper, published during Lent 2026, were developed following a commission by ACC members in 2023. The paper offers recommendations on how Anglican churches might navigate differences and divisions, upholding the call of all Christians to sustain the unity of the Church.

Bishop Anthony was invited to speak on Saturday, 13 June, at the start of a session on inter-church relations. During his address, Bishop Anthony observed that the Scottish Episcopal Church demonstrates ‘the historic diversity of the Anglican tradition’ while breaking ‘free of colonial ways of thinking… I see how you are living out the mission of Christ in your Province and I commend the work that you are doing’.

Bishop Anthony said, ‘Anglicanism in the British Isles is stronger for having the diversity of traditions that you have, going back to ancient Celtic and Irish roots as well as to Augustine’s mission to Kent in 597. Your role in consecrating the first American Episcopal bishop is an important historic contribution to the foundation of what is now The Episcopal Church and by extension, the Anglican Communion.’

Speaking about his time visiting the Episcopal Church of Scotland, Bishop Anthony shared, ‘It has been a great experience to spend time with clergy and laypersons from around all the dioceses of the Episcopal Church of Scotland. I was pleased to be invited to speak during my visit, as well as to hear about the ministry and mission of the province. I look forward to seeing some of the same colleagues in Ireland very shortly, at the 19^th meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC-19), along with members of the wider Anglican Communion family.

Reflecting on the visit of the Secretary General, the Most Revd Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church & Bishop of Moray, Ross & Caithness, said that he was ‘delighted’ that Bishop Anthony was able to join the meeting of the General Synod. ‘Bishop Poggo and I meet regularly at Primates and Communion engagements, and the Secretary General indicated a desire to visit General Synod. I was happy to extend an invitation to him.

‘He [came] to share with us his view of the life of the Anglican Communion, and to hear what the communion means to us here in Scotland. As a church, we treasure our membership, identity and unique history within the Communion’. 

More information

See an article from the Scottish Episcopal Church about Bishop Anthony’s visit to the Synod.

Find out more about the Scottish Episcopal Church.

Learn more about The Nairobi-Cairo Proposals.

Find out more about ACC-19.