Paris… Brussels… Rome… Budapest… Malta… Bermuda… Amsterdam… Lausanne… Geneva… Lisbon… Rotterdam… Bochum… even Colombo… And every one with a Church of Scotland!

The Church of Scotland is a presbyterian church, which means that its congregations are grouped in ‘Presbyteries’. The ‘Presbytery of International Charges’, to use its formal name, groups together most of the Church of Scotland congregations that are outside of the borders of Scotland (most, but not all: for example, there is a separate 'Presbytery of England and the Channel Islands', which includes congregations in Guernsey and Jersey as well as in England).

The congregations of the International Presbytery are located in three continents, and draw from the widest range of Christian backgrounds. And our mission work stretches into Africa, Asia and the Americas.

A minister and elder is chosen to represent each congregation as Members of the International Presbytery, and they are joined by other Church of Scotland ministers living or working outside the United Kingdom and some additional elders who are appointed to ensure a balance of equal numbers of ministers and elders.

The International Presbytery meets twice a year (in March and October) over a three-day period, being hosted by each of the European congregations in turn.

Our ministry and mission reaches refugees, politicians and international business leaders alike, and covers those who live here, those who visit here by choice, and those whose choices have been taken from them.

We hope you find this short outline interesting. If it provides a focus for prayer, we would be grateful. If it stimulates further research into what we’re doing in Christ’s service, we would be encouraged. Further information about each of the churches in the International Presbytery can be found on this page. And if it gets you personally involved in our work and worship, whether through practical support or participation, we look forward to welcoming you.