CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
Under the power of excommunication, the children of the offender were also shunned and penalized, losing not only religious privileges but many civil rights as well. In 1690 “civil pains and penalties consequent upon excommunication” were abolished in Scotland.
In the ensuing few years hundreds of “witches” were burned at the stake and suffered death in other horrible ways.
This church which was so active later in sending missionaries throughout the world, at first thought the idea absurd.
The Church of Scotland (CoS; Scots: The Scots Kirk; Scottish Gaelic: Eaglais na h-Alba), also known by its Scots language name, the Kirk, is the national church of Scotland. It is Presbyterian, having no head of faith or leadership group, and adheres to the Bible and Westminster Confession; the Church of Scotland celebrates two sacraments, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, as well as five other rites, such as confirmation and matrimony. It is a member of the World Communion of Reformed Churches.
