Why are we United?

A local ecumenical partnership...

Morningside United Church is an official Local Ecumenical Partnership. Our church is the result of a merger in 1980 of two congregations: Edinburgh North Morningside Church (Church of Scotland) and Morningside Congregational Church (Scottish Congregational Union). Following notable mergers in 1972, 1981 and 2000, the Scottish Congregational Union was succeeded by the now London-based United Reformed Church.

From this cross-denomination partnership, MUC is a part of the Church of Scotland´s Presbytery of Edinburgh, and the United Reformed Church´s Synod of Scotland and our congregants are recognized as members of both denominations.

Congregational Governance

Morningside United Church is governed in accordance with its constitution by elected members of the Kirk Session and the larger Congregational Meeting of church members. The Kirk Session acts as a board of trustees under charity law, and work closely with the Church of Scotland Safeguarding Service and Disclosure Scotland. We are registered Scottish charity No. 015552.

Within our congregation, we have multiple special oversight groups that manage the details within their areas of responsibility.

Pastoral Care Group: Manages visits, provides care and coordinates inclusive accommodation for church members who are ill, elderly or in need of support.
Finance and Property Group: Oversees management of finances and property in accordance with charity laws.