The Celtic Church

The Celtic Church

In the early years of the Dalradic Kingdom that was to be unified by Aed I Scotland had been under the increasing infuence Celtic Christianity notably from the likes of St Columba founder of the abbey of Iona. The church has full union with Rome and sees the Pope has the head of the church.

Though recoginising the Pope as head of the church, the Celtic Church has a large degree of autonomy especially in liturgey and theology. The spiritual head of the church is the Abbot of Iona who claims a direct line to Columba and can include women.

Though originally a royal line based on blood, Abbots and senior members of the clergy of the Celtic C|hurch have been appointed since the 9th century

Important Celtic saints, or saints who influenced the development of Christianity amongst the Celtic-speaking peoples, include SS. Dubricius, Illtud, David, Cadoc, Deiniol, Samson, Paul Aurelian, Petroc, Piran, Ia, Brigit, Moluag, Kentigern (aka Mungo), Mirren, Ninian, Bride and Germanus of Auxerre.