The Reformation of 1560

Background and Causes

National Reformation was a transformative event that led to the foundation of the Protestant Church of Scotland.
England’s break from the Catholic Church, the influence of Protestant ideas and the corruption within the Church tipped the scales in favour of reform.
John Knox, the leader of the Scottish Reformation, was a pivotal figure influenced by Protestant Reformists like Martin Luther and John Calvin.
Knox’s exile to Geneva during the reign of Mary Tudor (“Bloody Mary”) resulted in exposure to Calvin’s ideas, forging his belief in a Presbyterian system of church governance.

Key Events and Changes

Upon his return, Knox led the Lords of the Congregation against the queen regent, Mary of Guise, in the struggle for religious and political power, leading to the Treaty of Edinburgh in 1560.
The treaty virtually ended French influence in Scotland and paved the way for the Scottish Parliament’s adoption of a Reformed Confession of Faith and the establishment of the Protestant Church of Scotland.
In August 1560, the Parliament adopted the Scots Confession, a statement outlining the key doctrines of the Reformed faith.
Three key pieces of legislation were passed that abolished the jurisdiction of the Pope in Scotland, denying any authority or office of the Roman Church, and approving and establishing the Protestant religion.
First Book of Discipline outlined the new church’s organisation, calling for a network of local churches administered by elected elders and superintendents.
However, the enforcement of the teachings and structures of the new church was not without challenge and faced significant resistance, especially from conservative areas and factions.

Implications and Aftermath

The Reformation in Scotland was more radical than its counterpart in England, leading to a Presbyterian rather than Anglican structure.
Major impact on education - the Book of Discipline proposed a school in every parish, leading to a rise in literate and educated population.
Shift of power - the Reformation shifted religious power from the clergy to local, lay elders; this decentralised model of power is a hallmark of the Scottish church.
Continued struggles - Despite achieving legal and formal recognition, the fledgling reformed church faced an uphill battle, including a lack of acceptance from sections of the society and Queen Mary herself, political upheaval and financial resources.

Note: This is a high-level overview of the Reformation of 1560; for a deeper understanding, further exploration of each point is recommended. Despite the challenges, the Reformation marked a significant turning point in Scotland’s history and had a lasting impact on its religious, social and political landscape.