Church of Scotland Marks 150 Years of Partnership with Malawi

The Church of Scotland is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its mission in Blantyre, Malawi, a city founded by Scottish missionaries and named after the birthplace of explorer and missionary David Livingstone. To commemorate the milestone, the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) hosted three days of events, including lectures, tours of historic sites, a March for Jesus, and a special Sunday service.

During the commemorative service, a message of friendship from the Church of Scotland’s Moderator, Rt Rev Gordon Kennedy, was delivered by Professor Ken Ross. Reflecting on the history of the region, Professor Ross noted that the mission predates the formation of the nation of Malawi itself, significantly influencing the country's development. Today, the Blantyre Synod serves a thriving community of over one million members.

Beyond ecclesiastical ties, the relationship remains a cornerstone of Scottish international development, with numerous schools and churches maintaining active partnerships in the country. Observers highlight that the enduring connection is deeply embedded in the Scottish national consciousness, with many citizens maintaining personal or institutional links to the Malawian Presbyterian community.