Many things were going on in Scotland in an age of industrial expansion, the replacement of crofts with sheep, and further growth in Scotland's education system. It was also an age of expanding visions of Christian mission at home and overseas in colonies and in non-Christian countries.

In May 1843 a third of the ministers and people of the Church of Scotland resigned in protest at government failure to prevent secular courts making decisions about ministers who should and could be called to particular parishes. They left to form the Free Church of Scotland.

This event, known then and since as "The Disruption", was both tragic and principled. It bitterly divided the nation and duplicated churches and mission, yet it involved deep tests of faith that God would provide. Looking back it brought out the best and worst in people and it was difficult for those caught helplessly in the middle.

The Disruption shaped the understanding of what it was to be church for many Presbyterian settlers in New Zealand from mid-century, not only Free Church (as in the Otago Free Church Settlement, but also those other Presbyterians who came from the Church of Scotland, the United Secession (not a contradiction in terms but a real denomination made up of many of those who had left the Church of Scotland before the Disruption) and English and Irish Presbyterians.

From 1815 when he moved to the Tron Church in Glasgow and soon after became the most renowned preacher in Britain, Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) was a key figure in a new commitment to urban and overseas mission which developed during these decades.

The church as a whole set up structures to support mission to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, to the Jews, to Scots communities around the world, and to India. Bible Societies and voluntary missionary societies in London, Glasgow and Edinburgh received growing support.

Chalmers was leader of the Evangelicals in the "Ten Years Conflict" when forces resulting in the Disruption built up, and the first moderator of the Free Church of Scotland.

For reading this week there is "The legacy of Thomas Chalmers." Burleigh's map of the Divisions and Reunions of the Church in Scotland is also helpful for the period. 

Discussion Question Week 7

What do you think is the relevance of Thomas Chalmers to mission issues in New Zealand today?