The Scottish Presbyterian Defence of British Protestantism: The Scottish Reformation Society and the “Papal Aggression”, 1850–52

This article is a study of the Edinburgh-based anti-Catholic organisation, Scottish Reformation Society, in immediate aftermath 1850 restoration Roman Catholic hierarchy England and Wales, commonly known at time as papal aggression. The aggression sent shockwaves throughout was viewed by Protestants an illegal attempt to overthrow Britain's civil religious liberties Pope Pius IX. Despite practice only affecting England, also had dramatic impact Scotland, resulting thousands parliamentary petitions sporadic bouts communal violence. led controversial Free Church Scotland minister James Begg, forefront this Protestant response. society dominated Scotland's Presbyterian dissenters, particularly members establishmentarian Church. formed out 1843 Disruption Established momentous politico-ecclesiastical event which highlighted divisions between British state its church, national kirk dissent, pro-establishment voluntary ecclesiologies. By focusing on influence major during turbulent period for Protestantism, examines gulf rhetoric unity reality national, ideological, denominational within mid-nineteenth century Protestantism United Kingdom. It builds existing research highlight various ways movement fractured lines reflected wider tensions ecclesiastical politics years after Disruption.