The annual meeting of the General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church opens today in Palmerston Place Church in Edinburgh.

Representatives from Episcopal churches across Scotland will attend the three day meeting where matters ranging from church policy to social issues will be debated.

Highlights of this year’s Synod agenda include a debate on what the mission of the Scottish Episcopal Church is in 2009 and the approval of a partnership statement to work together with the Methodist and United Reformed Churches in Scotland.

For the first time in the history of General Synod, members will witness the election of a new Primus. This will take place during an Episcopal Synod on Saturday morning, where all seven bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church will elect a new Primus following the retirement of the Most Rev Dr Idris Jones.

The role of Primus, which is taken from the Latin ‘primus inter pares’ – meaning ‘first among equals’ is to preside over the College of Bishops and represent them and the wider Church at home and throughout the world-wide Anglican Communion.

Dr Idris Jones will deliver his Charge during a Eucharist Service, marking the official opening of General Synod.

Speaking ahead of the Synod, he said: “Although this Synod may not be described as groundbreaking it will certainly be ground-clearing, preparing the way for new and exciting developments for the next few years. This will be done within the context of significant financial pressures facing the Church at this time."