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Today in History: Scotland's Parliament adopts Protestant confession, ending Catholicism

8/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 17 August 1560 the Scottish Parliament enacted the Confession of Faith Ratification Act, formally adopting a Protestant creed and repealing papal jurisdiction. The legislation broke Scotland’s ties to Rome, establishing the Church of Scotland and marking the start of the Scottish Reformation; it was later ratified in 1567.

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Story summary

On 17 August 1560 the Scottish Parliament enacted the Confession of Faith Ratification Act, formally adopting a Protestant creed and repealing papal jurisdiction. The legislation broke Scotland’s ties to Rome, establishing the Church of Scotland and marking the start of the Scottish Reformation; it was later ratified in 1567.