The Church of Scotland has announced the members of its new Commission on the Purposes of Economic Activity, which will take two years exploring basic ethical and moral questions.

With scientists making headlines about recent advances in synthetic biology, the Church of Scotland became the first major Christian body to make considered comment on the research.

Historian Tom Devine and former Herald editor Harry Reid say that much more should be done to mark and acknowledge the 450th anniversary of the Reformation of 1560.

The Scottish Episcopal Church, part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, is set to join talks involving the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) and the Church of England as they seek greater and more effective links.