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The Scottish Episcopal Church is a member of the Anglican Communion, formed in the 17th century after the national Church of Scotland adopted presbyterian government and reformed theology. The two names distinguish their organizational structures: the Presbyterian Church is ruled by elected Elders (Greek, presbyteroi) while the Episcopal Church of Scotland is ruled by bishops (Greek, episcopoi, literally translated "overseer").
The Scottish Episcopal Church elects from among its Bishops a presiding Bishop who has the title of Primus (the title originates from the Latin phrase 'Primus inter pares' - 'First among equals').
It enabled the creation of the Episcopal Church in the United States after the American Revolution.
There are eight dioceses in the Scottish Episcopal Church; these are