Augustine
Augustine United Church is a progressive, inclusive Christian congregation (URC) in Edinburgh offering worship, pastoral care, and community programmes — including LGBTQI+ ministry, environmental education, and heritage tourism — funded by donations and room hire.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1861
- HeadquartersEdinburgh, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Augustine does
Augustine United Church (AUC) is a registered Scottish charity (No. SC000385) and a congregation of the United Reformed Church, operating from a city-centre building at 41-43 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, that opened in 1861. The organisation describes itself as an active, inclusive Christian community welcoming people of all races, genders, sexualities, ages, faiths, and abilities, and is recognised as a 'trans-affirming and celebrating' community. Its core functional offerings include Sunday worship services delivered both in-person and online via Zoom and YouTube, pastoral care, weddings, funerals, baptisms, and a modular portfolio of specialist ministries — notably the joint 'Our Tribe' LGBTQI+ ministry operated with the Metropolitan Community Church, a neurodivergent-affirming space, bereavement support, Contextual Bible Study, a Carbon Literacy course, and a heritage-tourism programme (Urban Pilgrimages).
The organisation's revenue model combines voluntary donations (with Gift Aid reclaiming an additional 25p per £1 from HMRC) and one-off room-hire fees for four distinct spaces (Sanctuary, Iona, Mull, Studio), with pricing published at the unit level (e.g., £120/4hr for the 99-capacity Studio). A seasonal but material revenue stream is generated through a venue partnership with Paradise Green Promotions during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe each August. The building also hosts tenant organisations (Christian Aid, Jubilee Scotland) and regular user groups (Edinburgh Royal Choral Union, NHS Mental Health Chaplaincy Drop-In). Technology is limited to standard consumer platforms — WordPress (website), Zoom and YouTube (live and archived worship), and Facebook (community engagement) — with no proprietary software or API infrastructure.
AUC operates within a multi-partner ecumenical ecosystem: a Local Ecumenical Partnership (TLC) with Greyfriars Kirk and St Columba's-by-the-Castle dating from 2002, an aligned-organisation relationship with the Metropolitan Community Church, and an honorary URC chaplaincy at Edinburgh University. Day-to-day operations are run by a small staff team of approximately 23, led by Minister Rev Fiona Bennett (in post since 2009, and URC General Assembly Moderator 2022-2023). The organisation is governed by a Church Council with elected elders and an Office-Bearer structure, and is sustained by a community-led, event-driven engagement model anchored in Edinburgh, with global reach through online worship.
Augustine firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Augustine
- Legal name
- Augustine United Church
- Website
- https://augustine.org.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1861
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Augustine United Church is a progressive, inclusive Christian congregation (URC) in Edinburgh offering worship, pastoral care, and community programmes — including LGBTQI+ ministry, environmental education, and heritage tourism — funded by donations and room hire.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Augustine industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Religious Services
- NAICS
- Religious Organizations (81311), Religious Organizations (813110)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD), Campus Spiritual & Religious Life (EDALAHAI)
Keywords
Where Augustine is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Edinburgh
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Augustine business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations and Offerings: Regular or one-off donations from members and supporters via PayPal or bank transfer. Gift Aid declarations allow the church to claim additional 25p per £1 donated from HMRC. Legacy giving through wills also mentioned as significant income source.
- Room Hire: Hiring out church facilities (Sanctuary, Iona, Mull, Studio) to community groups, organizations, and for events. Revenue from hourly/session rates for various meeting and performance spaces.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Iona Room - Small meetings/workshops |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Mull Room - Small meetings with disabled access |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Studio - Performances and large gatherings |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Augustine product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Augustine United Church is a progressive, inclusive Christian congregation in central Edinburgh delivering weekly Sunday worship (in-person and online), life-event ceremonies (weddings, funerals, baptisms), pastoral care, learning programs (Bible study, Carbon Literacy), and community ministries (Our Tribe LGBT+, Junior Church, Roots student community, Neurodivergent Affirming Space, Remembering Space bereavement support). It supplements donation income with paid hire of four on-site rooms (Sanctuary, Studio, Iona, Mull) to community groups, cultural organisations, and Edinburgh Fringe theatre companies.
Product overview
Augustine United Church offers a diverse portfolio of spiritual services centered around progressive Christian worship and community support. Core offerings include Sunday Worship Services (held in-person and online via Zoom and YouTube), the Our Tribe LGBT+ Ministry (in partnership with Metropolitan Community Church), and Junior Church children's programs. The church provides venue hire services through four distinct spaces: the Sanctuary, Studio (capacity 99), Iona, and Mull rooms. Life event ceremonies include weddings, funerals, and baptisms. Educational programs include Contextual Bible Study, Carbon Literacy Course, and the Neurodivergent Affirming Space. Additional community offerings include the Roots student community, Remembering Space bereavement support, and Urban Pilgrimages heritage explorations. All services are delivered with a focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and social justice.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Our Tribe: Joint LGBTQI+ ministry with Metropolitan Community Church
Products and services
- Sunday Worship Services Weekly Sunday worship services held in-person at the Edinburgh church and streamed online via Zoom and YouTube, featuring prayers, Bible readings, silence, images, preaching, music for reflection, poetry, and stories. Open to all regardless of background.
- Our Tribe LGBT+ Ministry
Companies that use Augustine
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Augustine technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Augustine partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Greyfriars Kirk (Church of Scotland)coreLocal Ecumenical Partnership (TLC) signed on Pentecost 2002. Committed to working together in Christ's name. Share four united services annually. Joint initiatives on peace and justice issues and local social concerns, particularly regarding homeless and underprivileged in Old Town Edinburgh. Ministers licensed to conduct communion across all three churches.
- St Columba's-by-the-Castle (Scottish Episcopal Church)corePart of TLC Local Ecumenical Partnership. Deep engagement on peace and justice issues. Joint worship services and ecumenical events including Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Mutual licensing of ministers for communion services.
- Metropolitan Community Church (MCC)coreAligned Organization relationship with MCC. Joint LGBTQI+ ministry called 'Our Tribe.' MCC clergy involved with Our Tribe are members of AUC Church Council. Partnership offers affirming space for LGBT+ Christians in Edinburgh.
- Paradise Green PromotionscoreNot-for-profit theatre organization transforms AUC into theatre venues during Edinburgh Festival Fringe each August. Core team of volunteers. Makes AUC and The Vault two of the most welcoming Fringe venues.
- Christian AidminorChristian organization working globally to eradicate poverty. Has office space within AUC building. Supports AUC's mission of justice and well-being.
- Jubilee ScotlandminorPart of international Jubilee movement campaigning against debts binding the poorest nations. Continues Jubilee 2000 coalition work in Scotland. Has office space within AUC building.
- Edinburgh Interfaith AssociationminorAUC is a member of Edinburgh Interfaith Association, engaging in interfaith dialogue and collaboration in Edinburgh.
- EcoCongregation ScotlandminorAUC is a member of EcoCongregation Scotland, working on environmental justice and creation care as part of the congregation's mission.
- Edinburgh University ChaplaincycoreOne of AUC's ministers serves as Honorary URC Chaplain at Edinburgh University. Multi-faith and belief team supports students and staff with diverse spiritual needs.
- Roots EdinburghminorAUC actively supports Roots Edinburgh, a grace-driven community for university students offering support, fun events, and space to explore faith.
- Student Christian Movement (SCM)minorAUC is a supporter of SCM. Access to SCM's theological resources and learning materials. Students can access SCM's introductory resources and stories on various topics.
- United Reformed Church (URC)coreAUC is a congregation of the United Reformed Church. Subject to URC General Assembly decisions. Benefits from URC national resources, training, and ecumenical relationships. URC supports AUC through Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Environment Scotland for Urban Pilgrimages.
- Edinburgh Mental Health Chaplaincy Drop InminorNHS-run mental health drop-in service that meets regularly at AUC. Part of AUC's commitment to mental health ministry.
- Edinburgh Royal Choral UnionminorMusical group that meets regularly at AUC for rehearsals and performances.
- Resisting Transphobia in Edinburgh (RTiE)minorCommunity-based organization championing trans liberation. AUC provides meeting space monthly. Several AUC members attend RTiE meetings regularly.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Augustine competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- One Body One Faith: UK LGBTQI+ Christian movement supporting affirming congregations and theology. Direct overlap in mission to LGBTQI+ Christians and allies in the UK.
- Greenbelt Festival: UK progressive Christian arts and faith festival with overlapping values around inclusivity, LGBTQI+ affirmation, and social justice. Audience overlap with AUC's progressive Christian community.
- Soho House London: Inclusive Catholic Worker community in London with a hospitality model for marginalised people. Operates as a values-driven inclusive community comparable in social-justice orientation.
- Centre for Progressive Religion: Network of progressive Christian congregations in the UK. Membership-based peer comparable in values and congregational model.
Direct peers
- Iona Community: Scottish ecumenical Christian community known for progressive values, social justice, and inclusive spirituality. Comparable in progressive Christian identity and Scottish heritage.
- Metropolitan Community Church: Global LGBTQI+-affirming Christian denomination with which AUC holds an Aligned Organisation relationship and operates the joint Our Tribe ministry. Most direct peer in mission, theology, and target community.
- St Columba's-by-the-Castle: Scottish Episcopal Church congregation in Edinburgh and TLC partner. Comparable in inclusive Christian identity, Old Town location, and ecumenical joint ministry.
- Greyfriars Kirk: Historic Church of Scotland congregation in Edinburgh's Old Town and one of AUC's three TLC ecumenical partners. Direct operational peer in shared ministry and joint services.
Broad incumbents
- St Martin-in-the-Fields: Iconic inclusive Anglican church in central London with comparable night-chapel ministry, arts programming, venue hire, and outreach to marginalised communities.
Regional players
- Dignity/Washington: LGBTQI+-affirming Catholic movement headquartered in the US. Comparable in mission to LGBTQI+ Christians seeking affirming faith communities, though serving a different denomination and geography.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Augustine social profiles
Digital presenceAugustine compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Augustine financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Augustine leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
Augustine funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Augustine M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Augustine
What does Augustine do?
Augustine United Church is a progressive, inclusive Christian congregation in central Edinburgh delivering weekly Sunday worship (in-person and online), life-event ceremonies (weddings, funerals, baptisms), pastoral care, learning programs (Bible study, Carbon Literacy), and community ministries (Our Tribe LGBT+, Junior Church, Roots student community, Neurodivergent Affirming Space, Remembering Space bereavement support). It supplements donation income with paid hire of four on-site rooms (Sanctuary, Studio, Iona, Mull) to community groups, cultural organisations, and Edinburgh Fringe theatre companies.
Is Augustine a public or private company?
Augustine is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Augustine founded?
Augustine was founded in 1861. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Augustine based?
Augustine is headquartered in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Augustine make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Donations and Offerings are the primary driver. The others are room Hire.
Who are Augustine's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are One Body One Faith, Greenbelt Festival, Soho House London and Centre for Progressive Religion. Direct peers are Iona Community, Metropolitan Community Church, St Columba's-by-the-Castle and Greyfriars Kirk. St Martin-in-the-Fields is listed as a broad incumbent. Dignity/Washington is listed as a regional player.
Does Augustine have an API?
No public API is recorded for Augustine.
What industry is Augustine in?
Augustine's product category is Religious Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAJAA, Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues), with a secondary code of BPAGAJAD, Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis). Its NAICS code is 81311 and its SIC code is 8600.