In the early years of the Dalradic Kingdom that was to be unified by Aed I, Scotland had been under the increasing influence of Celtic Christianity, notably from the likes of St Columba, founder of the abbey of Iona. The church has full union with Rome and sees the Pope has the head of the church. Though recognising the Pope as head of the church, the Celtic Church has a large degree of autonomy, especially in liturgy and theology. The spiritual head of the church is the Abbot of Iona, who claims a direct line to Columba and can include women.