The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

13th April 2026

13 April 2026

Peace and Dialogue: the Gospel Response to Conflict

The Bishops of Scotland today renew their urgent appeal to political leaders across the world to pursue peace with courage, determination, and sincerity. In a time marked by deepening conflict and human suffering, particularly in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan and South Sudan, the need for dialogue and diplomatic solutions has never been more pressing.

War brings devastation, loss, and division. It leaves lasting wounds in families, communities, and nations, and it disproportionately harms the innocent. The Bishops call on all those in positions of authority to reject the path of escalation and instead commit themselves to meaningful dialogue, patient negotiation, and the difficult but necessary work of peacebuilding.

The Bishops express their gratitude to Pope Leo for his clear and consistent voice in calling for peace. His leadership continues to be a guiding light for the Church and the world at this critical time.

Reflecting on the Holy Father’s recent Vigil for Peace held last Saturday, the Bishops highlight his powerful words:
“Let us silence the weapons, so that the voice of humanity may be heard. Let us choose encounter over confrontation, and the courage of peace over the illusion of power.”

The Bishops of Scotland invite Catholics across our country to join the Holy Father in this appeal. In parishes, homes, and communities, we continue to pray fervently for an end to violence and for the triumph of justice and reconciliation.

The Bishops urge all people of goodwill to stand together in hope. Peace is not beyond reach - but it requires genuine humility, courage, and a shared commitment to the dignity of every human life.

As the Holy Father begins his apostolic journey to several countries in Africa as a missionary of peace, we assure him of our continued prayers and solidarity.

Image: Pope Leo XIV by Edgar Beltrán / Wikimedia Commons

20th March 2026

20 March 2026

Statement from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Following a request from the Holy See, the Bishops of Scotland have been invited to reflect on how the structures of the Church in our country can best serve her mission in the years ahead, specifically whether the present situation of eight dioceses is suitable.

We are all aware of the challenges before us — fewer clergy, changing patterns of practice, and increasing pressures on our diocesan resources, among other things. Yet our mission remains unchanged: to proclaim the Gospel and to lead our people to Christ.

Two possible pathways are being proposed for careful discernment: developing deeper cooperation and the sharing of resources across dioceses within our present structures, or the merging of some dioceses.

In order to best inform ourselves and the Holy See, each bishop will engage with his diocese over the coming months for the first part of this process. Everyone will be given the opportunity to pray, reflect, and contribute.

Following-on from the presentation of a discussion paper, responses from each diocese will contribute to the initial findings which will be given to the Holy See in the Autumn.

This is not simply an administrative exercise. It is a pastoral and missionary response to our changing landscape. This process will ensure our Church in Scotland will continue to grow ever more missionary, more Christ-centred, and more collaborative in the service of God’s people.

Entrusting this work to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to the intercession of Our Lady, we move forward together with confidence and renewed hope.

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

The Roman Catholic Bishops in Scotland work together to undertake nationwide initiatives through their Commissions and Agencies.

The members of the Bishops' Conference are the Bishops of the eight Scottish Dioceses. Where appropriate the Bishops Emeriti (retired) provide a much welcomed contribution to the work of the conference. The Bishops' Conference of Scotland is a permanently constituted assembly which meets regularly throughout the year to address relevant business matters.

Members of The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

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News from the Commissions and Agencies

April 2026

26Apr

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26 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, the Church invites us to listen for the voice of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who continues to call men to follow Him and serve His people.

Have you ever felt a quiet nudge in your heart, a sense that God might be asking something more of you?

The call to the priesthood often begins gently. It can grow through prayer, through serving others, or through a deep desire to give your life completely to Christ and His Church. If you have been wondering whether God could be calling you to become a priest, you are not alone.

Here in Scotland, we give thanks that just last year four men were ordained to the sacred priesthood. Their “yes” is a reminder that Christ is still calling, and that His voice is still heard today.

The next step is simple. Speak to someone. Each diocese in Scotland has a Vocations Director who is there to listen, to guide you, and to help you discern what God is asking of you.

If you are considering this call, take that step and get in touch today.
Visit https://priestsforscotland.org.uk/diocesan-vocations-directors/ to find the contact details for your diocesan Vocations Director.

Come and see where the Lord may be leading you.
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26Apr

Holy Mass of the Fourth Sunday of Easter | 26 April 2026

26 Apr, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Fourth Sunday of Easter | 26 April 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

26Apr

Gospel

26 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Gospel
John 10:1-10
‘I am the door of the sheep.’

At that time: Jesus said, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.’ This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
So Jesus again said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.’

25Apr

𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗯𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀' 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀

25 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗯𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀' 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀

On behalf of the Bishops of Scotland, I warmly congratulate Archbishop Richard Moth on his appointment as President of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. We look forward to working closely together in the proclamation of the Gospel and the service of the Church across our nations.
I also wish to express our sincere gratitude to Cardinal Nichols for his dedicated leadership and faithful service over many years.

Bishop John Keenan
President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

25Apr

Saint Mark is one of the four Evangelists, and much of what we know about him comes from the New Testament

25 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Saint Mark is one of the four Evangelists, and much of what we know about him comes from the New Testament.

He is often identified as the Mark mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. When Saint Peter escaped from prison, he went to the house of Mark’s mother. Mark later travelled with Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey. Although there were difficulties along the way, their relationship was restored, and Paul would later ask for Mark’s support while in prison.

Mark is the author of the earliest and shortest of the four Gospels. Writing for a largely Gentile audience, his Gospel presents Jesus with clarity and urgency, revealing the mystery of a Messiah who suffers, is rejected, and yet brings salvation.

Though not one of the Twelve Apostles, Mark is closely associated with Saint Peter, who refers to him with great affection. His Gospel draws on the life of the early Church and the witness of those who knew Christ.

Tradition also connects Mark with Alexandria in Egypt, where he is believed to have served as bishop. He is honoured as the patron saint of Venice, and his symbol is the winged lion, reflecting the bold and powerful proclamation of the Gospel.

Saint Mark reminds us of the power of witness, the importance of perseverance, and the call to proclaim Christ to all nations.

25Apr

Gospel

25 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Mark 16:15-20
‘He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.’

At that time: Jesus appeared to the Eleven and he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.’
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

24Apr

Beginning on 1st May, the Most Holy Rosary will be prayed each evening at 8.00pm throughout the month of May at the Lourdes Grot...

24 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Beginning on 1st May, the Most Holy Rosary will be prayed each evening at 8.00pm throughout the month of May at the Lourdes Grotto. This is a special opportunity to come together in prayer during Our Lady’s month, seeking her intercession and placing our intentions before the Lord. All are warmly invited to come along and take part.

24Apr

Holy Mass of Friday of the Third Week of Easter | 24 April 2026

24 Apr, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Friday of the Third Week of Easter | 24 April 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

24Apr

Gospel

24 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Gospel
John 6:52-59
‘For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.’

At that time: The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live for ever.’ Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.

23Apr

DOUGLAS OSLER RIP

23 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

DOUGLAS OSLER RIP

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is saddened to learn of the death of Douglas Osler, a dedicated servant of education and a faithful supporter of Catholic schools across our nation.

Douglas served with distinction as Chief Inspector of Schools in Scotland, was the first Chair of the Caritas Award Board of Examiners, and was honoured with a Papal Knighthood of St Gregory in recognition of his commitment and service.

We give thanks for his life and the lasting contribution he made to Catholic education. We pray for the repose of his soul and to ask the Lord to grant comfort, peace, and strength to his family at this difficult time.

May he rest in peace.

📸 Scottish Catholic Education Service