The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

17th February 2026

17 February 2026

SCES supports the Bill’s stated aim of ensuring compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and welcomes efforts to strengthen children’s rights in Scottish law. In particular, SCES supports proposed amendments which introduce clearer age-related guidance on maturity and decision-making, helping to determine when a young person can make an informed decision about Religious Education or Religious Observance.

However, SCES has raised serious concerns that a number of other amendments extend the Bill beyond its original purpose and could have unintended consequences for Scotland’s denominational schools. SCES warns that proposals to replace the long-standing legal term “Religious Instruction” with “Religious Education” could narrow interpretation towards a purely academic curriculum model, potentially limiting the ability of denominational schools to deliver faith-based education consistent with their protected religious ethos.

SCES has also expressed concern about proposals that would allow young people to withdraw independently from Religious Observance, without the same level of parental involvement currently required. While such changes are often justified by reference to Article 14 of the UNCRC, SCES notes that Article 14 must be read in full, as it also affirms the rights and duties of parents to guide children in matters of religion, in accordance with the child’s evolving capacities.

While welcoming the opportunity to contribute to statutory guidance, SCES has highlighted major concerns regarding proposed new reporting and information requirements. SCES believes these measures would impose disproportionate administrative burdens on schools and local authorities, duplicate existing inspection arrangements, and introduce unclear criteria requiring Religious Observance to be assessed as “objective, critical and pluralistic” and “inclusive”, without clear definitions or clarity on who would judge compliance.

SCES welcomes proposals intended to safeguard the existing legal protections of denominational schools, and stresses that Scotland’s denominational education system has long held a legitimate and protected place within the wider educational framework.

SCES urges Parliament to ensure that UNCRC compliance is achieved in a way that respects children’s rights, the role of parents and families, and the distinctive character and legal status of denominational schools in Scotland. SCES is grateful for the constructive communication with the Scottish Government throughout this process, and welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively on the development of future statutory guidance.

ENDS

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

Click here to visit the Jubilee 2025 website

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn

February 2026

16Feb

Gospel

16 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Mark 8:11-13
‘Why does this generation seek a sign?’

At that time: The Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, ‘Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.’ And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.

15Feb

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

15 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Lent is not simply about giving something up.

In his Lenten Message, Pope Leo XIV invites us to something deeper: to place God back at the centre of our lives, to listen more attentively, to fast with intention, and to walk this journey together as a community.

He reminds us that listening is the beginning of every relationship, that fasting reshapes our desires, and that even our words can either wound or heal.

As we begin this Lenten season, let us ask for the grace to be attentive to God, to one another, and to those whose cry often goes unheard.

May this be a Lent that truly transforms us.

#Lent2026 #PopeLeoXIV #LentenJourney #CatholicChurch

15Feb

Gospel

15 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 5:17-37
‘It was said to those of old; but I say to you.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
‘You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgement; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, “You fool!” will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
‘Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.” But I say to you: Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply “Yes” or “No”; anything more than this comes from evil.’

14Feb

Saints Cyril and Methodius were Greek brothers whose lives became closely bound to the Christian faith of the Slavic peoples

14 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Saints Cyril and Methodius were Greek brothers whose lives became closely bound to the Christian faith of the Slavic peoples. Born into a family familiar with Slavic culture, they were well prepared for the missionary work that would define their legacy.

When the ruler of Moravia sought missionaries who could teach the faith in the local language, Cyril and Methodius answered the call. Cyril developed an alphabet suited to the Slavic tongue, and together the brothers translated the Scriptures and liturgical texts so that the people could hear the Gospel in their own language. This was a bold and controversial step at the time.

Their use of the vernacular met strong opposition, but they travelled to Rome, where their work and liturgy were approved by the Pope. Cyril died there shortly after becoming a monk, while Methodius continued the mission for many years, enduring imprisonment and repeated accusations before being vindicated by Rome.

Though their work in Moravia was eventually suppressed, their disciples carried it across eastern Europe. Through them, the faith, liturgy and culture they fostered took deep root. Saints Cyril and Methodius remain powerful witnesses to evangelisation, cultural respect and the hope for unity between East and West.

Saints Cyril and Methodius, pray for us.

14Feb

Gospel

14 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 10:1-9
‘Your peace will rest upon him.’

At that time: The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no money bag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace be to this house!” And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the labourer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in it and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” ’

13Feb

This content isn't available right now

13 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

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.

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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13Feb

Gospel

13 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Mark 7:31-37
‘He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.’

At that time: Jesus returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, ‘Ephphatha’, that is, ‘Be opened.’ And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.’

12Feb

Gospel

12 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Mark 7:24-30
‘The dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’

At that time: Jesus arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And he said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ And he said to her, ‘For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.’ And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

11Feb

The 2026 Cardinal Winning Lecture takes place on Saturday 7th March

11 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The 2026 Cardinal Winning Lecture takes place on Saturday 7th March. This year’s lecture, “Why the Way of Beauty Matters in Catholic Education,” will be delivered by Dr Jem Sullivan, Associate Professor in the School of Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.

Programme for the day:
9:30 – Mass, celebrated by Bishop John Keenan (University Chapel)
10:15 – Light refreshments (Fore Hall, Room 256)
11:00 – Lecture followed by Q&A (Humanity Lecture Theatre, Room 255)
12:20 – Prayer
12:30 – Lunch (Fore Hall)

👉 Reserve your place here: https://buytickets.at/standrewsfoundation/2035593

11Feb

Did you know the Vatican Gardens have their own Lourdes Grotto?

11 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Did you know the Vatican Gardens have their own Lourdes Grotto?

Tucked away within the gardens is a faithful replica of the grotto at Lourdes, standing there since 1905. It was first suggested as a gift to Pope Leo XIII in 1902, designed by architect Costantino Sneider, and later inaugurated by St Pius X on 28 March 1905, a little echo of Lourdes in the heart of the Vatican.

It was here, on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the World Day of the Sick, that Pope Leo XIV met with a group of sick pilgrims. In that quiet and prayerful setting, he reminded them that Our Lady shows us how to understand suffering through love and how love transforms even our heaviest crosses.