The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

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.

BISHOPS RESPOND TO SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT'S PALLIATIVE CARE CONSULTATION

Scotland’s Catholic Bishops: Scottish Government’s laudable draft strategy on palliative care stands in stark contrast to dangerous assisted suicide proposal

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has responded positively to Scottish Government proposals for a new strategy on palliative care.

In its submission to a recent consultation the bishops declared their support for the draft strategy, stating that the proposals “uphold the dignity of human life for those at the end of life, their families, and carers” and said that the “laudable” proposals “stand in stark contrast to the dangerous Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill” currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament.

The bishops said: “rather than being used to kill people, many of whom are vulnerable, public resources should be invested in helping people to live and to be more comfortable at the end of life.”

The bishops emphasised the crucial role of palliative care, declaring it to be “a precious and crucial instrument in the care of patients during terminal illness” and encouraged the government to ensure that a framework is in place to allow hospices to be appropriately funded to continue to deliver end-of-life care to all those who need it.

The bishops also stressed the importance of spiritual care and assistance for patients and their families at the end of life and called for such support to be a key element of a holistic approach to end-of-life care. Please see the full submission at the Catholic Parliamentary Office website

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

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News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn

November 2024

14Nov

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland have released a statement encouraging world leaders to establish a Fossil Fuel Non-Prolifera...

14 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland have released a statement encouraging world leaders to establish a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, to commit all nations to a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuels.

The statement, which is released today to mark the COP29 climate summit currently underway in Azerbaijan, calls on Scotland to play its role in realising the common good by participating in a swift transition away from fossil fuels, underpinned by a just transition for workers.

Archbishop William Nolan, President of Justice & Peace Scotland and of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland's Care of Creation Office said: "I welcome the statement and urge governments at COP29 to overcome national interests and pledge themselves to concrete action now.”

02Nov

Today, on this All Souls’ Day, we pray for all the faithful departed that they may find eternal rest in the kingdom of Heaven

02 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today, on this All Souls’ Day, we pray for all the faithful departed that they may find eternal rest in the kingdom of Heaven.

Listen kindly to our prayers, O Lord,
and, as our faith in your Son,
raised from the dead, is deepened,
so may our hope of resurrection for your departed servants
also find new strength.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

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01Nov

A post from Bishops' Conference of Scotland

01 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

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October 2024

30Oct

The Pilot Annual Report on Safeguarding by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors just launched

30 Oct, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The Pilot Annual Report on Safeguarding by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors just launched. The Report was made at the request of Pope Francis in 2022: “I would like you, on an annual basis, to prepare for me a report on the Church’s initiatives for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults... This report will be a factor of transparency and accountability and — I hope — will provide a clear audit of our progress in this effort.” The Annual Report offers an analysis of several Church entities and includes:
- A detailed profile;
- A Safeguarding overview;
- The Commission’s critical observations of the Safeguarding challenges faced;
- The Commission’s ensuing recommendations

The Report details the progress as well as the existing gaps in Safeguarding procedures and protocols. Read the complete Annual Report through the link https://www.tutelaminorum.org/annual-report/

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30Oct

A post from Bishops' Conference of Scotland

30 Oct, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

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29Oct

Archbishop praises Welsh Parliament’s rejection of motion to legalize assisted suicide - Scottish Catholic Guardian

29 Oct, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://scottishcatholicguardian.co.uk/2024/10/28/archbishop-praises-welsh-parliaments-rejection-of-motion-to-legalize-assisted-suicide/

Archbishop Mark O’Toole of the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia. / Credit: Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk London, England, Oct 28, 2024 / 11:15 am (CNA). A leading archbishop from Wales said he is “pleased” that the Welsh assembly has rejected a motion to legalize assisted suicide, highlighting suppo...

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28Oct

Meet ‘Luce’: The Vatican’s cartoon mascot for Jubilee 2025

28 Oct, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/amp/news/260129/meet-luce-the-vatican-s-cartoon-mascot-for-jubilee-2025

The mascot, named Luce — which means “light” in Italian — is intended to engage a younger audience and guide visitors through the holy year.

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28Oct

Saints Simon and Jude | Franciscan Media

28 Oct, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-simon-and-jude/

Legend has it that Saints Simon and Jude traveled to Persia together where they were both martyred. This may explain why they share the same feast day. Saint Simon is usually referred to as "the Zealot,” and Saint Jude, also known as Thaddeus, is often considered the brother of Saint James the Les...

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27Oct