The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

The Bishops of Scotland warmly congratulate Bishop Richard Moth on his appointment as Archbishop-elect of Westminster.

Bishop Moth brings to this new ministry considerable experience, shaped by his service as Bishop of the Armed Forces and as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, offered with generosity, wisdom, and pastoral care.

As he prepares to take up this important pastoral office, we assure him of our prayers and look forward to working alongside him in the service of the Gospel across these islands.

We also express our heartfelt gratitude to Cardinal Vincent Nichols for his friendship and for his years of faithful and devoted leadership of the Archdiocese of Westminster, marked by humility, wisdom, and a deep love for the People of God.

Bishop John Keenan
President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

📸 © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk

The Scottish Parliament is currently considering amendments to the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill, which would seek to change the current religious opt-out provisions in Scottish schools.

A spokesperson for Scotland’s Catholic Bishops said the Church is disappointed and confused with the Scottish Parliament Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee's decision to agree an amendment that has the effect of separating Religious Education (RE) and Religious Observance (RO) in schools.

The spokesperson said: “There is an intrinsic link between RE and RO in Catholic schools. Religious Education gives knowledge of faith, while Religious Observance is the living expression. One without the other risks empty ritual or solely ‘head’ knowledge.

“Separating them suggests that the Scottish Government, and those who voted for this amendment, do not value their role in Catholic schools. Furthermore, we are concerned that this amendment has the effect of changing the long-standing conscience clause in section 9 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 and removes important rights for parents.

“We continue to be disappointed with the policy of the Scottish Green party, as confirmed by Maggie Chapman during the Committee session on Tuesday, to campaign for the removal of denominational schools from the Scottish Education system. The inclusion of denominational schools in the state system in Scotland continues to be an example of a diverse, pluralistic, democratic education system in action.

“The Catholic Church looks forward to constructive engagement in Stage 3 of the Bill, and to working collaboratively with government, parliament, and other stakeholders to ensure that any final legislation respects both parent and children’s rights and the rich heritage of Catholic education in Scotland.”

Representatives of the Scottish Catholic Youth Service (SCY) got together in Edinburgh recently to plan faith events, activities and pilgrimages for the young people of Scotland in 2026 and beyond!

From left:
Fr Gerard Gallagher (Secretary of SCY, Paisley)
Fr Paul Henderson (St Andrews & Edinburgh)
Fr Kevin Rennie (Galloway)
Fr Ryan Black (Paisley)
Sr Angela Marie Russell OP (Aberdeen)
Fyfe Daly (Glasgow)
Charis McCrosson (Dunkeld)
Canon Gerard Tartaglia (Glasgow)
Archbishop Leo Cushley (President of SCY, St Andrews & Edinburgh)

Exploring Scottish Catholicism: Education, Philosophy, and Literature

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Bishop Toal's Sunday Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent