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.

Members of The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

7th October 2026

7 October 2026

Catholic Parliamentary Office Welcomes SNP Decision to Withdraw Abortion Motion

The Catholic Parliamentary Office welcomes the decision of the Scottish National Party to remove from its conference agenda a proposed motion that would have sought to decriminalise self-administered abortion and significantly weaken legal protections for unborn children.

Last month, in response to reports of the motion, the Catholic Parliamentary Office expressed its concern that SNP members could be asked to support proposals that would have allowed self-administered abortion up to birth for any reason, including sex-selective abortion. At that time, CPO Director Anthony Horan noted that any measure which could permit abortion up to the point of birth and facilitate sex-selective abortion raised "profound moral and ethical concerns".

Commenting on the decision to withdraw the motion, Anthony Horan said:

"I welcome the decision of the SNP to remove this motion from its conference agenda. The proposals it contained would have represented a radical and unnecessary weakening of protections for unborn children and their mothers.

"Every human life possesses inherent dignity and worth from conception until natural death. A compassionate society is one that protects both mother and child.

"I am grateful to all those who highlighted the serious ethical concerns raised by these proposals and who encouraged reflection on the wider consequences of removing long-standing legal safeguards.

"Scotland faces many pressing challenges. Families are struggling with the cost of living, communities require better housing and healthcare provision, and we need greater investment in support for parents, children and high-quality palliative care. These are the issues that deserve the attention of our political leaders.

"I hope that this decision provides an opportunity for a more constructive conversation about how Scotland can support women facing difficult pregnancies while continuing to uphold respect for the dignity and value of every human life."

...ENDS

Notes for editors

Photo of Anthony Horan, Director of the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office: Photo of Anthony Horan
The Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office works on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, by engaging with politicians and policymakers on matters central to the life and mission of the Catholic Church.
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office, Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

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

News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn

September 2026

29Sep

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, the three Archangels named in Sacred Scripture

29 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, the three Archangels named in Sacred Scripture.

The word “angel” means messenger, and throughout Scripture angels appear as servants of God who carry out his will. Among them, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are each entrusted with a particular mission.

Saint Michael appears in the Book of Daniel as the great prince who defends God’s people. In the Book of Revelation, he leads the heavenly armies in battle against the forces of evil. Devotion to Saint Michael is one of the Church’s oldest angelic devotions and he is traditionally invoked for protection and strength in spiritual battle.

Saint Gabriel is also mentioned in Daniel, but is best known from the Gospel of Luke. It is Gabriel who announces the birth of Saint John the Baptist to Zechariah and who is sent by God to Nazareth to announce to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she will become the Mother of Jesus. His greeting, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you,” has echoed through the prayer of the Church ever since.

Saint Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit, where he accompanies the young Tobias on his journey, helps bring about his marriage to Sarah and restores the sight of his father Tobit. His name means “God heals”, and he is especially associated with healing, guidance and protection for travellers.

For centuries the three Archangels were honoured on separate days. In the revision of the Roman calendar following the Second Vatican Council, their celebrations were brought together on 29 September.

Today we give thanks for the unseen ministry of the angels and ask Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael to accompany us in faith, protect us from evil, guide us in God’s ways and help lead us closer to Christ.

🙏 Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, pray for us.

29Sep

Gospel John 1:47-51

29 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel John 1:47-51
‘You will see the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’

At that time: Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael said to him, ‘How do you know me?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’ Nathanael answered him, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered him, ‘Because I said to you, “I saw you under the fig tree”, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’

28Sep

This content isn't available right now

28 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to Lourdes by joining pilgrims for the traditional Torchlight Marian Procession.

As thousands gathered with candles raised across the Sanctuary, the evening became a powerful moment of prayer, devotion and unity around Our Lady.

A beautiful way to bring the Holy Father’s time in Lourdes to a close.

Here are some of the highlights from the procession.
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.

28Sep

Gospel Luke 9:46-50

28 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel Luke 9:46-50
‘He who is least among you all is the one who is great.’

At that time: An argument arose among the disciples as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, ‘Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among all of you is the one who is great.’
John answered, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.’

27Sep

Rosary procession and torchlight procession in Lourdes

27 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

27Sep

From Scotland to Lourdes

27 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

From Scotland to Lourdes. 🏴🇻🇦

We spoke to one Scottish pilgrim who shared why she made the journey to Lourdes and why this special place means so much to her.

For her, Lourdes is a place of prayer, peace and deep personal significance — and being here for the visit of Pope Leo XIV makes this pilgrimage even more memorable.

A beautiful reflection from one of the many pilgrims gathered here from across the world.

#Lourdes #PopeLeoXIV #CatholicScotland #PopeInLourdes

27Sep

Photos from Knights of St Columba's post

27 Sep, 2026 | Knights of St Columba | BCoS Facebook |

🌿🏆 Celebrating a Wonderful Achievement! 🏆🌿

Unfortunately, as an Order, we don’t always highlight all the wonderful things we support. Sometimes we’re simply not ones for making a fuss — but there are occasions that deserve to be celebrated! 🙏

One such occasion is the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Design a Garden Competition, where Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral Primary School were crowned this year’s winners! 🎉🌸

Brothers Michael Roache and Des Hamill were privileged to help present the top prize of £250, along with a beautiful trophy featuring St Carlo Acutis. 🏆

A fantastic achievement by the Ignite pupils, who should be incredibly proud of their creativity, hard work and dedication. 👏🌿

From the Knights of St. Columba, a huge congratulations to everyone involved!

27Sep

LIVE: Pope Leo presides over Mass from the Sanctuary of Lourdes

27 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Holy Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV in Lourdes this morning.

27Sep

Gospel

27 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 21:28-32
‘He changed his mind and went.
The tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.’

At that time: Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people, ‘What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” And he answered, “I will not”, but afterwards he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, “I go, sir”, but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterwards change your minds and believe him.’

26Sep

This content isn't available right now

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

Crowds are beginning to gather at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes ahead of the arrival of Pope Leo XIV this evening.

The Holy Father will visit the Grotto of the Apparitions at Massabielle on his arrival, beginning a historic visit to Lourdes.

Tomorrow will see thousands gather for Holy Mass, a meeting with the sick and those who care for them, and the evening Rosary and Torchlight Procession.

Being Catholic TV is in Lourdes bringing you coverage throughout the Pope’s visit.
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.