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

March 2026

27Mar

As we approach the upcoming elections, the Church invites Catholics to reflect prayerfully and responsibly on their vote

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

As we approach the upcoming elections, the Church invites Catholics to reflect prayerfully and responsibly on their vote.

Our Election Briefing Pack is now available, offering guidance to help form your conscience in light of the Gospel.

The Church does not tell anyone who to vote for but encourages all to engage thoughtfully and with integrity.

📄 Read it here: https://rcpolitics.org/scottish-parliament-election-2026/

27Mar

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 10:31-42
‘They sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.’

At that time: The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?’ The Jews answered him, ‘It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your Law, “I said, you are gods”? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came — and Scripture cannot be broken — do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, “You are blaspheming,” because I said, “I am the Son of God”? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’ Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.
He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptising at first, and there he remained. And many came to him. And they said, ‘John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ And many believed in him there.

26Mar

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

The children of St Augustine’s Church Milton led the Stations of the Cross during the week, offering a prayerful and moving reflection on the journey of Christ’s Passion.

Through their narration and beautiful signing, they helped the congregation to enter more deeply into this time of Lenten prayer and reflection, supported by many from the parish community.

26Mar

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

The Diocese of Galloway Youth leaders travelled across the RC Diocese of Galloway last week, visiting schools in East Ayrshire, Troon, Kilwinning and the Three Towns.

Speaking to pupils from P5–P7, they have been sharing details of upcoming events and encouraging young people to get involved in the life of the Church.

A great witness to the ongoing work of youth ministry across the Diocese.
📲 Find out more and register: youth.rcdg.org.uk

26Mar

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 8:51-59
‘Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day.’

At that time: Jesus said to the Jews, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.’ The Jews said to him, ‘Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, “If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.” Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, “He is our God.” But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.’ So the Jews said to him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.’ So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the Temple.

25Mar

What does parish renewal look like for us?

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

What does parish renewal look like for us?

Explore this question at the Divine Renovation Open House Scotland, with keynote speaker Fr James Mallon.

📅 Saturday 25 April
📍 Uddingston

Register now: https://divinerenovation.org/calendar/open-house-scotland/

25Mar

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

Last week, a Day of Prayer and Reflection was held alongside a Spring Coffee Morning, raising funds in support of the SCIAF Wee Box Lenten campaign for the people of Ethiopia at St. Vincent de Paul Parish East Kilbride.

Bringing together prayer, reflection and community, the event offered a meaningful way for parishioners to put their Lenten faith into action through generosity and solidarity with those most in need.

25Mar

The Solemnity of the Annunciation centres on one extraordinary truth: God became one of us

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

The Solemnity of the Annunciation centres on one extraordinary truth: God became one of us. As told in Luke 1:26 to 38, the eternal plan of God is fulfilled as the Son takes on our human nature. The Incarnation is the moment when heaven touches earth in love.

In accepting our humanity, Jesus embraces all creation and freely chooses a path of suffering and self giving love for our salvation. “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Mary holds a unique place in this mystery. Chosen by God from all eternity to be the mother of his Son, she cooperates fully with grace. Her yes makes room for God to act. Everything she is and everything she does is the work of God’s grace within her.

United with her Son in obedience to the Father’s will, Mary becomes the link between heaven and earth. In her humility and trust, she shows what God’s grace can accomplish in a human life.

The Annunciation reminds us that the Incarnation is not only a moment in history. It reveals what God desires for all of us: to receive his love and reflect it in our ordinary lives.

25Mar

Gospel

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

Gospel
Luke 1:26-38
‘Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son.’

At that time: The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!’ But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’
And Mary said to the angel, ‘How will this be, since I am a virgin?’ And the angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy — the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.

24Mar

In every diocese during Holy Week, the Church gathers for the Chrism Mass

24 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

In every diocese during Holy Week, the Church gathers for the Chrism Mass.

During this Mass:
• Priests renew the promises they made at ordination
• The Bishop blesses the oils used in Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders

📍 Find your diocesan Chrism Mass time here: