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The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

20th March 2026


20 March 2026

Statement from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Following a request from the Holy See, the Bishops of Scotland have been invited to reflect on how the structures of the Church in our country can best serve her mission in the years ahead, specifically whether the present situation of eight dioceses is suitable.

We are all aware of the challenges before us — fewer clergy, changing patterns of practice, and increasing pressures on our diocesan resources, among other things. Yet our mission remains unchanged: to proclaim the Gospel and to lead our people to Christ.

Two possible pathways are being proposed for careful discernment: developing deeper cooperation and the sharing of resources across dioceses within our present structures, or the merging of some dioceses.

In order to best inform ourselves and the Holy See, each bishop will engage with his diocese over the coming months for the first part of this process. Everyone will be given the opportunity to pray, reflect, and contribute.

Following-on from the presentation of a discussion paper, responses from each diocese will contribute to the initial findings which will be given to the Holy See in the Autumn.

This is not simply an administrative exercise. It is a pastoral and missionary response to our changing landscape. This process will ensure our Church in Scotland will continue to grow ever more missionary, more Christ-centred, and more collaborative in the service of God’s people.

Entrusting this work to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to the intercession of Our Lady, we move forward together with confidence and renewed hope.


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

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News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn
June 2025



The Bishop of Paisley, Bishop John Keenan has condemned a series of vicious acts of vandalism carried out in the last 24 hours at the diocesan cemetery, St. Conval’s on Glasgow Road, Barrhead.

Vandals are believed to have entered the grounds of the cemetery in the early hours of 29 June and attacked around 40 headstones, some of which have been demolished. They also attacked a large wooden crucifix some 5 meters in height which was set on fire.

Bishops Keenan said:

“I am saddened and dismayed by this senseless vandalism and the destructive violence behind it. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have had headstones attacked, as well as with the whole community of relatives and friends who visit St. Conval’s and care for the graves of their loved ones so tenderly.”

Bishop Keenan added:

“My gratitude goes to the St. Conval’s staff who maintain the grounds and administer the cemetery and who now face the distressing task of repairing and making safe damaged graves while comforting distraught families.”

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Paisley said:

“Anyone with any information relating to these attacks is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 1089 of 29 June. Anyone wishing to contact the cemetery staff can do so on: 0141 881 1058
Or stconvalscemeteryrcdop.org.uk.”
Read More
No to Nuclear Weapons: Christian Peace Vigil at Faslane - Saturday 2nd August, 10.30am–12 noon | HM Naval Base Clyde, South Gate (Maidstone Road)
No to Nuclear Weapons Faslane Christian Witness Aug 2025

In the week marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Christians from across Scotland will gather at Faslane Naval Base for an ecumenical peace vigil to witness against the continued presence and threat of nuclear weapons.

Organised by Justice & Peace Scotland, this gathering will be a time of prayer, reflection, readings, and song led by senior Church leaders:
• Most Rev. William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow and President of Justice & Peace Scotland
• Rt Rev. Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
• Most Rev. Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church

Members of the Iona Community will also join us as together we call for nuclear disarmament and peace. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and to uphold the dignity of every human life. Nuclear weapons are fundamentally incompatible with this call as their existence threatens indiscriminate destruction and a future built on fear and power-wielding rather than on fraternity amongst nations.

The vigil is an opportunity for Christians to stand in faith and solidarity on the site where the UK’s weapons of mass destruction are housed and to renew our shared commitment to the common good and the flourishing of creation.

Free Transport Available
A free Lothian Buses coach will depart from:
• Edinburgh - Waterloo Place (beside Waverley Station), leaving at 7.45am
• Glasgow - Gordon Street (outside Central Station), leaving at 9.15am
To secure a seat, please email: [email protected]

All are welcome. Help us spread the word by sharing with your family, friends and networks.

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Support our Dignity for All Appeal to help people with disabilities around the world today: https://pulse.ly/jw9fgy8xiy
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Around the year 64, the city of Rome experienced a devastating fire. Emperor Nero blamed it on the Christians, and a severe persecution followed. Included in the mass murder of Christians were the First Martyrs of Rome. We don’t know their names, but their witness to the faith is certain.
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An Israeli pacifist network launches a silent and powerful initiative aimed at raising awareness among Israeli Air Force pilots about the human cost ...
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Gospel of the Day (Matthew 16,13-19)

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/word-of-the-day/2025/06/29.html
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https://ourladyofhopegrafton.org/the-immaculate-heart-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary


The Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on the Saturday after the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). For the 2025 Liturgical Calendar, this is Saturday, June 28th, 2025.
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Conditions in the Gaza Strip are deteriorating rapidly. Israeli operations - including shelling and bombing across the Strip - continue to have a devastating impact on civilians, reportedly killing and injuring scores of people, many of whom were seeking aid.Humanitarian operatio...
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Gospel of 27 June 2025Luke 15:3-7At that time: Jesus told the Pharisees and scrib...
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