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

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

At Christmas, Christians across Scotland gathered around the crib to contemplate the life of a vulnerable child; God entering our world as a baby in need of care, protection and love. Christmas places fragile human life at the centre of everything.

It is therefore unsettling that this season saw the first person in Scotland charged under the new so-called “buffer zone” law in Scotland; a law the Church believes curtails Scotland’s commitment to freedom of expression and conscience, and restricts critical voices from democratic debate in the public square.

The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024 establishes “buffer zones” of up to 200 metres around abortion facilities — currently around 30 locations across Scotland. Within those zones, any conduct deemed to “influence” a decision about abortion may be criminalised. That vague description should trouble anyone who values legal clarity or free expression.

The Catholic Church does not condone harassment or intimidation, but that was not the intention of this law. The Church has been clear: harassment, intimidation and obstruction are wrong and unacceptable. But Scotland already has robust laws to deal with harassment, public disorder and threatening behaviour and it is telling that, when consulted on the proposed new law, Police Scotland did not ask for more powers, and went as far to state in written evidence to Parliament that, “existing powers and offences are sufficient to address any unlawful behaviour in the vicinity of healthcare premises.” When parliaments introduce criminal offences where existing law is already sufficient, questions should be raised and alarm bells ring.

We oppose this law because it is disproportionate and undemocratic. It represents state overreach and curtails basic freedoms. The Church would similarly oppose legislation mandating buffer zones outside nuclear weapons facilities or refugee detention centres. This should concern every Scottish citizen, regardless of their views on abortion.

As the Parliamentary Officer for the Catholic Church in Scotland pointed out, women experiencing crisis pregnancies may be “denied the opportunity to freely speak to people and organisations who may be able to help them.” A law supposedly designed to protect choice risks doing the opposite — eliminating one side of a conversation and one set of choices altogether.

Even more troubling is what the legislation anticipates. Official documentation accompanying the Act acknowledges that the law envisages criminalising “praying audibly” and “silent vigils."

This is unprecedented in modern Scotland, and it is no wonder it has raised eyebrows around the world, with concerns raised around Scotland’s commitment to human rights and freedom of expression and religion.

The implications go further. The Act extends to private homes within designated zones. A pro-life poster displayed in a window, a conversation overheard, a prayer said by a window; all could, in principle, fall within the scope of criminal sanction. When asked directly whether praying by a window in your own home could constitute an offence, Gillian Mackay, the Scottish Green Party MSP, who spearheaded the legislation, replied: “That depends on who’s passing the window.” That sends a chill down the spine of anyone who cares about civil liberties. Criminal law that depends on the perception of a passer-by is certainly not the hallmark of a free Scottish society.

The law also potentially criminalises a person standing alone in a buffer zone without any visible expression of protest, but who is deemed by others to be offering a silent pro-life inspired prayer. Even Police Scotland expressed unease. Superintendent Gerry Corrigan told Parliament that policing thought is an area they “would stay clear of,” adding: “I do not think we could go down the road of asking people what they are thinking or what their thoughts are. That feels really uncomfortable.” Yet, this is the territory into which Scottish law now ventures. Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference, noted that “none of the arguments made were able to get around the basic premise that Police Scotland had never asked for more powers.” and that the law is “draconian” and “unnecessary,” particularly considering its impact on people of faith.

Some parliamentarians attempted to mitigate the effects of the law— proposing a reasonableness defence, or exemptions for chaplains who might be criminalised for pastoral conversations. All amendments were rejected or withdrawn.

We support all those who, motivated by conscience and compassion, stand up for the right to life. It cannot be a crime to give our voice and our prayers to the unborn.

Christmas is the message that every human life has infinite dignity from its beginning. That truth is not confined to private thoughts. A society confident in its values does not fear opposing voices. It does not criminalise silent prayer. It does not ask its police or judges to peer into the minds of its citizens.

Scotland’s buffer zones law represents a profound shift in the relationship between the State and the individual — one that restricts free speech, free expression and freedom of religion in ways that should concern us all.

As we look to the child in the manger this Christmas and Epiphany, we are reminded that babies do not have a voice of their own. It is a shame that the State has now also curtailed the voices of ordinary citizens who advocate for them within its borders.

The Catholic Bishops of Scotland
6th January 2026

News from the Commissions and Agencies

December 2025

09Dec

The YOUNGEST PRIEST in Switzerland: For Pete's Sake: A Vatican Podcast

09 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Fr Aiden Matheson is one of four young men ordained to the priesthood in Scotland this year, and his story offers a remarkable window into the journey of vocation.

In this interview, he reflects on the influences that shaped him: his background, the period of discernment that led him to say “yes,” and his formation in Rome.

"For Pete's Sake: A Vatican podcast" returns this week with guest Fr. Aiden, the youngest priest from Scotland who was recently ordained here in Rome. Fr. Ai...

09Dec

We are deeply moved to share a heartfelt letter by Fr

09 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

We are deeply moved to share a heartfelt letter by Fr. John Berinyuy Tata, Vice Chancellor of Pax Higher Institute in Cameroon.

He sent the following letter to Bishop Joseph Toal, Bishop of Motherwell Diocese.

LETTER OF GRATITUDE

I write with a heart overflowing with gratitude to God and to you for the fraternal love, spiritual solidarity, and unwavering prayer you offered during my recent captivity in Baba I. For two weeks, when uncertainty and danger surrounded me, your prayers rose like incense before the throne of God, becoming for me a shield of grace and a source of profound consolation.

Though you were far away in Scotland, your closeness was tangible.
Your intercession strengthened my spirit.
Your compassion lightened my burden.
Your faith reminded me that the Body of Christ is truly one united across continents, cultures, and circumstances.

To My Lord Bishop, thank you for holding me in your paternal heart, for encouraging your clergy and faithful to pray for my safety, and for showing such genuine pastoral concern. To the priests and religious, thank you for offering Masses, rosaries, and personal sacrifices on my behalf. To the Christian faithful of Motherwell, thank you for every prayer whispered, every candle lit, and every intention offered. I assure you that not a single act of charity is forgotten before God.

In the quiet and darkness of captivity, your prayers became rays of light sustaining my hope. I experienced in a very real way the power of the communion of saints and the strength of the universal Church standing as one family. Please accept my heartfelt thanks. May the Lord reward each one of you a hundredfold. I continue to hold you in my prayers and ask God to bless the Diocese of Motherwell with peace, joy, and abundant grace.

With renewed gratitude and fraternal affection,
I remain,
Fr. John Berinyuy Tata
Vice Chancellor

08Dec

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

08 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Did you know?

On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Pope visits Piazza di Spagna in Rome to honour Our Lady with prayers and a gift of white roses. Pope Leo XIV continued this beautiful tradition today at the statue of the Immaculate Conception near the Spanish Steps.

Vatican 📷

08Dec

Today, we mark the 60th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council

08 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today, we mark the 60th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. The influences of Vatican II can be seen in every aspect of the modern Church – in our understanding of divine revelation, the universal call to holiness, the sacred liturgy, religious freedom, ecumenical dialogue, the participation of the laity in the life of the Church, and so much more.

Find out more about the Council at: https://ow.ly/Gn7Q50XFKYu

08Dec

A small band of pilgrims braved the December weather on Saturday to walk a stage of the Fife Pilgrim Way, from the historic burg...

08 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

A small band of pilgrims braved the December weather on Saturday to walk a stage of the Fife Pilgrim Way, from the historic burgh of Culross to the National Shrine to St Margaret in Dunfermline, where they joined the local congregation for Vigil Mass. The pilgrimage was led by Fr Cyriac and Deacon Pat Carrigan.

08Dec

Today is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the solemn dogma defined by Blessed Pope Pius IX in 1854

08 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the solemn dogma defined by Blessed Pope Pius IX in 1854.

Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, "full of grace" through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception.

That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Blessed Pope Pius IX proclaimed on December 8, 1854: "The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin." —Catechism of the Catholic Church

08Dec

Think of the Common Good | Heartbeat

08 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, joins Peter Kearney for a conversation on the proposals to legalise assisted suicide and to allow abortion up to the point of birth in Scotland.

In this week's Heartbeat, Peter sits down with Bishop John Keenan, William brings us the news from home and abroad, and Catherine shares her views on the ret...

07Dec

Fr Paul invites all who use British Sign Language to join him each Sunday for Holy Mass at St Augustine’s, Milton at 12noon

07 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Fr Paul invites all who use British Sign Language to join him each Sunday for Holy Mass at St Augustine’s, Milton at 12noon.

This weekly Mass is a dedicated space for the deaf community to come together as we celebrate Holy Mass. .

07Dec

Michael Bublé Calls Meeting Pope Leo XIV ‘One of the Greatest Moments of My Life’

07 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bublé met Pope Leo XIV on Friday along with other artists participating in the Vatican’s sixth annual “Concert with the Poor” on Saturday, Dec. 6.

07Dec

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

07 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Yesterday, Archbishop Nolan alongside Fr. Tom Kilbride and Canon David Wallace were present at St Andrew’s West Parish Church in Glasgow for an ecumenical Advent Carol Service, joined simultaneously by a congregation gathered in The Lady of Shepherds Melkite Catholic Church in Beit Sahour, Bethlehem. The service was hosted by Friends of the Holy Land. (Glasgow and Bethlehem have been twinned since 2007, with a friendship agreement in place since 1992.)

Through the blessings of modern technology, the two congregations were able to worship together despite the miles that separate them.

The Church of Scotland was represented in Glasgow by Rev Dr Kleber Machado, parish minister, and Rev George McKay, Presbytery Moderator, while Rev Dr Stewart Gillan of St Andrew’s Scottish Church, Jerusalem took part from Bethlehem.

Music was led by Ronan McQuade and the wonderful St Aloysius College choir.