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

March 2026

01Mar

Bishop Toal's Sunday Reflection: Second Sunday of Lent

01 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Bishop Toal's Sunday Reflection: Second Sunday of Lent

01Mar

Holy Mass of Second Sunday of Lent | 01 March 2026

01 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Second Sunday of Lent | 01 March 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

01Mar

Gospel

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

Gospel
Matthew 17:1-9
‘His face shone like the sun.’

At that time: Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.’ When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and have no fear.’ And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one, but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, ‘Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.’

01Mar

Pope Leo's prayer intention for March 2026

01 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Pope Leo's prayer intention for March 2026

For disarmament and peace
Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.

February 2026

28Feb

Pope Leo's prayer intention for March 2026

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

28Feb

One of the most serious concerns about assisted dying bill is this: safeguards do not work

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

One of the most serious concerns about assisted dying bill is this: safeguards do not work.

We only have to look at countries that have already introduced these laws. In places such as Holland, Belgium and Canada, what began with strict limits has steadily expanded. Boundaries shift. Protections weaken. And the most vulnerable are placed at risk.

Safeguards written on paper are not enough when human life is at stake.

Scotland must learn from what has happened elsewhere before crossing a line that cannot easily be undone.

If you are concerned, please take action today.

Write to your MSPs by visiting:
https://carenotkilling.scot/

Be sure to carefully read the wording of the email to make sure you are happy for it to be sent to your MSPs. Click the button on the website and enter your postcode when prompted.

28Feb

Holy Mass of Saturday of the First Week of Lent | 28 February 2026

28 Feb, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Saturday of the First Week of Lent | 28 February 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

28Feb

Gospel

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

Gospel
Matthew 5:43-48
‘You must be perfect as your heavenly Father is.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’

27Feb

As public discussion continues ahead of next month’s vote, you can read the article below which reflects on our recent statement

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

As public discussion continues ahead of next month’s vote, you can read the article below which reflects on our recent statement.

We continue to encourage prayerful reflection and respectful engagement at this significant moment for our nation. Please keep in your prayers those living with serious illness, their loved ones, and all who carry responsibility in public life.

May the Holy Spirit guide our country to uphold the dignity of every human person and to act with true compassion.

Catholic Church urges parishioners to object to assisted dying 👇

27Feb

Assisted dying is often presented as a matter of rights

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

Assisted dying is often presented as a matter of rights.

But before rights comes something deeper: human dignity.

Rights are defined by law. Dignity is not. It belongs to every person simply because they are human — in illness and in health, in strength and in weakness.

A law that permits ending life risks undermining that fundamental truth. Scotland should protect dignity, not redefine it.

Write to your MSPs by visiting:
👉 https://carenotkilling.scot/

Carefully read the wording of the email before sending. Click the button and enter your postcode when prompted.