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.

BISHOPS RESPOND TO SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT'S PALLIATIVE CARE CONSULTATION

Scotland’s Catholic Bishops: Scottish Government’s laudable draft strategy on palliative care stands in stark contrast to dangerous assisted suicide proposal

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has responded positively to Scottish Government proposals for a new strategy on palliative care.

In its submission to a recent consultation the bishops declared their support for the draft strategy, stating that the proposals “uphold the dignity of human life for those at the end of life, their families, and carers” and said that the “laudable” proposals “stand in stark contrast to the dangerous Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill” currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament.

The bishops said: “rather than being used to kill people, many of whom are vulnerable, public resources should be invested in helping people to live and to be more comfortable at the end of life.”

The bishops emphasised the crucial role of palliative care, declaring it to be “a precious and crucial instrument in the care of patients during terminal illness” and encouraged the government to ensure that a framework is in place to allow hospices to be appropriately funded to continue to deliver end-of-life care to all those who need it.

The bishops also stressed the importance of spiritual care and assistance for patients and their families at the end of life and called for such support to be a key element of a holistic approach to end-of-life care. Please see the full submission at the Catholic Parliamentary Office website

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

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News from the Commissions and Agencies

November 2024

30Nov

A spokesperson for Disability Rights UK said: “This decision comes as a profound betrayal to disabled people across the UK, who ...

30 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

A spokesperson for Disability Rights UK said: “This decision comes as a profound betrayal to disabled people across the UK, who continue to struggle to live with dignity in a society that fails to meet even our most basic needs.
“At a time when social care is chronically underfunded, accessible housing is scarce, and many disabled people are unable to afford food, energy, or other essentials, this legislation sends a chilling message: the government prioritises the right to die over the right to live.”

30Nov

Hymn to St Andrew

30 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://youtu.be/1wKhNFhfW0M?si=ZRc0BfZbADK8jXAw

Performed and rehearsed by Motherwell Diocesan Choir, Organist John Pitcathley, Conducted by Des McLean.Use in Papal Mass, Bellahouston Park, Glasgow 2010Mix...

30Nov

https://www.facebook.com/100064625922111/posts/974218434742345/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

30 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.facebook.com/100064625922111/posts/974218434742345/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Happy Feast of St Andrew!

From the 1921 Prayer Book of the College:

When the blessed Andrew came to the place where the cross was made ready, he exclaimed and said:
“O precious cross, for a long time have I desired thee, and, not that thou art made ready for me, my soul is drawn to thee, and I come to thee in peace and gladness; thou also oughtest to welcome me with joy, for I am the disciple of Him who hung on thee.”

We humbly entreat Thy majesty, O Lord:
That as the blessed Apostle Andrew was once a teacher and ruler of Thy Church: so he may be a constant advocate for us before Thee.

St Andrew: pray for us!

29Nov

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

29 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
A bleak day for humanity and especially for our English and Welsh friends, most particularly for the sick, elderly, poor and disabled. I thank everyone who contacted their local MP, which certainly had a positive effect, since the majority of Scottish MPs voted against assisted suicide. We cannot give up but, inspired by the Gospel, continue to build a compassionate and loving society where every human being is cherished.
+Brian

29Nov

Bishop John Keenan has reacted to the UK Parliament's decision to pass Kim Leadbeater's assisted suicide Bill at second reading:

29 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishop John Keenan has reacted to the UK Parliament's decision to pass Kim Leadbeater's assisted suicide Bill at second reading:

"This is a sad day for the sick, the vulnerable and the disabled in society. Today’s vote strikes a blow against the foundational principle of medicine "do no harm". Since parliamentarians have voted to create a category of people that the state will help to commit suicide, doctors will now be invited to help their patients to kill themselves. As we have seen across the world, once enacted these laws are rapidly and dangerously expanded."

29Nov

Bishops Conference meeting with the First Minister

29 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishops Conference meeting with the First Minister | by Scottish Government

Bishops Conference meeting with the First Minister

27Nov

Today as we prepare to celebrate St Andrew’s Day the First Minister John Swinney invited the Catholic Bishops of Scotland to lun...

27 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today as we prepare to celebrate St Andrew’s Day the First Minister John Swinney invited the Catholic Bishops of Scotland to lunch at Bute House. The Conference thanks the First Minister for his kind invitation and acknowledgment of the contribution of the Catholic Church to Scotland.