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

30th July 2026

30 July 2026

Bishop Welcomes Prime Minister’s Call to Prioritise Care Reforms Before Westminster Assisted Suicide Vote

Bishop John Keenan, the Bishop with responsibility for Marriage, Family and Life for the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s call for the serious gaps in palliative and social care to be addressed before the Westminster Parliament considers assisted suicide legislation.

Bishop Keenan said:

“The Prime Minister’s intervention is both timely and welcome. We have a duty to ensure that every person approaching the end of life has access to the compassionate palliative and social care they deserve. No one should ever feel driven towards assisted suicide because they lack the care, support or dignity they need.

“We were grateful that the Scottish Parliament resolutely rejected assisted suicide only recently. We hope this latest intervention will encourage Members of the Westminster Parliament to reflect carefully before taking a step that would fundamentally change the way our society cares for the sick and vulnerable.

“As our Catholic Parliamentary Officer, Anthony Horan, has rightly said: ‘The last thing the country needs is another divisive debate about assisted suicide. We need to make progress in improving palliative and social care, not offering vulnerable people state support to end their lives.’ I share that conviction wholeheartedly.

“This is an opportunity to rethink the whole approach to assisted suicide. The compassionate response to suffering is never to help people end their lives, but to ensure they receive the high-quality care, love and accompaniment they need. Let us pray for all who are seriously ill, for their families and carers, and for those in public office, that they may always uphold the dignity of every human life and work to build a society that truly cares for its most vulnerable members.”

Bishop John Keenan

President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

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 tag: Bishops' Conference of ScotlandReturn

April 2026

29Apr

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀’ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 ‘𝗯𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘇𝗼𝗻𝗲’ 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗴𝗼𝘄

29 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀’ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 ‘𝗯𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘇𝗼𝗻𝗲’ 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗴𝗼𝘄

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland welcomes Sheriff Stuart Reid’s dismissal of two criminal charges alleging “influencing” within a “buffer zone” against Rose Docherty, brought under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024.

Mrs Docherty was arrested last September near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow after offering a consensual conversation and holding a sign reading: “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want”.

On Monday, Sheriff Reid dismissed the case against Rose, finding that the Procurator Fiscal had “failed to disclose an offence known to the law of Scotland”.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said: “The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland welcomes the court’s decision to dismiss the charges brought against Rose Docherty. The ruling is an important reminder that peaceful, consensual conversation in a public place is protected, and that criminal offences must be clearly and properly made out on the evidence. This case should prompt a careful and thorough review of how “safe access zone” powers are applied so that they do not infringe fundamental rights.”

29Apr

Saint Catherine of Siena is remembered for her total surrender to Christ, a love that shaped every part of her life

29 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Saint Catherine of Siena is remembered for her total surrender to Christ, a love that shaped every part of her life.

Born into a large family, she showed deep faith from a young age. She chose a life dedicated to God, even resisting expectations placed on her, and was eventually given space to grow in prayer and silence.

At 18, she joined the Dominican Third Order, spending years in prayer and simplicity. From this quiet beginning, her mission grew. People were drawn to her witness, and she began writing letters offering guidance, encouragement, and truth rooted in her love for Christ.

Catherine did not remain hidden. She stepped into the challenges of her time with courage, speaking with honesty and conviction. Despite opposition, her holiness was recognised, and her voice carried great influence, even reaching the pope.

In a time of division within the Church, she gave herself completely to prayer and sacrifice for unity. She spent her final years in Rome, offering her life for the healing of the Church.

Declared a Doctor of the Church, Saint Catherine of Siena reminds us that deep prayer can lead to powerful witness, and that surrender to Christ can transform both our lives and the world around us.

29Apr

Gospel

29 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Gospel
Matthew 11:25-30
‘I am gentle and lowly in heart.’

At that time Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

28Apr

What does Synodality really mean for the Church today?

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

What does Synodality really mean for the Church today?

Bishop Brian McGee reminds us that it’s about walking together not aimlessly, but guided by the Holy Spirit. It’s about listening: to God, to His Word, and to one another, as we discern the path He is calling us to follow.

This is an invitation for all of us.

Join us for a day of prayer, reflection and conversation at the Festival of Synodality:

🗓 Saturday 6th June 2026
⏰ 9am – 4pm
📍 Glasgow Caledonian University

Come and discover what it means to walk together as the Church today.

👉 bit.ly/synodality26

28Apr

A Worldwide Marian Procession will take place on Saturday 13 June 2026, the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

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

A Worldwide Marian Procession will take place on Saturday 13 June 2026, the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

This initiative invites the faithful to unite in prayer for peace in our world and for the conversion of hearts, honouring the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

In preparation, a 33-day consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary will begin on 12 May 2026.

The initiative has received the support of Donal McKeown, who has encouraged Catholic communities around the world to take part through local processions, the celebration of Holy Mass, or Adoration.

Over 90 parishes across six continents have already committed to participating in this global act of devotion.

More information, including how to take part, can be found at: worldwidemarianprocession.com

28Apr

Gospel

28 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Gospel
John 10:22-30
‘I and the Father are one.’

At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the Temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.’ Jesus answered them, ‘I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.’

27Apr

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘀

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

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘀

The bishops of Scotland have begun a period of consultation with clergy and religious as part of their careful consideration of the revised translation of the Liturgy of the Hours, an essential element of the Church’s daily prayer. A one-week sample of the Divine Office has now been distributed digitally, enabling clergy and religious to pray with the text and offer their reflections and feedback.

The Church actively encourages all the People of God to pray the Divine Office as a way of nourishing their spiritual lives and deepening communion with the universal Church. For clergy and religious, however, the Liturgy of the Hours holds a uniquely central place. Through their ordination or profession, they undertake a solemn commitment to pray the Office each day for the Church and for the world. It is therefore not only a liturgical duty, but also an intimate and deeply personal part of their daily prayer.

In light of this, the bishops emphasise the importance of this consultation. The lived experience of clergy and religious, who pray the Office daily, will offer rich and invaluable insight.

This period of reflection will help ensure that any future decision supports the spiritual life of clergy and religious while also serving the wider mission of the Church, strengthening the rhythm of prayer that unites clergy, religious, and faithful alike.

27Apr

Gospel

27 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Gospel
John 10:11-18
‘The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.’

At that time: Jesus said, ‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.’

26Apr

Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal for 26th April 2026

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

Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal for 26th April 2026

26Apr

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

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, the Church invites us to listen for the voice of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who continues to call men to follow Him and serve His people.

Have you ever felt a quiet nudge in your heart, a sense that God might be asking something more of you?

The call to the priesthood often begins gently. It can grow through prayer, through serving others, or through a deep desire to give your life completely to Christ and His Church. If you have been wondering whether God could be calling you to become a priest, you are not alone.

Here in Scotland, we give thanks that just last year four men were ordained to the sacred priesthood. Their “yes” is a reminder that Christ is still calling, and that His voice is still heard today.

The next step is simple. Speak to someone. Each diocese in Scotland has a Vocations Director who is there to listen, to guide you, and to help you discern what God is asking of you.

If you are considering this call, take that step and get in touch today.
Visit https://priestsforscotland.org.uk/diocesan-vocations-directors/ to find the contact details for your diocesan Vocations Director.

Come and see where the Lord may be leading you.
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