The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

17th March 2026

17 March 2026

Scotland Rejects Assisted Dying and Affirms Human Dignity

MSPs can be confident that they have taken the correct and responsible course of action. Their vote serves to protect some of Scotland’s most vulnerable individuals from the risk of being pressured into a premature death.

Every human life possesses inherent value. Genuine compassion is not expressed through ending a life, but through accompanying those who suffer and ensuring they receive the medical, emotional, and spiritual support that recognises their dignity. No life is without worth.

As a society, our responsibility is not to address suffering by eliminating the sufferer, but to surround each person with care, respect, and dignity until their natural end. Today’s decision moves Scotland further in that direction, and MSPs should be commended for this.

However, we must continue to make progress. Our next priority must be to strengthen palliative care by ensuring that it is properly funded and accessible to all who require it.

I would like to express my gratitude to all MSPs for their serious engagement with this issue and for the thoughtful and considered attention they have given to the bill. I am especially grateful to those who upheld the principle of human dignity and advocated on behalf of the vulnerable. Your principled commitment has not gone unnoticed.

Bishop John Keenan

President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

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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Archive by tag: Bishops' Conference of ScotlandReturn

March 2026

17Mar

In this significant moment, we commend Scotland to the care of Almighty God

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

In this significant moment, we commend Scotland to the care of Almighty God.

We ask the faithful to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon our MSPs, that every decision may uphold the dignity and sanctity of human life.

Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us.

17Mar

Today, MSPs are faced with a profound decision

17 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Today, MSPs are faced with a profound decision.

This is not simply about “choice” in isolation. It is about the kind of society we choose to be and how we protect those who are most vulnerable, especially those who may feel like a burden or are already afraid.

As Bishop John Keenan reminds us, this is a moment that demands clarity. These are not two equal options. The consequences will be felt most by those who have the least voice.

Please take a moment today to pray for our MSPs, that they may act with wisdom, compassion, and a deep commitment to protecting life.

17Mar

As MSPs prepare to vote, there are serious concerns that cannot be ignored

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

As MSPs prepare to vote, there are serious concerns that cannot be ignored.

Questions around coercion, trust between patients and doctors, and the removal of conscientious objection go to the heart of this Bill.

These are not minor details. They are fundamental issues that affect the safety, dignity and protection of the most vulnerable in our society.

MSPs now face a decision with real and lasting consequences.

Contact your MSP today and urge them to reject the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill:
👉 https://carenotkilling.scot/

The more we know, the more we say no.

17Mar

Legends surround Saint Patrick, but at the heart of his life were two simple qualities: humility and courage

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

Legends surround Saint Patrick, but at the heart of his life were two simple qualities: humility and courage. He accepted both suffering and success as part of God’s plan, trusting he was only an instrument in bringing Ireland to Christ.

As a teenager, he was captured by Irish raiders and enslaved in Ireland, where he endured hunger, cold and isolation as a shepherd. During those years his faith deepened. After escaping and returning home, he later discerned a call to return to Ireland as a missionary bishop.

Despite opposition and criticism, Patrick preached the Gospel across the country, especially in places where Christ had not yet been proclaimed. He ordained priests, established dioceses, founded monasteries and encouraged the people to grow in holiness.

In a relatively short time, Ireland was transformed by the Christian faith and would go on to send missionaries across Europe. In his Confessio, Patrick gave thanks to God for calling him, an unworthy sinner, to such a mission.

His life remains a powerful witness to faith, courage and trust in God.

17Mar

Gospel

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

Gospel
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
‘Your peace will rest upon him.’

At that time: The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no money bag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace be to this house!” And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the labourer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in it and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.” I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.’
The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!’ And he said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’

17Mar

More and more medical bodies, professional organisations and charities across Scotland are raising serious concerns about the As...

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

More and more medical bodies, professional organisations and charities across Scotland are raising serious concerns about the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.

From the Royal College of Psychiatrists to palliative care experts, disability organisations, and legal professionals, the message is clear:

⚠️ Safeguards are inadequate
⚠️ Risks to vulnerable people remain
⚠️ Key protections have been removed or weakened

These are not isolated voices. They represent those working closest with the sick, elderly, disabled and most vulnerable in our society.

The more we know, the more we say no.

16Mar

Tomorrow MSPs vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill

16 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Tomorrow MSPs vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. The lack of safeguards surrounding coercion puts the weakest in our society at risk.

16Mar

As Scotland prepares to vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, we ask you to pray for wisdom for ...

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

As Scotland prepares to vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, we ask you to pray for wisdom for MSPs as they consider this important decision.

As Bishop John Keenan reminds us, there is no such thing as a life without value. Our task as a society is to surround every individual with love, support and dignity until their natural end.

Please keep MSPs and all those affected by this debate in your prayers.

Contact your MSP today and urge them to reject the Bill:
👉 https://carenotkilling.scot/

The more we know, the more we say no.

🙏 Pray for wisdom for Scottish lawmakers as Scotland prepares for Tuesday’s vote on assisted suicide — that they may defend the dignity of every human life and protect the most vulnerable.

On behalf of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland, Bishop John Keenan has warned MSPs: "There is no such thing as a life without value. Our task as a society is not to eliminate suffering by eliminating the sufferer, but to surround every individual with love, support, and dignity until their natural end."

#scotland #assistedliving #AssistedSuicide

16Mar

Scottish bishops urge politicians to reject ‘dreadful’ assisted suicide bill

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

The Catholic bishops of Scotland are urging politicians to reject the proposed Assisted Suicide Bill, warning that it poses serious risks to vulnerable people.

Ahead of tomorrow’s vote in the Scottish Parliament, the bishops have called for legislation that protects life and strengthens compassionate care for those who are seriously ill.

Read more below.

The more we know, the more we say no.

With a final vote on the controversial proposal due to take place on March 17, Scottish bishops have made an urgent plea to Scottish politicians to reject the legislation.

16Mar

We must protect the weakest | Heartbeat

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

This week on Heartbeat, Peter sits down with Archbishop Leo Cushley to discuss the Assisted Suicide Bill currently being debated in the Scottish Parliament.

In this important conversation, the Archbishop reflects on the serious risks of coercion and the dangers such legislation could pose to the most vulnerable members of our society.

As we face the Stage 3 vote tomorrow in the Scottish Parliament, it is vital that these concerns are heard and carefully considered.

Watch the full interview below.

The more we know, the more we say no.

If you want to listen to the Heart to Heart or Viewpoint, you can now find them both on SpotifyHeart to Heart https://open.spotify.com/show/2mq05gCgKmVuT6rX4...