The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

13th April 2026

13 April 2026

Peace and Dialogue: the Gospel Response to Conflict

The Bishops of Scotland today renew their urgent appeal to political leaders across the world to pursue peace with courage, determination, and sincerity. In a time marked by deepening conflict and human suffering, particularly in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan and South Sudan, the need for dialogue and diplomatic solutions has never been more pressing.

War brings devastation, loss, and division. It leaves lasting wounds in families, communities, and nations, and it disproportionately harms the innocent. The Bishops call on all those in positions of authority to reject the path of escalation and instead commit themselves to meaningful dialogue, patient negotiation, and the difficult but necessary work of peacebuilding.

The Bishops express their gratitude to Pope Leo for his clear and consistent voice in calling for peace. His leadership continues to be a guiding light for the Church and the world at this critical time.

Reflecting on the Holy Father’s recent Vigil for Peace held last Saturday, the Bishops highlight his powerful words:
“Let us silence the weapons, so that the voice of humanity may be heard. Let us choose encounter over confrontation, and the courage of peace over the illusion of power.”

The Bishops of Scotland invite Catholics across our country to join the Holy Father in this appeal. In parishes, homes, and communities, we continue to pray fervently for an end to violence and for the triumph of justice and reconciliation.

The Bishops urge all people of goodwill to stand together in hope. Peace is not beyond reach - but it requires genuine humility, courage, and a shared commitment to the dignity of every human life.

As the Holy Father begins his apostolic journey to several countries in Africa as a missionary of peace, we assure him of our continued prayers and solidarity.

Image: Pope Leo XIV by Edgar Beltrán / Wikimedia Commons

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

February 2026

08Feb

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection for 8 February 2026

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

In this reflection for the Fifth Sunday of the Year, Bishop Joseph Toal prays the Angelus and speaks from St Bartholomew’s Church in Townhead, Coatbridge, where he has just celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Marking the World Day of Marriage, Bishop Toal reflects on the importance of marriage and family life in the Church and in society, asking the intercession of St Joseph for married couples and for those preparing to commit their lives in the Sacrament of Matrimony.

He also addresses the forthcoming assisted dying legislation in Scotland, encouraging Catholics to remain informed, engaged, and faithful to the Church’s teaching on the dignity and sanctity of human life.

As Lent approaches, Bishop Toal invites us to examine our relationship with God, to resist the pull toward self-determination, and to place our lives more fully in the Lord’s hands.

08Feb

Today is the World Day for Marriage

08 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Today is the World Day for Marriage.

This is a day we especially pray for married couples throughout the country. We exhort them to continue fostering the love of God in their union and their families. We pray for marriages in crisis that the sacrificial love of Christ may serve as a balm and an example. We pray that married couples may know their supernatural role in the world and in the Church as witnesses of the Trinity.

08Feb

Holy Mass of the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time | 08 February 2026

08 Feb, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time | 08 February 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

08Feb

Gospel

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

Gospel
Matthew 5:13-16
‘You are the light of the world.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’

07Feb

The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has released his message for the 34th World Day of the Sick, which will be marked on 11 February ...

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

The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has released his message for the 34th World Day of the Sick, which will be marked on 11 February 2026.

World Day of the Sick was established in 1992 by Pope John Paul II as a dedicated day of prayer for those who are ill and for everyone who cares for them. It is also a moment for the Church to reflect more deeply on suffering, dignity and Christian compassion.

It is celebrated each year on 11 February, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

This year’s theme is “The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing another’s pain.”

In his message, Pope Leo reflects on the parable of the Good Samaritan and reminds us that compassion is not simply a feeling. It is something we choose. It means stopping, noticing, drawing near and giving our time. It means refusing to pass by when someone is suffering.

Caring for the sick is not an optional extra in Christian life. It is central to the Gospel.

On 11 February we pray in a particular way for those who are ill, the elderly, those living with long term conditions, families and carers, and all who work in healthcare.

May we grow in that Samaritan spirit, willing to see, to stop and to love.

Our Lady, Health of the Sick, pray for us. 🙏

https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2026/01/20/260120d.html

07Feb

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

Archbishop Cushley recently welcomed the President of Hungary Dr Tamás Sulyok and his wife Zsuzsanna Nagy to St Margaret's Parish, Dunfermline & Oakley.

Theuy were on pilgrimage in Scotland and prayed with Archbishop Cushley at the relic of the Saint Margaret, before visiting her tomb at Dunfermline Abbey.

Images: Dr. Sulyok Tamás

07Feb

Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary | 07 February 2026

07 Feb, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary | 07 February 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

07Feb

Gospel

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

Gospel
Mark 6:30-34
‘They were like sheep without a shepherd.’

At that time: The Apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognised them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

06Feb

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saints Paul Miki and Companions | 06 February 2026

06 Feb, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saints Paul Miki and Companions | 06 February 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

06Feb

Long before Nagasaki became known to the world for the devastation of the atomic bomb, it was already sacred ground in the histo...

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

Long before Nagasaki became known to the world for the devastation of the atomic bomb, it was already sacred ground in the history of the Church. In 1597, twenty six Christians were crucified on a hill overlooking the city, later known as the Holy Mountain. They came from every walk of life: priests and brothers, lay men and children, missionaries and local believers, all united by their faith in Christ.

Among them was Saint Paul Miki, a Japanese Jesuit, who preached forgiveness and hope from the cross itself. He declared that he was dying for no other reason than his faith in Christ, and prayed that his blood would bring new life to his people.

Though Christianity was later driven underground, the faith did not die. When missionaries returned to Japan in the nineteenth century, they discovered thousands of Christians around Nagasaki who had secretly preserved the faith for generations.

The Martyrs of Japan stand as a powerful witness to courage, forgiveness and faith lived to the end.

Martyrs of Japan, pray for us.