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

23rd July 2026

23 July 2026

Catholic Bishops of Scotland Offer Congratulations to the New Prime Minister

The Catholic Bishops of Scotland have written to the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, offering their congratulations on his appointment and assuring him of their prayers and good wishes as he begins this important public service.

As a Catholic, the Prime Minister will be familiar with the Church’s enduring commitment to the dignity of every human person and to the promotion of the common good – principles which lie at the heart of Catholic social teaching. We hope these values will underpin his leadership, particularly in serving the poor, the vulnerable and those on the margins of society, and in advancing the cause of peace, justice and reconciliation both at home and abroad.

We assure the Prime Minister of our prayers for wisdom, courage and integrity as he undertakes the responsibilities of this high office. We look forward to working constructively with him and his Government on the many issues that affect the lives and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities, and we pray that the United Kingdom will continue to use its influence in the service of peace, justice and human dignity throughout the world.

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

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

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena | 29 April 2026

29 Apr, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena | 29 April 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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

Presidential position for Missio Scotland's Gerard

28 Apr, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Presidential post for Missio Scotland's Gerard!

@followers

THERE was a resounding endorsement of the work of Missio Scotland at the recent meeting of the European Conference of the Missionary Children Society (CEME) recently, as Communications Officer, Gerard Gough, was appointed as its new president.

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

Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter | 28 April 2026

28 Apr, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter | 28 April 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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.