The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

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

December 2025

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Today we celebrate the feast of St John the Apostle and Evangelist

27 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today we celebrate the feast of St John the Apostle and Evangelist.

Born in Bethsaida, John was a fisherman with his brother James when Jesus called him to follow Him. He became the beloved disciple, staying close to the Lord throughout His ministry.

St John is the author of the fourth Gospel, three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. His writings on the eternal Word—who became flesh as the light and life of the world—are among the most beautiful in Scripture. He is truly the evangelist of Christ’s divinity and of Christian love.

John witnessed the Transfiguration, rested on Jesus’ heart at the Last Supper, and stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross, where Jesus entrusted His Mother to him. Later exiled to Patmos, he lived to an old age, remaining ever close to Jesus and Mary.

St John, pray for us. ✨

27Dec

Gospel of the day (John 20:2-8)

27 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel of the day (John 20:2-8)

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going towards the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on the head of Jesus, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed.

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Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint Stephen | 26 December 2025

26 Dec, 2025 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint Stephen | 26 December 2025
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

26Dec

Today we remember St Stephen, the first martyr of the Church

26 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today we remember St Stephen, the first martyr of the Church.

Just two years after Christ’s death, Stephen was stoned in Jerusalem. The Book of Acts highlights striking parallels between his trial and the Lord’s: like Jesus, he was taken outside the city and died praying for his executioners.

Stephen was one of the first seven deacons, chosen to assist the Apostles. Scripture describes him as “filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,” a man full of grace, strength, and zeal. His fearless witness fulfilled Jesus’ promise that the Spirit would speak through His disciples, Stephen’s opponents could not withstand his wisdom.

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St Stephen, pray for us. ✨

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26 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

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25 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

What does “Happy Christmas” really mean?

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