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

9th September 2026

9 September 2026

Justice & Peace Scotland Statement on UK Measures Against Illegal Israeli Settlements

Justice & Peace Scotland welcomes the announcement by the UK Government of a ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, alongside further sanctions targeting those involved in settlement expansion and settler violence.

We particularly welcome the Government’s recognition that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank is unlawful and that settlement expansion and settler violence are contributing to the displacement of Palestinian communities. Today’s use of economic and diplomatic measures to uphold international law is a positive and long-awaited step towards holding Israel accountable for its repeated breaches of international obligations.

Through our participation in the Holy Land Coordination, we have witnessed the impact of settlement expansion and settler violence first-hand. In 2025, we met Daoud Nassar of the Tent of Nations farm in Bethlehem, whose family has spent decades defending the ownership of their land. The farm is surrounded by Israeli settlements and the family face constant violence, vandalism and repeated attempts to dispossess them. In 2026, in Taybeh, members of the parish of Christ the Redeemer told us of homes and property being attacked and of farmland and olive trees being damaged by settlers in an attempt to drive them from their land. These experiences demonstrate the very real consequences of settlement expansion for Palestinian communities.

Equal rights, security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis cannot be achieved without accountability and respect for the international legal framework. Measures such as those announced should therefore be encouraged as a means of addressing injustice and helping to break the cycle of violence and loss of life for all who live there.

We continue to call for measures to address conflict that are consistent with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and the Gospel’s call to nonviolence. Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly emphasised the need for peace founded on justice and respect for the dignity of every person.

The announcement is a hugely welcome and much-needed step, but the UK Government must continue to use all appropriate diplomatic, economic and legal mechanisms to uphold international law and prevent further settlement expansion.

We pray for all people living in the Holy Land and for a future in which Palestinians and Israelis can live with equal rights, security, dignity and lasting peace.

...ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Justice & Peace Scotland (https://www.justiceandpeacescotland.org.uk) is a Catholic agency of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland who campaign, educate and advocate on issues relating to international peace, human rights, social justice, and care for creation.
The Holy Land Coordination is an annual meeting of a delegation of European and American bishops in the Holy Land (Palestine, Israel, Jordan), mandated by the Holy See. The delegation visits the region to act in solidarity with the region’s Christian communities and share in the pastoral life of the local Church as it experiences extreme political and social-economic pressure. Bishops are accompanied by church agencies and church-affiliated organisations. Justice & Peace Scotland has participated in HLC 2025 and 2026.
Justice & Peace Scotland are available for further comment and interview: Anne-Marie Richmond, Catholic Social Teaching Engagement Officer: 07789193370, [email protected]
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office. Email: [email protected]

Images:

IMAGE 1 - Depicts Israeli settlements viewed from the Tent of Nations farm, Bethlehem, Palestine. Credit: AM Richmond, Justice & Peace Scotland

IMAGE 2: Cross and Palestinian flag above Christian church, West Bank, Palestine. Credit: Marcin Mazur, CBCEW

8th September 2026

8 September 2026

Proposed Abortion Motion Raises Profound Ethical Concerns

It is deeply troubling to hear that SNP members may be asked to vote on a motion seeking to remove legal protections relating to self-administered abortion in Scotland. Human life possesses inherent dignity and worth from conception until natural death, and any proposal that would further weaken safeguards for unborn children, including abortion up to the point of birth and sex-selective abortion, raises profound moral and ethical concerns.

I urge the SNP, and all parties and politicians, to uphold both compassion for women facing difficult pregnancies and protection for the most vulnerable members of our human family. Rather than expanding access to abortion, Scotland should focus on providing practical support to mothers, children and families, ensuring that no woman feels alone or without alternatives.

What the people of Scotland need now is for government, political parties and MSPs to focus on the priorities that affect daily life: easing the cost-of-living pressures facing households, addressing the housing crisis, strengthening local health services, improving access to high-quality palliative care, and working for peace and reconciliation both at home and abroad. We do not need an extreme abortion law. Scotland deserves better.

Anthony Horan
Director
Catholic Parliamentary Office
Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

...ENDS

Notes for editors

Photo of Anthony Horan, Director of the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office: Photo of Anthony Horan
The Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office works on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, by engaging with politicians and policymakers on matters central to the life and mission of the Catholic Church.
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office, Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

21st August 2026

21 August 2026

Final appeal to Catholics ahead of Westminster assisted suicide vote

Bishop John Keenan has issued a pastoral letter urging Catholics across Scotland to contact their MPs ahead of the return of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to the House of Commons on Friday 11 September.

The Bill, reintroduced by Lauren Edwards MP, would permit eligible terminally ill adults in England and Wales to receive assistance to end their lives. A similar Bill was defeated in the Scottish Parliament last March.

Although this new legislation would apply only to England and Wales, Bishop Keenan stresses that this remains an important moment for Catholics in Scotland. The outcome at Westminster could have significant consequences north of the border and potentially reignite attempts to legalise assisted suicide in Scotland.

In his letter, Bishop Keenan describes the coming vote as a “grave moment for the protection of human life” and urges Catholics to contact their MPs “without delay” and ask them to oppose the Bill.

Bishop Keenan said:

“Our opposition to assisted suicide is rooted in compassion. Every person, from conception until natural death, possesses an inviolable dignity as one made in the image and likeness of God.”

Warning particularly of the potential consequences for vulnerable people, he added:

“Illness, frailty, disability, dependence or fear must never lead society to conclude that some lives are no longer worth living.”

The Bishop calls instead for greater investment in palliative and hospice care and better support for carers, insisting that “the proper response to suffering is care, presence, skilled palliative medicine and practical support—not the deliberate ending of life.”

Scotland’s Catholic bishops encourage all who stand on the side of life to contact their MP today and without delay, asking them to protect vulnerable people, support better palliative and hospice care, and vote against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

...ENDS

Notes to Editor

Photo of the Bishop John Keenan: https://www.bcos.org.uk/portals/0/@publications/photos/bishop%20john%20keenan.gif

Pastoral Letter from Bishop Keenan: https://www.bcos.org.uk/portals/0/@publications/letters/Pastoral Letter - Assisted Suicide Westminster - August 2026.pdf

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCoS) is the assembly of the Catholic bishops of Scotland, working together on national pastoral, social and legislative matters on behalf of the Church. Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office. Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

News from the Commissions and Agencies

May 2026

25May

Conference with Pope Leo

25 May, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Press conference on the First Encyclical of Pope Leo XIV’s, Magnifica Humanitas, which focuses on artificial intelligence.

25May

Gospel

25 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Gospel
John 19:25-34
‘Behold, your son! Behold, your mother!’

At that time: Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the Scripture), ‘I thirst.’ A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished’, and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.

25May

Mary’s divine motherhood gives a deeper meaning to the mystery of Christmas

25 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Mary’s divine motherhood gives a deeper meaning to the mystery of Christmas. She holds a unique place in the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, responding freely to God’s invitation through the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:26–38). Elizabeth recognises this extraordinary role when she says: “Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:42–43). As the Mother of God, Mary occupies a singular place within God’s plan of salvation.

Although he does not mention Mary by name, St Paul writes that “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law” (Galatians 4:4). He continues by explaining that God sends “the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out ‘Abba, Father!’” reminding us that through Christ, Mary becomes a mother to all who belong to him.

Many theologians have also reflected on Mary’s motherhood as part of God’s eternal plan for creation. Christ, the incarnate Word, was at the centre of God’s saving design from the beginning, the one through whom perfect love and worship would be offered to the Father on behalf of all creation. In this understanding, Mary too was chosen from all eternity to be the mother of the Son.

The title “Mother of God” dates back to at least the third or fourth century. In Greek, the title Theotokos, meaning “God-bearer,” became central to the Church’s teaching on the Incarnation. At the Council of Ephesus in 431, the Church solemnly affirmed that the Blessed Virgin could rightly be called Theotokos. Tradition tells us that crowds celebrated in the streets, crying out: “Praised be the Theotokos!” This teaching continues in the life of the Church today. In the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Mary is referred to as “Mother of God” twelve times, highlighting the enduring importance of her role in salvation history.

24May

Tomorrow, Pope Leo XIV will publish his first Encyclical Letter, Magnifica Humanitas, focused on safeguarding the human person i...

24 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Tomorrow, Pope Leo XIV will publish his first Encyclical Letter, Magnifica Humanitas, focused on safeguarding the human person in the age of artificial intelligence.

Signed on 15th May, the document is already being seen as a significant contribution to the Church’s reflection on human dignity, technology and the future of society.

The Encyclical will be formally presented at the Vatican tomorrow morning, with Pope Leo XIV in attendance alongside theologians, Church leaders and experts in artificial intelligence.

As the Church continues to engage with the rapidly changing digital world, many will be looking to this first Encyclical for guidance, wisdom and hope.

24May

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

24 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Earlier this week, people gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh for Sung Vespers and prayers for peace in the Holy Land.

Archbishop Cushley reflected on his recent visit to the Holy Land, saying: “I got to see how people of goodwill just want peace. Our Church is present there, and it is through charities like Friends of the Holy Land that we are able to reach out and help them.”

Brendan Metcalfe, CEO of Friends of the Holy Land, spoke of the importance of prayer and solidarity with Christian communities across the region, highlighting the ecumenical nature of the charity’s work.

The exhibition ‘50 Faces of the Holy Land’ continues to be on display at St Mary’s Cathedral this week.

24May

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection: 24 May 2026

24 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection: 24 May 2026

24May

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection: 24 May 2026

24 May, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection: 24 May 2026

24May

A wonderful evening of music took place at Motherwell Cathedral as the Carluke Primrose Orchestral Flutes were joined by the Can...

24 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

A wonderful evening of music took place at Motherwell Cathedral as the Carluke Primrose Orchestral Flutes were joined by the Cantabile Ensemble for a special concert in the beautiful surroundings of the Cathedral.

The evening brought together talented musicians of all ages, including the orchestra’s Young Learners, whose performance highlighted the next generation of young musicians.

24May

Holy Mass of Pentecost | 24 May 2026

24 May, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Pentecost | 24 May 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

24May

Gospel

24 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Gospel
John 20:19-23
‘As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. Receive the Holy Spirit.’

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.’