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

December 2025

08Dec

Think of the Common Good | Heartbeat

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

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, joins Peter Kearney for a conversation on the proposals to legalise assisted suicide and to allow abortion up to the point of birth in Scotland.

In this week's Heartbeat, Peter sits down with Bishop John Keenan, William brings us the news from home and abroad, and Catherine shares her views on the ret...

07Dec

Fr Paul invites all who use British Sign Language to join him each Sunday for Holy Mass at St Augustine’s, Milton at 12noon

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

Fr Paul invites all who use British Sign Language to join him each Sunday for Holy Mass at St Augustine’s, Milton at 12noon.

This weekly Mass is a dedicated space for the deaf community to come together as we celebrate Holy Mass. .

07Dec

Michael Bublé Calls Meeting Pope Leo XIV ‘One of the Greatest Moments of My Life’

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

Bublé met Pope Leo XIV on Friday along with other artists participating in the Vatican’s sixth annual “Concert with the Poor” on Saturday, Dec. 6.

07Dec

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

Yesterday, Archbishop Nolan alongside Fr. Tom Kilbride and Canon David Wallace were present at St Andrew’s West Parish Church in Glasgow for an ecumenical Advent Carol Service, joined simultaneously by a congregation gathered in The Lady of Shepherds Melkite Catholic Church in Beit Sahour, Bethlehem. The service was hosted by Friends of the Holy Land. (Glasgow and Bethlehem have been twinned since 2007, with a friendship agreement in place since 1992.)

Through the blessings of modern technology, the two congregations were able to worship together despite the miles that separate them.

The Church of Scotland was represented in Glasgow by Rev Dr Kleber Machado, parish minister, and Rev George McKay, Presbytery Moderator, while Rev Dr Stewart Gillan of St Andrew’s Scottish Church, Jerusalem took part from Bethlehem.

Music was led by Ronan McQuade and the wonderful St Aloysius College choir.

06Dec

Why would we run to meet Christ?

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

Why would we run to meet Christ?
Because, like a child running to someone they love, we run toward the One who loves us first.

Yes, Advent calls us to repentance but always under God’s deep love for us.

This week, may we learn to run towards the Lord with trust and joy.

06Dec

Ecumenical Advent Service with Friends of the Holy Land

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

Ecumenical Advent Service with Friends of the Holy Land

06Dec

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

The recent Day for Religious at Carfin offered a powerful reflection on the Jubilee and its approaching conclusion. Fr. Richard Reid, CSsR, spoke about the beauty, wonder, and busyness of religious life, emphasising the central Christian virtue of hope. As Pope Francis reminded the Church, hope gives meaning to the journey and strength to face the future with an open spirit.

Religious were invited to look forward rather than back, recognising that the Jubilee is not simply something that ends but a call to renewed purpose. The Jubilee logo itself illustrates this vision: four figures representing humanity from the four corners of the world, united in solidarity, with the lead pilgrim clinging to the Cross, the sign of faith and an unshakeable hope.

Fr Reid also highlighted the prophetic identity received in baptism, sharing the words of St Oscar Romero: “Each one of you has to be God’s microphone… a messenger, a prophet.” Every baptised person carries this responsibility.

In today’s digital age, this mission extends online. Reflecting on Meredith Gould’s adaptation of St Teresa of Avila’s prayer, Fr Reid noted: “Christ has no online presence but yours… no posts but yours… no updates but yours.” The digital world is another place where the Gospel can be shared through authentic witness.

As the Jubilee year moves toward its conclusion, a question was posed for reflection: What is being carried forward into 2026? For Religious in Scotland, this remains an essential part of vocation, ministry, and mission.

05Dec

For Christians in areas of war or conflict – The Pope Video – December 2025

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

POPE LEO'S PRAYER INTENTION FOR DECEMBER

In the last prayer intention for 2025, the Pope asks us to pray “that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.”

🎥 Watch his full message here:

By The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network: https://www.popesprayer.va/ The Pope Video: https://thepopevideo.org/ In collaboration with Vatican Media: http://www...

04Dec

For Christians in areas of war or conflict – The Pope Video – December 2025

04 Dec, 2025 | Justice & Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

🇻🇦POPE LEO'S PRAYER INTENTION FOR DECEMBER

This month the Holy Father asks us to turn our hearts in prayer to those Christians living in the midst of war and conflict, especially our brothers and sisters in the Middle East.

He asks us to pray that they may not feel abandoned but rather be strengthened as "seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope." He calls us to stand in spiritual solidarity with those who suffer and to become builders of unity in our own communities.

Let us join him in this prayer.

🎥 Watch his full message here:

By The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network: https://www.popesprayer.va/ The Pope Video: https://thepopevideo.org/ In collaboration with Vatican Media: http://www...

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Pro indy tycoon brands SNP Government group's abortion plan 'infanticide'

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

EXCLUSIVE: Sir Brian Souter has been criticised over his comments about proposals to change abortion law.