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

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

02May

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 14:7-14
‘Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’ Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
‘Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.’

01May

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker | 01 May 2026

01 May, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker | 01 May 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

01May

Gospel John 14:1-6

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

Gospel John 14:1-6
I am the Way, the Truth and the Life

Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Trust in God still, and trust in me.
There are many rooms in my Father’s house;
if there were not, I should have told you.
I am going now to prepare a place for you,
and after I have gone and prepared you a place,
I shall return to take you with me;
so that where I am
you may be too.
You know the way to the place where I am going.’
Thomas said, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus said:
‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.
No one can come to the Father except through me.’

April 2026

30Apr

Pope Leo's prayer intention for May 2026

30 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Pope Leo's prayer intention for May 2026

That everyone might have food
Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.

30Apr

Gospel

30 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Gospel
John 13:16-20
‘Whoever receives the one I send receives me.’

After Jesus had washed the feet of his disciples, he said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, “He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.” I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.’

29Apr

A children’s book written by SCIAF’s Development Education Officer Elaine McGinlay has received international recognition after ...

29 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

A children’s book written by SCIAF’s Development Education Officer Elaine McGinlay has received international recognition after being named a winner of the Christlit Book Award.

The illustrated children’s book, The Wisdom of the River, is rooted in the Catholic vision of human flourishing and invites young readers to journey through the story making choices, in a ‘choose your own adventure’ format.

The Christlit Book Award is an internationally accredited and highly renowned program dedicated exclusively to Christian literature. The awards recognise excellence in Christian literature worldwide, celebrating publications that embody the spirit of the Gospel with creativity, integrity and depth. Judged by a panel of Christian educators, writers, publishers, and faith leaders, the awards highlight works inspire readers to live out their faith with conviction.

Elaine’s writing was recognised for exceptional skill in weaving faith and storytelling into this vibrant children’s book.

Drawing on over a decade of experience with the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, Elaine developed the book through her work with schools and parishes, alongside her academic research in global learning. The book theme was also shaped by time spent with SCIAF partners in Ethiopia, witnessing how communities supported one another to flourish in the face of challenges such as severe droughts.

As part of SCIAF’s commitment to Development Education, every Catholic primary school in Scotland has received a free copy of the book.
Elaine said: “I am deeply grateful to receive this award from The Christlit Book Award judges. The Wisdom of the River was created to help young people understand SCIAF’s work in light of our faith, and I’m proud to have brought this vision to life through my writing. It has been a privilege to work with the team at SCIAF and alongside illustrator Anh Cao to share this story.”

SCIAF’s chief executive Lorraine Currie added: “SCIAF is incredibly honoured to see this book recognised. Helping children understand climate change through hope, curiosity and storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to inspire the next generation. This award affirms our belief that meaningful change begins with education.”

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.’