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

Click here to visit the Jubilee 2025 website

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

At Christmas, Christians across Scotland gathered around the crib to contemplate the life of a vulnerable child; God entering our world as a baby in need of care, protection and love. Christmas places fragile human life at the centre of everything.

It is therefore unsettling that this season saw the first person in Scotland charged under the new so-called “buffer zone” law in Scotland; a law the Church believes curtails Scotland’s commitment to freedom of expression and conscience, and restricts critical voices from democratic debate in the public square.

The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024 establishes “buffer zones” of up to 200 metres around abortion facilities — currently around 30 locations across Scotland. Within those zones, any conduct deemed to “influence” a decision about abortion may be criminalised. That vague description should trouble anyone who values legal clarity or free expression.

The Catholic Church does not condone harassment or intimidation, but that was not the intention of this law. The Church has been clear: harassment, intimidation and obstruction are wrong and unacceptable. But Scotland already has robust laws to deal with harassment, public disorder and threatening behaviour and it is telling that, when consulted on the proposed new law, Police Scotland did not ask for more powers, and went as far to state in written evidence to Parliament that, “existing powers and offences are sufficient to address any unlawful behaviour in the vicinity of healthcare premises.” When parliaments introduce criminal offences where existing law is already sufficient, questions should be raised and alarm bells ring.

We oppose this law because it is disproportionate and undemocratic. It represents state overreach and curtails basic freedoms. The Church would similarly oppose legislation mandating buffer zones outside nuclear weapons facilities or refugee detention centres. This should concern every Scottish citizen, regardless of their views on abortion.

As the Parliamentary Officer for the Catholic Church in Scotland pointed out, women experiencing crisis pregnancies may be “denied the opportunity to freely speak to people and organisations who may be able to help them.” A law supposedly designed to protect choice risks doing the opposite — eliminating one side of a conversation and one set of choices altogether.

Even more troubling is what the legislation anticipates. Official documentation accompanying the Act acknowledges that the law envisages criminalising “praying audibly” and “silent vigils."

This is unprecedented in modern Scotland, and it is no wonder it has raised eyebrows around the world, with concerns raised around Scotland’s commitment to human rights and freedom of expression and religion.

The implications go further. The Act extends to private homes within designated zones. A pro-life poster displayed in a window, a conversation overheard, a prayer said by a window; all could, in principle, fall within the scope of criminal sanction. When asked directly whether praying by a window in your own home could constitute an offence, Gillian Mackay, the Scottish Green Party MSP, who spearheaded the legislation, replied: “That depends on who’s passing the window.” That sends a chill down the spine of anyone who cares about civil liberties. Criminal law that depends on the perception of a passer-by is certainly not the hallmark of a free Scottish society.

The law also potentially criminalises a person standing alone in a buffer zone without any visible expression of protest, but who is deemed by others to be offering a silent pro-life inspired prayer. Even Police Scotland expressed unease. Superintendent Gerry Corrigan told Parliament that policing thought is an area they “would stay clear of,” adding: “I do not think we could go down the road of asking people what they are thinking or what their thoughts are. That feels really uncomfortable.” Yet, this is the territory into which Scottish law now ventures. Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference, noted that “none of the arguments made were able to get around the basic premise that Police Scotland had never asked for more powers.” and that the law is “draconian” and “unnecessary,” particularly considering its impact on people of faith.

Some parliamentarians attempted to mitigate the effects of the law— proposing a reasonableness defence, or exemptions for chaplains who might be criminalised for pastoral conversations. All amendments were rejected or withdrawn.

We support all those who, motivated by conscience and compassion, stand up for the right to life. It cannot be a crime to give our voice and our prayers to the unborn.

Christmas is the message that every human life has infinite dignity from its beginning. That truth is not confined to private thoughts. A society confident in its values does not fear opposing voices. It does not criminalise silent prayer. It does not ask its police or judges to peer into the minds of its citizens.

Scotland’s buffer zones law represents a profound shift in the relationship between the State and the individual — one that restricts free speech, free expression and freedom of religion in ways that should concern us all.

As we look to the child in the manger this Christmas and Epiphany, we are reminded that babies do not have a voice of their own. It is a shame that the State has now also curtailed the voices of ordinary citizens who advocate for them within its borders.

The Catholic Bishops of Scotland
6th January 2026

News from the Commissions and Agencies

July 2025

17Jul

Photos from Diocese of Argyll & the Isles's post

17 Jul, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

17Jul

Photos from Justice & Peace Scotland's post

17 Jul, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Oh my people what have I done to you How have I hurt you
Answer me 🙏

17Jul

❗Archbishop Nolan, President of Justice & Peace Scotland, has joined with the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of...

17 Jul, 2025 | Justice & Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

❗Archbishop Nolan, President of Justice & Peace Scotland, has joined with the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland to issue a joint statement expressing their sorrow at the loss of life after a missile struck the Holy Family Parish Church in Gaza.

Three people are reported to have died and several others, including Fr Gabriel Romanelli, were injured when the Holy Family Church, the only Catholic Church in Gaza, was struck by the Israeli military today.

Fr Gabiel’s 2024 visit to Glasgow was marked by the joint signing of the declaration “From Glasgow to Gaza: A Cry for Peace in the Holy Land” by the Archbishop and the then Moderator, Very Rev. Sally Foster-Fulton. Today’s joint statement, issued by Rt Rev Rosie Frew and Most Rev William Nolan, echoes the declaration and says:

"We join today to express our profound sorrow at the loss of life and the injuries sustained following a missile strike on the Holy Family Parish Church in Gaza. Further, we echo the words of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in his call for a ceasefire, and his 'profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and enduring peace in the region."

"We recall the visit to Glasgow by Fr Gabriel Romanelli, priest of the Holy Family Parish, in April 2024 and the Declaration: "From Glasgow to Gaza: A Cry for Peace in the Holy Land" signed on that occasion.

"The Declaration concluded: 'Today we cry out to all people in positions of power to end this senseless violence. We pray to Almighty God that their hearts may be turned towards compassion, and that they may have the courage and wisdom to pursue the path of justice and peace for all who call the Holy Land home'.

"We reflect on the continued relevance of these words and we renew the call for a permanent ceasefire and the pursuit of "the path of justice and peace".

+Most Rev William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow and President of Justice & Peace Scotland
Rt Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland

17Jul

Photos from Justice & Peace Scotland's post

17 Jul, 2025 | Justice & Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

CHURCH IN GAZA HIT BY ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE❗

Many of our supporters will remember when Justice & Peace Scotland, alongside the Archdiocese of Glasgow and SCIAF, welcomed Fr Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, to Scotland. He came with a heartfelt plea for peace in the lands of Palestine and Israel, and to share the daily reality of his suffering community.

Today we are heartbroken to learn that the Holy Family Church has been struck by an Israeli airstrike. Many have been injured, including Fr Gabriel himself.

In a statement, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said: "The Holy Family Church in Gaza has been struck by a raid this morning. There are several injuries in the place, including the Parish Priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli."

Attacks on civilian populations like this one have been happening for months in Gaza. They are unacceptable. From the outset of this war, we have called for a ceasefire, echoing the words of the late Pope Francis, "Wars are always a defeat," and the powerful appeal of our new Pope Leo: "Today more than ever, humanity cries out and pleads for peace."

When Fr Gabriel was with us in Scotland, his message was simple and urgent: "I am the parish priest of the only Catholic Church in Gaza, and I come here to ask you to do everything you can to stop this war. Work for peace in any way you can. Pray for peace in any way you can."

Justice & Peace Scotland urges all our supporters to please contact your MP, telling them this story and asking them what they are doing to advocate for an immediate ceasefire.

We ask you also to pray for Fr Gabriel and the entire parish community. May they know they are not alone, that their brothers and sisters in Christ across the world know they are there, that we remember them and we hold them in prayerful solidarity.

16Jul

Mobile uploads

16 Jul, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

16Jul

A post from Bishops' Conference of Scotland

16 Jul, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

14Jul

This morning, after Mass in Motherwell Cathedral, our pilgrims from across the Diocese headed off to Lourdes for the Diocesan Pi...

14 Jul, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

This morning, after Mass in Motherwell Cathedral, our pilgrims from across the Diocese headed off to Lourdes for the Diocesan Pilgrimage led by Bishop Toal. We hope everyone has a wonderful time 🙏

📷 The ALMA youth group made up of young people of the Diocese who will help support the pilgrims in Lourdes

13Jul

A post from Bishops' Conference of Scotland

13 Jul, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

13Jul

Photos from St Patrick's R.C Church Shieldmuir, Wishaw's post

13 Jul, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

13Jul

Gospel of the Day (Luke 10,25-37)

13 Jul, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel of the Day (Luke 10,25-37)

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?" He said in reply, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."

He replied to him, "You have answered correctly; do this and you will live." But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.

But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him.

The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, 'Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.' Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers' victim?" He answered, "The one who treated him with mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/word-of-the-day/2025/07/13.html