The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

5th May 2026

05 May 2026

Pastoral letter from the Catholic Bishops of Scotland on the Scottish Parliament Election

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election approaches, we find ourselves at another important moment in our nation’s life. Elections are not only political events but opportunities to reflect prayerfully on our responsibilities as citizens and disciples of Jesus Christ. Our participation in public life expresses our love of neighbour and our desire to build a society that honours God through truth, justice, and charity.

The Church and the political community have distinct roles, yet both serve the good of every person. The Church forms consciences through the light of the Gospel, while politics shapes society’s structures. When these work together respectfully, society flourishes, especially in its care for the weakest. It is therefore vital that Catholics approach this election with faith‑formed minds and hearts moved by charity.

Many in Scotland today face deep vulnerability: unborn children; the elderly; families in poverty; the disabled; those with poor mental health; people suffering addiction; victims of modern slavery; migrants seeking safety; people considering suicide; and victims of crime. They deserve not only compassion but public policies that protect their dignity. We need representatives who act with integrity, value every human life, and prioritise the poorest. Public service is noble when rooted in humility and the common good.

Our elected officials must also defend fundamental freedoms—thought, conscience, and religion—so Scotland remains a place where people can express beliefs openly and respectfully. Public discourse thrives when diverse voices can speak without fear and disagreements are handled with civility. Silencing religious expression deprives society of moral and spiritual richness.

We affirm the rights of parents, who have the God‑given responsibility to educate their children, including choosing schools that reflect their convictions. Authorities must safeguard this right and protect Catholic schools, which serve families of all backgrounds and help form young people in faith, virtue, and service. Attempts to marginalise, or remove, these schools would weaken Scotland’s educational diversity.

As you prepare to vote, reflect on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching - human dignity, the common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity - which illuminate the key moral issues of our time:

the protection of life from conception to natural death;
care for the poor and vulnerable;
fair and sustainable economic conditions;
accessible healthcare;
the elimination of modern slavery;
the strengthening of marriage and family life;
care for creation;
the promotion of peace and support for poorer nations; and
the defence of religious freedom and conscience.

These are not merely political issues, but moral ones rooted in the Gospel and the Church’s commitment to every person’s dignity. Study and pray with these principles as you discern your vote. Resources from the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office ( rcpolitics.org) can help form your conscience, enabling you to seek truth, weigh moral implications, and consider the impact on the vulnerable. Above all, we urge you to use your right to vote.

We pray for respectful and honest conversation throughout this election. Political life must not be poisoned by anger, division, or populist rhetoric. May all debates reflect concern for human dignity and the common good.

We entrust Scotland—its people, leaders, and future—to the care of Our Lady, Queen of Peace. May her intercession guide us toward justice, compassion, and unity. May the Holy Spirit inspire candidates with integrity and humility, and voters with responsibility, prayerfulness, and love of neighbour.

Yours devotedly in Christ,

+ John Keenan, President, Bishop of Paisley

+ Brian McGee, Vice President, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles

+ Andrew McKenzie, Episcopal Secretary, Bishop of Dunkeld

+ Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh

+ William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow

+ Joseph Toal, Bishop of Motherwell

+ Hugh Gilbert, Bishop of Aberdeen

+ Francis Dougan, Bishop of Galloway

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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December 2025

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21 Dec, 2025 | Being Catholic | BCoS Facebook |

Amid the presents, food, and family time, Christmas invites us to pause and remember its true meaning, the birth of the Christ Child in Bethlehem.

This Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, our parish doors are wide open. Come and celebrate with us in prayer, carols, and joy as we gather around the altar and the stable.

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LIVE across the UK on Freeview channel 279 and across all our platforms.

Full details below. Please share with family, friends and fellow parishioners.

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21 December – O Oriens

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

21 December – O Oriens

Today we acclaim Christ as O Oriens, the Radiant Dawn and Light of the world. He is the true sunrise who breaks through the darkness of sin and despair. By His teaching, His example, and His saving sacrifice, Christ brings light to hearts searching for meaning. From the manger to the cross, from the tabernacle to the depths of our own lives, He shines as the answer to humanity’s deepest questions and the hope that never fades.

21Dec

21 December – O Oriens

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

20Dec

As we reach the final Sunday of Advent, we bring our journey to a close by reflecting on what it truly means to welcome Christ, ...

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

As we reach the final Sunday of Advent, we bring our journey to a close by reflecting on what it truly means to welcome Christ, not only at Christmas but here and now.

Over these past weeks, we have spoken about running towards the Lord rather than holding back in fear. In this final reflection, we are reminded that while Advent speaks of judgment and repentance, it speaks even more clearly of love. God does not wait at a distance. In Jesus, Emmanuel, He comes close to us. A God who is with us and who bridges the gap we cannot cross ourselves.

This reflection is also an invitation. Whether it has been a long time since you last came to Mass, whether you have never set foot in a church, or whether you come every week, Christmas is a moment of grace. Do not be afraid. The Lord does not force Himself on us. He waits patiently for us to respond.

The Lord is with us.
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20 December – O Clavis David

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

20 December – O Clavis David

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Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

The Bishops of Scotland warmly congratulate Bishop Richard Moth on his appointment as Archbishop-elect of Westminster.

Bishop Moth brings to this new ministry considerable experience, shaped by his service as Bishop of the Armed Forces and as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, offered with generosity, wisdom, and pastoral care.

As he prepares to take up this important pastoral office, we assure him of our prayers and look forward to working alongside him in the service of the Gospel across these islands.

We also express our heartfelt gratitude to Cardinal Vincent Nichols for his friendship and for his years of faithful and devoted leadership of the Archdiocese of Westminster, marked by humility, wisdom, and a deep love for the People of God.

Bishop John Keenan
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📸 © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk

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🙏A CHRISTMAS PRAYER FOR JUSTICE & PEACE

As we wait to welcome Jesus,
the Prince of Peace,
born among the poor and laid in a manger,
we place before God the injustices in our world.

In a time of war and division,
fear and intolerance,
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shine through the darkness.

May the child of Bethlehem
soften hardened hearts,
turn us away from violence and indifference,
and inspire us to sow seeds of harmony, justice, and peace.

May the infant Jesus inspire us to recognise the humanity in the refugee, the excluded, and the forgotten;
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May the light of the manager illuminate the world with love, dignity, justice, and pace.

Amen.