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

April 2026

06Apr

Holy Mass of Easter Monday | 06 April 2026

06 Apr, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Easter Monday | 06 April 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

06Apr

Gospel

06 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 28:8-15
‘Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.’

At that time: The women departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell the disciples of Jesus. And behold, Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.’
While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, ‘Tell people, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

05Apr

Holy Mass of Easter Sunday | 05 April 2026

05 Apr, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Easter Sunday | 05 April 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

05Apr

Easter Message from the Bishops of Scotland

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

Easter Message from the Bishops of Scotland

As we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord today, we rejoice in the victory of light over darkness, of life over death, and of hope over sin and the grave. Christ is risen, and in Him all things are made new.

We offer a special word of welcome and encouragement to those who have been received into the Catholic Church this Easter. Your faith, your courage, and your joy are a gift to us all. You remind the whole Church of the beauty of new life in Christ and the promise of renewal that the Resurrection brings.

May the risen Lord fill out hearts with peace, strengthen us in faith, and guide us always in His love.

Christ is risen. Alleluia!

05Apr

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 20:1-9
‘He must rise from the dead.’

On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going towards the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on the head of Jesus, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.

March 2026

30Mar

Holy Mass of Holy Monday | 30 March 2026

30 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Holy Monday | 30 March 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

30Mar

Gospel

30 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
John 12:1-11
‘Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.’

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the money bag he used to help himself to what was put into it. Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.’
When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

29Mar

Thank you to the Bishops' Conference of Scotland for backing SCIAF's call to restore life-saving aid NOW!

29 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Thank you to the Bishops' Conference of Scotland for backing SCIAF's call to restore life-saving aid NOW!

UK aid cuts are projected to hurt 55 million people globally, depriving them of access to basic services, including access to clear and safe water. It is a short-sighted decision that must be reversed.

29Mar

Easter is a time to pause

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

Easter is a time to pause. To reset. To remember who we are and what we were made for.

You might not have been to church in a while. Maybe it’s been years. Maybe you’re not even sure where to begin. That’s okay.

This Easter, we invite you to come home.

Come and discover peace that the world can’t give, hope that never fades, and a love that’s been waiting for you all along.

Your local Catholic Church is here, with open doors and open hearts.
No matter your story, no matter your doubts, you are welcome.

Come home this Easter.

29Mar

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection for 29 March 2026

29 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection for 29 March 2026