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

November 2025

21Nov

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

20Nov

🩵DIGNITY NOT DETENTION🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

20 Nov, 2025 | Justice & Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

🩵DIGNITY NOT DETENTION🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

On St Andrew’s Day, Justice & Peace Scotland invites you to ‘Dignity Not Detention’, a peaceful solidarity gathering outside Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre.

In a climate of increasing hostility around immigration this small act of witness is a way to offer an alternative message of fraternity and compassion.

The UK remains the only country in Europe with no statutory time limit on immigration detention. This means that people can be held in prison-like conditions indefinitely, with no idea when they will be released. The prolonged uncertainty causes profound mental distress, exacerbates trauma, and tears individuals away from their communities, studies, work, and families.

We gather to bring attention to this unjust and inhumane practice, mindful of Pope Leo’s recent reflections on the moral responsibilities governments bear in shaping their immigration systems:

“I think we have to look for ways of treating people humanely, treating people with the dignity that they have.”

📆Sunday 30th November
🕐1.00PM
📍Dungavel IRC, Strathaven, ML10 6RF

19Nov

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

Calls have been made for the Scottish Government to reject extreme abortion up to birth plans following a review it commissioned into the abortion law. 😮 Read the full article here: https://righttolife.org.uk/1c2r

19Nov

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18Nov

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18Nov

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18Nov

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18Nov

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18 Nov, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

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16Nov

Catholic Education Week 2025🌟

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

This week we celebrate the life, faith, and dedication found every day in our Catholic schools. Across the country, pupils and staff are building communities where learning, service, and Gospel values take root.

We give thanks for:
* the commitment of teachers and support staff
* the partnership of families, parishes, and school communities
* the enthusiasm and generosity of our young people
* the daily witness to faith, hope, and charity in our classrooms and beyond

May this week renew our shared mission to form confident, compassionate, faith-filled young people who will help shape a hopeful future.

“Where educational communities allow themselves to be guided by the word of Christ, they do not retreat, but are revitalised.” - Pope Leo XIV

16Nov

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

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