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

23rd July 2026

23 July 2026

Catholic Bishops of Scotland Offer Congratulations to the New Prime Minister

The Catholic Bishops of Scotland have written to the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, offering their congratulations on his appointment and assuring him of their prayers and good wishes as he begins this important public service.

As a Catholic, the Prime Minister will be familiar with the Church’s enduring commitment to the dignity of every human person and to the promotion of the common good – principles which lie at the heart of Catholic social teaching. We hope these values will underpin his leadership, particularly in serving the poor, the vulnerable and those on the margins of society, and in advancing the cause of peace, justice and reconciliation both at home and abroad.

We assure the Prime Minister of our prayers for wisdom, courage and integrity as he undertakes the responsibilities of this high office. We look forward to working constructively with him and his Government on the many issues that affect the lives and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities, and we pray that the United Kingdom will continue to use its influence in the service of peace, justice and human dignity throughout the world.

Bishop John Keenan

President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

News from the Commissions and Agencies

February 2026

28Feb

Pope Leo's prayer intention for March 2026

28 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Pope Leo's prayer intention for March 2026

For disarmament and peace
Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.

28Feb

One of the most serious concerns about assisted dying bill is this: safeguards do not work

28 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

One of the most serious concerns about assisted dying bill is this: safeguards do not work.

We only have to look at countries that have already introduced these laws. In places such as Holland, Belgium and Canada, what began with strict limits has steadily expanded. Boundaries shift. Protections weaken. And the most vulnerable are placed at risk.

Safeguards written on paper are not enough when human life is at stake.

Scotland must learn from what has happened elsewhere before crossing a line that cannot easily be undone.

If you are concerned, please take action today.

Write to your MSPs by visiting:
https://carenotkilling.scot/

Be sure to carefully read the wording of the email to make sure you are happy for it to be sent to your MSPs. Click the button on the website and enter your postcode when prompted.

28Feb

Holy Mass of Saturday of the First Week of Lent | 28 February 2026

28 Feb, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Saturday of the First Week of Lent | 28 February 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

28Feb

Gospel

28 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 5:43-48
‘You must be perfect as your heavenly Father is.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’

27Feb

As public discussion continues ahead of next month’s vote, you can read the article below which reflects on our recent statement

27 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

As public discussion continues ahead of next month’s vote, you can read the article below which reflects on our recent statement.

We continue to encourage prayerful reflection and respectful engagement at this significant moment for our nation. Please keep in your prayers those living with serious illness, their loved ones, and all who carry responsibility in public life.

May the Holy Spirit guide our country to uphold the dignity of every human person and to act with true compassion.

Catholic Church urges parishioners to object to assisted dying 👇

27Feb

Assisted dying is often presented as a matter of rights

27 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Assisted dying is often presented as a matter of rights.

But before rights comes something deeper: human dignity.

Rights are defined by law. Dignity is not. It belongs to every person simply because they are human — in illness and in health, in strength and in weakness.

A law that permits ending life risks undermining that fundamental truth. Scotland should protect dignity, not redefine it.

Write to your MSPs by visiting:
👉 https://carenotkilling.scot/

Carefully read the wording of the email before sending. Click the button and enter your postcode when prompted.

27Feb

Laws rarely remain as narrow as first promised

27 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Laws rarely remain as narrow as first promised.

Once the principle is accepted, the boundaries tend to widen. What begins as limited and tightly controlled can gradually expand beyond its original intention.

Before opening this door, Scotland must consider who may push it further and who may be affected most.

Write to your MSPs by visiting:
👉 https://carenotkilling.scot/

Carefully read the wording of the email before sending. Click the button and enter your postcode when prompted.

27Feb

📰NEWS JUST IN

27 Feb, 2026 | Justice & Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

📰NEWS JUST IN

Our latest quarterly newsletter is now available, featuring updates on our work across the country and practical ways for you to get involved in upcoming campaigns and events.

🌟Highlights in this edition:
🔹Journals from Jerusalem Update: Insights from the 2026 Holy Land Coordination visit to Jerusalem, where J&P Scotland’s Anne-Marie Clements accompanied Archbishop William Nolan on the annual visit to the region.
🔹Lenten Challenge: Commit to our six-week Lenten Action Challenge, with weekly steps focusing on poverty, refugees, and workers' rights.
🔹Take Action: Find tools to contact your MP regarding the proposed ban on aid agencies in Gaza and on the practice of indefinite immigration detention in the UK.

➡️Find the full newsletter on our website!

27Feb

Bishops warn of ‘profound moral consequence’ ahead of assisted dying vote

27 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

At this significant moment for our nation, we encourage prayerful reflection and respectful engagement. Please continue to pray for those facing serious illness, for their families, and for all who carry responsibility in public life.

May the Holy Spirit guide us to choose the path that upholds the sanctity of life, defends the dignity of every person, and reflects the true compassion of Christ.

27Feb

Holy Mass of Friday of the First Week of Lent | 27 February 2026

27 Feb, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Friday of the First Week of Lent | 27 February 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356