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.

EVENTS

Westminster debate and vote on Assisted Dying – Friday 29^th November.

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland and the Catholic Parliamentary Office have commissioned this short documentary. Please WATCH & SHARE with friends, family, and particularly your local MP and MSPs.

"Do No Harm” is a short documentary which highlights some of the grave concerns around proposals to legalise assisted dying in the UK and Scottish Parliaments.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi3S2yp3hjY

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/1029444718?share=copy

Please remember to share the documentary with family and friends, and on social media, and please use the hashtags #DoNoHarm and #RaiseYourVoice

Read the joint Statement from the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, and Scotland on Assisted Suicide: AS-Plenary-2024-Statement-FINAL.pdf

BISHOPS RELEASE STATEMENT ON FOSSIL FUEL NON-PROLIFERATION AND JUST TRANSITION

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCOS) have released a statement encouraging world leaders to agree to and establish a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, committing all nations to a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuels. The statement, which is released to mark the COP29 climate summit taking place in Azerbaijan from 11th – 22nd November, calls on Scotland to play its role in realising the common good by participating in a swift transition away from fossil fuels to protect people and our planet, both now and in the future, from further global warming caused by fossil fuel extraction. Crucially, in recognising the workers and communities in Scotland who rely on fossil fuel industries for their livelihood, the statement emphasises that any such transition must have justice at its core and ensure that no one is left behind, particularly those currently employed in this sector who must be ensured secure work in the move towards renewables. The full text of the statement can be downloaded here.

News from the Commissions and Agencies

January 2024

09Jan

Scottish Government launches consultation on ‘banning conversion practices’

09 Jan, 2024 | Anthony Horan | SCPO News |

Scottish Government launches consultation on ‘banning conversion practices’ The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on banning what it refers to as “conversion practices.” The Catholic church in Scotland has expressed serious concern about the nature and scope of any such legislation, and a spokesperson has said: “While the Church supports legislation which protects people from physical and verbal abuse a fundamental pillar of any free society is that the state recognises and respects the right of religious bodies and organisations to be free to teach the fulness of their beliefs and to support, through prayer, counsel and other pastoral...

09Jan

Church concerns on “conversion practices”. [Blogging]

09 Jan, 2024 | SCMO News |

December 2023

22Dec

Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Galloway

22 Dec, 2023 | Anthony Horan | SCPO News |

Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Galloway At 12 noon today (22 December 2023) in Rome (11am GMT) it was announced, that Pope Francis had nominated Fr. Frank Dougan as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Galloway. He will succeed Archbishop William Nolan who was Bishop of Galloway from 2014 to 2022 when he became Archbishop of Glasgow, since when it has been administered by Fr. William McFadden. Reacting to his appointment, Fr. Frank said; “I am humbled and more than a little bit nervous that Pope Francis has asked me to take on this office. I feel...

22Dec

Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Galloway [Blogging]

22 Dec, 2023 | SCMO News |

12Dec

New! ‘Catholic Families for Life’ Newsletter

12 Dec, 2023 | Anthony Horan | SCPO News |

New! ‘Catholic Families for Life’ Newsletter The recently established Bishops’ Conference Marriage, Family & Life Office has published the first ever issue of its Catholic Families for Life newsletter. You can read the newsletter, below.

04Dec

VACANCY – Principal Teacher of Religious Education – St Maurice High School, Cumbernauld

04 Dec, 2023 | Suzanne Gilroy | SCES News |

LOCATION: St Maurice High School, Westfield, G68 9AG SALARY: £56,160 per year CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent POSITION TYPE: Full Time HOURS: 35 hours per week *Closing Date: 08/12/2023 Please APPLY ONLINE using link below: https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/north-lanarkshire-council/jobs/principal-teacher-religious-education-req00689-358426

November 2023

22Nov

2024 Verification and Results

22 Nov, 2023 | Louise Elliott | SCES News |

It is essential that all schools presenting primary 7 candidates for the award in 2024 take part in the verification process. October All primary 7 coordinators invited to nominate a lead verifier for their cluster. It is the responsibility of the individual coordinator to identify other participating schools in their cluster; it is then the […]

21Nov

Bishops to visit UK Parliament with Moderator

21 Nov, 2023 | Anthony Horan | SCPO News |

Bishops to visit UK Parliament with Moderator Members of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland will visit Westminster this week, on Wednesday 22 November, where they will join the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, in a joint pilgrimage. The Church leaders will meet Scottish MP’s attend Prime Minister’s Questions as well as a reception in the House of Lords, which will focus on International Aid to South Sudan. Archbishop Leo Cushley of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the UK Government and our Westminster MPs to discuss...

21Nov

Bishops Westminster Visit [Blogging]

21 Nov, 2023 | SCMO News |

21Nov

Pope Francis Faith Award – Annual Conference for Coordinators

21 Nov, 2023 | Louise Elliott | SCES News |

Contents of the teacher pack from the 2023 conference can be accessed below: Daily Examin for Candidates Professional Learning Activities The following workshops were launched at the 2023 Annual Conference and can be used individually, or, to compliment Whole School Planning: Curriculum Planning Laudato Si’ Laudato Si’ Planning in PFFA Liturgical […]