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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

12th August 2026


12 August 2026

Statement from the Bishops of Scotland on the Funeral of Ann Widdecombe

Ann Widdecombe

Today, the Requiem Mass of Ann Widdecombe, the former Member of the UK Parliament and Government minister, has taken place at Buckfast Abbey, where she was a regular worshipper.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:

“On behalf of the Bishops of Scotland, I offer our prayerful condolences to Ann’s family, friends and all who mourn her today. We join them in commending Ann’s soul to the loving mercy of God.

“Ann was a woman of sincere Catholic faith, sustained by prayer and the sacraments and was happy for her faith to be known publicly.’

“We pray that Christ welcomes her into the peace of His Kingdom."

Contact:

Media Office

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

News from the Commissions and Agencies

March 2026
Gospel
Matthew 17:1-9
‘His face shone like the sun.’

At that time: Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.’ When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and have no fear.’ And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one, but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, ‘Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.’

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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.

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February 2026
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.

Read More
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.

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

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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.’

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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 👇
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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.

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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.

Read More
📰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!

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