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

November 2024

30Nov

https://www.facebook.com/100064625922111/posts/974218434742345/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

30 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.facebook.com/100064625922111/posts/974218434742345/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Happy Feast of St Andrew!

From the 1921 Prayer Book of the College:

When the blessed Andrew came to the place where the cross was made ready, he exclaimed and said:
“O precious cross, for a long time have I desired thee, and, not that thou art made ready for me, my soul is drawn to thee, and I come to thee in peace and gladness; thou also oughtest to welcome me with joy, for I am the disciple of Him who hung on thee.”

We humbly entreat Thy majesty, O Lord:
That as the blessed Apostle Andrew was once a teacher and ruler of Thy Church: so he may be a constant advocate for us before Thee.

St Andrew: pray for us!

29Nov

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

29 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
A bleak day for humanity and especially for our English and Welsh friends, most particularly for the sick, elderly, poor and disabled. I thank everyone who contacted their local MP, which certainly had a positive effect, since the majority of Scottish MPs voted against assisted suicide. We cannot give up but, inspired by the Gospel, continue to build a compassionate and loving society where every human being is cherished.
+Brian

29Nov

Bishop John Keenan has reacted to the UK Parliament's decision to pass Kim Leadbeater's assisted suicide Bill at second reading:

29 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishop John Keenan has reacted to the UK Parliament's decision to pass Kim Leadbeater's assisted suicide Bill at second reading:

"This is a sad day for the sick, the vulnerable and the disabled in society. Today’s vote strikes a blow against the foundational principle of medicine "do no harm". Since parliamentarians have voted to create a category of people that the state will help to commit suicide, doctors will now be invited to help their patients to kill themselves. As we have seen across the world, once enacted these laws are rapidly and dangerously expanded."

29Nov

Bishops Conference meeting with the First Minister

29 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishops Conference meeting with the First Minister | by Scottish Government

Bishops Conference meeting with the First Minister

27Nov

Today as we prepare to celebrate St Andrew’s Day the First Minister John Swinney invited the Catholic Bishops of Scotland to lun...

27 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today as we prepare to celebrate St Andrew’s Day the First Minister John Swinney invited the Catholic Bishops of Scotland to lunch at Bute House. The Conference thanks the First Minister for his kind invitation and acknowledgment of the contribution of the Catholic Church to Scotland.

27Nov

Pier Giorgio Frassati and Maria Troncatti soon to be saints - Vatican News

27 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Pope Francis approves Decrees highlighting the extraordinary testimony to the faith shown by six very different witnesses.

27Nov

Pope: 'Never lose hope' when a loved one abandons their faith - Vatican News

27 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Replying to an Italian grandmother concerned that one of her grandchildren has not been baptised, Pope Francis says that gratuitous love is more ...

27Nov

Jubilee 2025: What it takes to be a pilgrim - Vatican News

27 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

As pilgrims prepare for the 2025 Jubilee, a priest, a tour guide and a theologian reflect on what the Holy Year means to them.

27Nov

✝️Scotland will welcome Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, to the Archdiocese of St Andrews & ...

27 Nov, 2024 | Justice and Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

✝️Scotland will welcome Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, to the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh on Sunday 1 December. He will preach at Holy Mass in St Mary's Catholic Cathedral at 7:30pm.

🕊️This is a unique chance to hear from the man appointed by Pope Francis to be the shepherd for Catholics in the Holy Land, to pray for peace and to show solidarity for those suffering due to the conflict.

26Nov

Nigeria’s oldest priest dies aged 104

26 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Nigeria’s oldest priest dies aged 104