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

7th October 2026

7 October 2026

Catholic Parliamentary Office Welcomes SNP Decision to Withdraw Abortion Motion

The Catholic Parliamentary Office welcomes the decision of the Scottish National Party to remove from its conference agenda a proposed motion that would have sought to decriminalise self-administered abortion and significantly weaken legal protections for unborn children.

Last month, in response to reports of the motion, the Catholic Parliamentary Office expressed its concern that SNP members could be asked to support proposals that would have allowed self-administered abortion up to birth for any reason, including sex-selective abortion. At that time, CPO Director Anthony Horan noted that any measure which could permit abortion up to the point of birth and facilitate sex-selective abortion raised "profound moral and ethical concerns".

Commenting on the decision to withdraw the motion, Anthony Horan said:

"I welcome the decision of the SNP to remove this motion from its conference agenda. The proposals it contained would have represented a radical and unnecessary weakening of protections for unborn children and their mothers.

"Every human life possesses inherent dignity and worth from conception until natural death. A compassionate society is one that protects both mother and child.

"I am grateful to all those who highlighted the serious ethical concerns raised by these proposals and who encouraged reflection on the wider consequences of removing long-standing legal safeguards.

"Scotland faces many pressing challenges. Families are struggling with the cost of living, communities require better housing and healthcare provision, and we need greater investment in support for parents, children and high-quality palliative care. These are the issues that deserve the attention of our political leaders.

"I hope that this decision provides an opportunity for a more constructive conversation about how Scotland can support women facing difficult pregnancies while continuing to uphold respect for the dignity and value of every human life."

...ENDS

Notes for editors

Photo of Anthony Horan, Director of the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office: Photo of Anthony Horan
The Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office works on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, by engaging with politicians and policymakers on matters central to the life and mission of the Catholic Church.
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office, Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

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

News from the Commissions and Agencies

October 2026

07Oct

Holy Mass of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary | 07 October 2026

07 Oct, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary | 07 October 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

07Oct

Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

07 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary.

The feast has its origins in the 16th century, when Pope Saint Pius V established the Feast of Our Lady of Victory following the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, a victory attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the prayer of the Rosary. The feast was later renamed and eventually fixed on 7 October.

The Rosary itself developed gradually over centuries as a way of meditating on the life, death and Resurrection of Christ through prayer with Mary. The Dominican tradition played an important role in spreading this devotion throughout the Church.

In 2002, Pope Saint John Paul II added the Mysteries of Light, bringing the Rosary to the form familiar to Catholics today.

The Rosary remains one of the Church’s most cherished prayers, drawing us into the mysteries of Christ and helping us to contemplate his life through the eyes of his Mother.

🙏 Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.

07Oct

Gospel

07 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 11:1-4
‘Lord, teach us to pray.’

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ And he said to them, ‘When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’

06Oct

Marian Devotions | 06 October 2026

06 Oct, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Marian Devotions | 06 October 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

06Oct

Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Twenty Seventh Week of Ordinary Time | 06 October 2026

06 Oct, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Twenty Seventh Week of Ordinary Time | 06 October 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

06Oct

Gospel Luke 10:38-42

06 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel Luke 10:38-42
Martha works; Mary listens

Jesus came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord’s feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered: ‘Martha, Martha,’ he said ‘you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.’

05Oct

Holy Mass of Monday of the Twenty Seventh Week of Ordinary Time | 05 October 2026

05 Oct, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Monday of the Twenty Seventh Week of Ordinary Time | 05 October 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

05Oct

Gospel

05 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 10:25-37
‘Who is my neighbour?’

At that time: Behold, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? How do you read it?’ And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.’
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.” Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You go, and do likewise.’

04Oct

COMING UP ACROSS SCOTLAND

04 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

COMING UP ACROSS SCOTLAND

▪️𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆
Saturday 17 October 2026, 9.30am–3.30pm
St Mary’s, 36 Forebank Road, Dundee, DD1 2PB

The Diocese of Dunkeld’s annual Mission Awareness Day will explore Catholic Social Teaching with Lorraine Currie, Chief Executive of SCIAF. Bishop Andrew McKenzie will celebrate Holy Mass at noon. All are welcome.

Find out more: https://www.dunkelddiocese.co.uk/event/mission-awareness/

▪️𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗮𝘇𝗮: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀
Thursday 22 October 2026, 7.00pm
Immaculate Conception Church Hall, 2049 Maryhill Road, Glasgow, G20 0AA

SCIAF’s annual Romero Lecture will be delivered by internationally recognised peace mediator Oliver McTernan. The free evening will honour the legacy of Saint Oscar Romero and include the lecture, questions and refreshments.

Register: https://sciaf.beaconforms.com/form/32f88aa5

▪️𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Saturday 24 October 2026
St Augustine’s Parish Centre, 12 Dundyvan Road, Coatbridge, ML5 1DQ

Families from across Scotland are invited to a special day organised by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Marriage, Family and Life Office. The conference will offer an opportunity to come together in faith and prayer and to celebrate and reflect upon Catholic family life.

Book your place: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/4EAU3ueKgU

▪️𝗦𝗣𝗨𝗖 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
Thursday 29 October 2026, 6.30pm–8.30pm
Beginning at the Mercat Building, Glasgow Cross, and concluding at St Andrew’s Cathedral

SPUC Scotland’s annual Candlelight Procession will bring people together to pray for the protection of unborn life. The Rosary begins at 6.30pm, followed by the procession at 7.00pm and Holy Mass in St Andrew’s Cathedral at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

Find out more: https://archedinburgh.org/event/spuc-candlelight-procession-2/

▪️𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 – 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲
Saturday 31 October 2026, arrivals from 9.30am; programme 10.00am–2.30pm
Conforti Institute, Calder Avenue, Coatbridge, ML5 4JS

Join the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Committee for Interreligious Dialogue for a free conference exploring the Church’s commitment to interreligious dialogue and how it can be lived out in parishes and communities. The day will include talks, practical guidance, questions and discussion. A light lunch will be provided.

Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Ai8qdDPULb

▪️𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Saturday 7 November 2026
Technology & Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 9 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RD

The Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency’s national conference is for clergy, religious, parish safeguarding coordinators, trainers, staff and volunteers with safeguarding responsibilities. The programme will explore practical ways to help make parish life safer, informed by survivors, research and examples from parish communities.

Register: https://form.jotform.com/262421592883362

04Oct

Scottish Laity Network

04 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Scottish Laity Network - November Gathering

The Scottish Laity Network has organised a Gathering to celebrate and give thanks for the fruits of their shared journey and to discern what comes next. The event is on Saturday 7th November at the Conforti Centre, Coatbridge either in person or online.

Please check the SLN website for further information.

The Scottish Laity Network (SLN) seeks to enable Scottish laity to come together as disciples of Jesus through prayer, dialogue and discernment to find 'new ways' of being Church in Scotland in the 21st century.