The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

20th March 2026

20 March 2026

Statement from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Following a request from the Holy See, the Bishops of Scotland have been invited to reflect on how the structures of the Church in our country can best serve her mission in the years ahead, specifically whether the present situation of eight dioceses is suitable.

We are all aware of the challenges before us — fewer clergy, changing patterns of practice, and increasing pressures on our diocesan resources, among other things. Yet our mission remains unchanged: to proclaim the Gospel and to lead our people to Christ.

Two possible pathways are being proposed for careful discernment: developing deeper cooperation and the sharing of resources across dioceses within our present structures, or the merging of some dioceses.

In order to best inform ourselves and the Holy See, each bishop will engage with his diocese over the coming months for the first part of this process. Everyone will be given the opportunity to pray, reflect, and contribute.

Following-on from the presentation of a discussion paper, responses from each diocese will contribute to the initial findings which will be given to the Holy See in the Autumn.

This is not simply an administrative exercise. It is a pastoral and missionary response to our changing landscape. This process will ensure our Church in Scotland will continue to grow ever more missionary, more Christ-centred, and more collaborative in the service of God’s people.

Entrusting this work to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to the intercession of Our Lady, we move forward together with confidence and renewed hope.

Contact:

Media Office

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

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

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News from the Commissions and Agencies

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April 2024

11Apr

Photos from Galloway Diocese's post

11 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

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11Apr

Morning Mass offered for the eternal repose of Fr Martin Chambers, RIP

11 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

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10Apr

Death of Fr Martin Chambers 10 April 2024 The Bishop of Galloway, Bishop Frank Dougan has today announced that Fr Martin Chamb...

10 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Death of Fr Martin Chambers
10 April 2024

The Bishop of Galloway, Bishop Frank Dougan has today announced that Fr Martin Chambers, a priest of the Diocese of Galloway who was shortly to be ordained as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld, has died.

Bishop Dougan said:

“It was with a heavy heart and the deepest sadness that I learned today of the death of Fr. Martin Chambers, a priest of the Diocese of Galloway and the Bishop-Elect of the Diocese of Dunkeld. I know his family and the people of Galloway diocese who knew him and loved him will be deeply shocked and dismayed at his untimely death. Together we give thanks for the selfless service he gave to our diocese; we recognise the enormous contribution he made to support some of the poorest communities in Ecuador and we pray for the repose of his soul.”

“To know Martin was to know a man of love, enthusiasm, humour and a deep faith which enlivened all that he did.”

Bishop Dougan added:

“On behalf of the Dioses of Galloway I offer our deepest condolences and the promise of our prayers to Martin’s family as they come to terms with his loss, our prayers too are with the people of the Diocese of Dunkeld, who were preparing to welcome him as their bishop in two weeks’ time on 27 April. We give thanks to God for the great service of a selfless priest and pray for his eternal rest.”

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10Apr

Death of Fr Martin Chambers [Blogging]

10 Apr, 2024 | SCMO News |

08Apr

Vatican condemns surrogacy, gender-affirming surgery, gender theory in new doctrinal note

08 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/vatican-human-dignity-document-condemns-sex-change-gender-theory-and-surrogacy

Sex change operations, gender theory and surrogate motherhood pose grave threats to human dignity — as does the criminalization of homosexuality — according to a major new Vatican document.

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08Apr

Pope Francis meets with relatives of hostages being held by Hamas - Vatican News

08 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-francis-meets-with-relatives-of-israeli-hostages-in-gaza.html

Pope Francis meets with relatives of hostages being held by Hamas since the start of the Israeli war against Hamas. The private audience on Monday ...

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08Apr

New Vatican document lists ‘grave violations’ of human dignity - Vatican News

08 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-04/human-dignity-ddf-document-migration-gender-surrogacy-war-theolo.html

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s new document 'Dignitas infinita' took five years to complete, and builds on the papal magisterium of the ...

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08Apr

'Be humble' - Lord Speaker reflects on long career | ICN

08 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/49426

The Speaker of the House of Lords, Lord McFall of Alcluith, has urged politicians to remember the importance of humility when seeking to improve society.At an event hosted by the international mission and development organisation, Jesuit Missions, last Wednesday (20 March), the L...

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08Apr

Gospel in Art: Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord | ICN

08 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/49514

Gospel of 8 April 2024Luke 1:26-38The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in...

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06Apr

Hope For Peace in Gaza: A Conversation With Fr Gabriel Romanelli

06 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Dear Supporters of Justice and Peace Scotland,

We are pleased to let you know that booking is NOW OPEN and the programme of events for the visit of Fr Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, has now been confirmed. You are invited to join Justice & Peace Scotland, SCIAF, and the Archdiocese of Glasgow on Friday 26th April for two events in Fr Gabriel's company.

Join us first for "Hope For Peace in Gaza: A Conversation With Fr Gabriel Romanelli" which will consist of a keynote address by Fr Gabriel followed by a discussion panel and Q&A. Panellists will include Archbishop William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow and President of Justice & Peace Scotland, and Rev. Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland (other panellists still to be confirmed). After the talk, we will make our way to St Andrew's Cathedral for Celebration of Holy Mass with Fr Gabriel and the Archbishop. All details including address and timings are in the flyer below. Book your place by clicking on the flyer, or by clicking here. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hope-for-peace-in-gaza-a-conversation-with-fr-gabriel-romanelli-tickets-876630554587?aff=oddtdtcreator

Although the events marking Fr Gabriel's visit are free to attend, booking for the talk and Q&A is essential to allow us to monitor numbers. Registration will take place on the day to ensure those who have booked are admitted. There is no registration required for the mass. If you wish to attend the mass only, then please do not register, as this will reduce the available places at the talk.

We encourage as many of you to attend both events as possible to show our solidarity and support with Fr Gabriel and his community at this time of conflict and violence in The Holy Land, and ask you to please share the details of his visit with friends, family, and in your own networks.

We look forward to welcoming you on the 26th April.

In Peace,

Justice and Peace Scotland (The National Commission for Justice and Peace)

Join us at Trades Hall as we listen to Fr. Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, speak about his hopes for peace.

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