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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

30th July 2026


30 July 2026

Bishop Welcomes Prime Minister’s Call to Prioritise Care Reforms Before Westminster Assisted Suicide Vote

Bishop John Keenan, the Bishop with responsibility for Marriage, Family and Life for the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s call for the serious gaps in palliative and social care to be addressed before the Westminster Parliament considers assisted suicide legislation.

Bishop Keenan said:

“The Prime Minister’s intervention is both timely and welcome. We have a duty to ensure that every person approaching the end of life has access to the compassionate palliative and social care they deserve. No one should ever feel driven towards assisted suicide because they lack the care, support or dignity they need.

“We were grateful that the Scottish Parliament resolutely rejected assisted suicide only recently. We hope this latest intervention will encourage Members of the Westminster Parliament to reflect carefully before taking a step that would fundamentally change the way our society cares for the sick and vulnerable.

“As our Catholic Parliamentary Officer, Anthony Horan, has rightly said: ‘The last thing the country needs is another divisive debate about assisted suicide. We need to make progress in improving palliative and social care, not offering vulnerable people state support to end their lives.’ I share that conviction wholeheartedly.

“This is an opportunity to rethink the whole approach to assisted suicide. The compassionate response to suffering is never to help people end their lives, but to ensure they receive the high-quality care, love and accompaniment they need. Let us pray for all who are seriously ill, for their families and carers, and for those in public office, that they may always uphold the dignity of every human life and work to build a society that truly cares for its most vulnerable members.”

Bishop John Keenan

President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

Contact:

Media Office

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

News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn
March 2025
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-03/pope-gratitude-closeness-urges-prayers-peace.html


The Holy See Press Office releases Pope Francis' Angelus address as he continues his recovery at Gemelli Hospital. In his message, the Pope expresses ...
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Wondering what to do for Lent? Here are some ideas from Pope Francis to help you make this season meaningful. Small acts can make a big difference.
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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-03/sunday-gospel-reflection-1-march-2025-kraska.html


As the Church celebrates the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jenny Kraska offers her thoughts on the day's liturgical readings, focusing on humility ...
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🇺🇦🙏Pray with us for Ukraine and for the world.

The beginning of this week marked the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Yesterday the international community watched in disbelief as the president of one country sought to intimidate and subjugate the president of another in front of the world's media.

At a time when true peace in the world seems beyond reach and much of the news is dominated by global powers seeking to outmanoeuvre one another in their quest to dominate, the voices of those committed to love, justice and peace must raise all the louder.

🙏 Heavenly Father, we pray for the people of Ukraine, that they may know peace, freedom and justice and an end to war in their land.

🙏God of compassion and love, we bring before you all Ukrainian and Russian families who have lost their loved ones during this war. Be close to them and bring them comfort in their anger and grief.

🙏 God of justice and peace, we implore you to move the hearts of world leaders that they may not be motivated by pride and ego but instead strive to lead with integrity, putting the common good of all before the pursuit of power and domination.

🙏Jesus, Light of the World, we pray that all global conflicts may be overcome not by warfare which brings death, sorrow, and destruction but by diplomacy, dialogue and resolution. Above all we ask you to illuminate the hearts of those who seek conflict with compassion and wisdom, that they may replace anger and violence with reconciliation and peace.
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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-03/pope-francis-continues-to-rest-following-a-peaceful-night.html


The Holy See Press Office reports on Sunday morning that Pope Francis had a peaceful night and continues to rest.
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Today the annual Cardinal Winning Lecture, preceded by Mass, took place in Glasgow University. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the University’s St Andrew Foundation for Catholic Teacher Education. The day explored the role of Catholic education, its successes and challenges, dialoguing with wider society and what we can offer and receive. I am grateful to all who work in Catholic education, within our diocese and beyond.
+Brian
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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-03/pope-in-stable-condition-no-new-respiratory-attacks.html


Pope Francis is in stable condition, and has been alternating between non-invasive mechanical ventilation with long periods of supplemental high-flow ...
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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-03/pope-francis-rests-after-a-quiet-night-1-march-2025.html


Pope Francis slept well and is resting, according to a Saturday morning statement from the Holy See Press Office.
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February 2025
Today the Bishop’s Conference spent a day reflecting on the final document of the Synod, led by Fr Roger Dawson SJ at the Ignatian Spirituality Centre, Glasgow. The Bishops concluded their day examining their priorities at national, diocesan and parish levels and praying for Pope Francis.



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