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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.

Being Catholic TV

Members of The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. 

To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

At Christmas, Christians across Scotland gathered around the crib to contemplate the life of a vulnerable child; God entering our world as a baby in need of care, protection and love. Christmas places fragile human life at the centre of everything.
It is therefore unsettling that this season saw the first person in Scotland charged under the new so-called “buffer zone” law in Scotland; a law the Church believes curtails Scotland’s commitment to freedom of expression and conscience, and restricts critical voices from democratic debate in the public square.
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024 establishes “buffer zones” of up to 200 metres around abortion facilities — currently around 30 locations across Scotland. Within those zones, any conduct deemed to “influence” a decision about abortion may be criminalised. That vague description should trouble anyone who values legal clarity or free expression.
The Catholic Church does not condone harassment or intimidation, but that was not the intention of this law. The Church has been clear: harassment, intimidation and obstruction are wrong and unacceptable. But Scotland already has robust laws to deal with harassment, public disorder and threatening behaviour and it is telling that, when consulted on the proposed new law, Police Scotland did not ask for more powers, and went as far to state in written evidence to Parliament that, “existing powers and offences are sufficient to address any unlawful behaviour in the vicinity of healthcare premises.” When parliaments introduce criminal offences where existing law is already sufficient, questions should be raised and alarm bells ring.
We oppose this law because it is disproportionate and undemocratic. It represents state overreach and curtails basic freedoms. The Church would similarly oppose legislation mandating buffer zones outside nuclear weapons facilities or refugee detention centres. This should concern every Scottish citizen, regardless of their views on abortion.
As the Parliamentary Officer for the Catholic Church in Scotland pointed out, women experiencing crisis pregnancies may be “denied the opportunity to freely speak to people and organisations who may be able to help them.” A law supposedly designed to protect choice risks doing the opposite — eliminating one side of a conversation and one set of choices altogether.
Even more troubling is what the legislation anticipates. Official documentation accompanying the Act acknowledges that the law envisages criminalising “praying audibly” and “silent vigils."
This is unprecedented in modern Scotland, and it is no wonder it has raised eyebrows around the world, with concerns raised around Scotland’s commitment to human rights and freedom of expression and religion.
The implications go further. The Act extends to private homes within designated zones. A pro-life poster displayed in a window, a conversation overheard, a prayer said by a window; all could, in principle, fall within the scope of criminal sanction. When asked directly whether praying by a window in your own home could constitute an offence, Gillian Mackay, the Scottish Green Party MSP, who spearheaded the legislation, replied: “That depends on who’s passing the window.” That sends a chill down the spine of anyone who cares about civil liberties. Criminal law that depends on the perception of a passer-by is certainly not the hallmark of a free Scottish society.
The law also potentially criminalises a person standing alone in a buffer zone without any visible expression of protest, but who is deemed by others to be offering a silent pro-life inspired prayer. Even Police Scotland expressed unease. Superintendent Gerry Corrigan told Parliament that policing thought is an area they “would stay clear of,” adding: “I do not think we could go down the road of asking people what they are thinking or what their thoughts are. That feels really uncomfortable.” Yet, this is the territory into which Scottish law now ventures. Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference, noted that “none of the arguments made were able to get around the basic premise that Police Scotland had never asked for more powers.” and that the law is “draconian” and “unnecessary,” particularly considering its impact on people of faith.
Some parliamentarians attempted to mitigate the effects of the law— proposing a reasonableness defence, or exemptions for chaplains who might be criminalised for pastoral conversations. All amendments were rejected or withdrawn.
We support all those who, motivated by conscience and compassion, stand up for the right to life. It cannot be a crime to give our voice and our prayers to the unborn.
Christmas is the message that every human life has infinite dignity from its beginning. That truth is not confined to private thoughts. A society confident in its values does not fear opposing voices. It does not criminalise silent prayer. It does not ask its police or judges to peer into the minds of its citizens.
Scotland’s buffer zones law represents a profound shift in the relationship between the State and the individual — one that restricts free speech, free expression and freedom of religion in ways that should concern us all.
As we look to the child in the manger this Christmas and Epiphany, we are reminded that babies do not have a voice of their own. It is a shame that the State has now also curtailed the voices of ordinary citizens who advocate for them within its borders.
The Catholic Bishops of Scotland
6th January 2026

News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn
May 2024
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-05/pope-june-intention-for-those-fleeing-their-own-countries.html


Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of June 2024, and invites everyone to pray for people who flee their home countries.

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https://rcpolitics.org/time-for-reflection-archbishop-leo-cushley-offers-insights-into-building-bridges-across-differences/


‘We all have a duty to move always towards the truth, to respect it and bear responsible witness to it’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2467)

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https://rcpolitics.org/consultation-proposed-right-to-palliative-care/


‘We all have a duty to move always towards the truth, to respect it and bear responsible witness to it’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2467)

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Rinunce e nomine, 27.05.2024

Nomina del Vescovo di Dunkeld (Scozia) del Vescovo di Dunkeld (Scozia)

Il Santo Padre ha nominato Vescovo della Diocesi di Dunkeld (Scozia) il Rev.do Andrew McKenzie del clero di Glasgow, finora Canonico e Amministratore della Cattedrale Arcidiocesana di St. Andrew di Glasgow.

Curriculum vitae

S.E. Mons. Andrew McKenzie è nato il 14 ottobre 1964 a Glasgow. Ha svolto gli studi in preparazione al sacerdozio presso il St. Peter’s College a Newlands e il Chesters College a Bearsden.

È stato ordinato sacerdote per l’Arcidiocesi di Glasgow il 31 ottobre 1988.

Ha ricoperto i seguenti incarichi e svolto ulteriori studi: Master in Liturgia presso la St. John’s University di Collegeville, USA (1996-1998); Formatore in Seminario presso lo Scotus College (1999-2005); Promotore delle Vocazioni (2005-2013); Direttore di Priests for Scotland (2005-2013); Parroco di St. Joseph a Tollcross (2013-2022); dal 2022, Canonico e Amministratore della Cattedrale Arcidiocesana di St. Andrew di Glasgow.



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Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Dunkeld

27th May 2024

At 12 noon today (27th May 2024) in Rome (11am GMT) it was announced, that Pope Francis had nominated Fr. Andrew McKenzie as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld. Following the sad passing of Bishop-elect Martin Chambers he will succeed Bishop Stephen Robson who was Bishop of Dunkeld from 2013 to 2022 when he retired on health grounds, since when it has been administered by Canon Kevin Golden.

Reacting to his appointment, Fr. Andrew said:

“I am humbled by the trust that Pope Francis has placed in me by inviting me to be the next Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld. With faith in God’s guidance, and with some nervousness, I accepted his invitation.

I look forward to getting to know the priests and people of the diocese and to joining them in the work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I take courage in the understanding that I will not be working alone, for each of us has a role to play in the work of evangelisation.

I have good memories of the diocese from a previous role as Director of Priests for Scotland when I was a regular visitor to Dundee at the invitation of Bishop Vincent Logan. I look forward to reconnecting with people and places.

I know that this has been a difficult time for the Diocese of Dunkeld with the unexpected death of Bishop Elect Martin Chambers. We remember him and continue to pray for his eternal rest.”

Responding to the news Diocesan Administrator Fr. Kevin Golden said:

The Diocese of Dunkeld joyfully receives the news of Fr. Andrew McKenzie being nominated as the Bishop of Dunkeld by our Holy Father Pope Francis. The priests, deacons, religious and lay people of Dunkeld look forward to welcoming him and the leadership he will exercise as our Shepherd. We ask of the Lord many blessings for him, and we shall keep him in our prayers each day.

Welcoming the appointment of Fr. McKenzie, the administrator of his Cathedral, Archbishop Nolan of Glasgow said:

May I congratulate Fr Andrew McKenzie on his appointment as Bishop and may I also congratulate Dunkeld Diocese who now acquires a fine priest as their leader and guide. In his 36 years of priestly service the Archdiocese of Glasgow and the wider Church in Scotland have benefited from his talent, his commitment, his perseverance, and the high standards he has set in a variety of ministries. He has shown care for parishioners and care for his fellow priests, with a devotion also to the worthy celebration of liturgy and the praise and worship of God.

Born 15th October 1964 in Glasgow. Educated at Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School (1969 – 1976); Lourdes Secondary (1976–1982); St. Peter’s College Newlands (1982-1985); Chesters College Bearsden (1985-1988).

Ordained Priest Our Lady of Lourdes 31st October 1988

Appointed assistant priest St. Michael’s Dumbarton and school chaplain to Our Lady & St. Patrick’s High School (1988-1994); Appointed assistant priest Holy Cross Croy and school chaplain to St. Ninian’s High School Kirkintilloch and to St Maurice’s High School Cumbernauld. (1994-1998)

Further study, MA Liturgical Studies St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota USA (1996-1998)

Appointed assistant priest St. Andrew’s Cathedral (1998-1999)

Appointed to the seminary staff of Scotus College (1999-2004); Visiting lecturer (2004 -2009); Director of Priests for Scotland (2004-2012).

Appointed Parish Priest St. Joseph’s Tollcross (2012-2022) and Administrator St. Joachim’s Carmyle (2013-2022); Administrator of St. Andrew’s Cathedral Glasgow (2022 – present day).

Chair of the Council of Priests (2019-2021)

Archdiocesan Master of Ceremonies (2012-present day)



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Lord Jesus, we give you thanks, for you showed us how to live

#MissiosMondayPrayer

Archdiocese of Glasgow Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh Diocese of Paisley Motherwell Diocese RC Ayr Galloway Diocese RC Diocese of Aberdeen Bishop John Keenan School of Education Spiritual and Pastoral Formation Justice and Peace Scotland The Scottish Catholic Sancta Familia Being Catholic Mill Hill Missionaries Scotland The Spiritans, Carfin St Patrick's Missionary Society Scotland Sisters of St. Peter Claver Scottish Catholic Education Service St. Andrew's Foundation for Catholic Teacher Education AGAP - Archdiocese of Glasgow Arts Project RE Department Archdiocese of Glasgow RE Department Diocese of Motherwell Catholic Rough Bounds Catholic Parliamentary Office for Scotland Padre Pio Events Scotland

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https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/pope-recognizes-miracle-needed-churchs-first-millennial-saint


Pope Francis formally recognized a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian teenager whose birth in 1991 will make him the first "millennial" to become a saint.

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-05/pope-proclaims-jubilee-may-hope-fill-our-days.html


At a ceremony in St Peter’s Basilica on Ascension Thursday, Pope Francis solemnly proclaims the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025, consigning the Bull of ...

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2024-05/bishop-simard-palliative-care-aims-at-accompaniment.html


Palliative care seeks to accompany men and women in the final moments of their life, according to Canadian Bishop Noël Simard, ahead of a Symposium on ...

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