05 May 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election approaches, we find ourselves at another important moment in our nation’s life. Elections are not only political events but opportunities to reflect prayerfully on our responsibilities as citizens and disciples of Jesus Christ. Our participation in public life expresses our love of neighbour and our desire to build a society that honours God through truth, justice, and charity.
The Church and the political community have distinct roles, yet both serve the good of every person. The Church forms consciences through the light of the Gospel, while politics shapes society’s structures. When these work together respectfully, society flourishes, especially in its care for the weakest. It is therefore vital that Catholics approach this election with faith‑formed minds and hearts moved by charity.
Many in Scotland today face deep vulnerability: unborn children; the elderly; families in poverty; the disabled; those with poor mental health; people suffering addiction; victims of modern slavery; migrants seeking safety; people considering suicide; and victims of crime. They deserve not only compassion but public policies that protect their dignity. We need representatives who act with integrity, value every human life, and prioritise the poorest. Public service is noble when rooted in humility and the common good.
Our elected officials must also defend fundamental freedoms—thought, conscience, and religion—so Scotland remains a place where people can express beliefs openly and respectfully. Public discourse thrives when diverse voices can speak without fear and disagreements are handled with civility. Silencing religious expression deprives society of moral and spiritual richness.
We affirm the rights of parents, who have the God‑given responsibility to educate their children, including choosing schools that reflect their convictions. Authorities must safeguard this right and protect Catholic schools, which serve families of all backgrounds and help form young people in faith, virtue, and service. Attempts to marginalise, or remove, these schools would weaken Scotland’s educational diversity.
As you prepare to vote, reflect on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching - human dignity, the common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity - which illuminate the key moral issues of our time:
These are not merely political issues, but moral ones rooted in the Gospel and the Church’s commitment to every person’s dignity. Study and pray with these principles as you discern your vote. Resources from the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office ( rcpolitics.org) can help form your conscience, enabling you to seek truth, weigh moral implications, and consider the impact on the vulnerable. Above all, we urge you to use your right to vote.
We pray for respectful and honest conversation throughout this election. Political life must not be poisoned by anger, division, or populist rhetoric. May all debates reflect concern for human dignity and the common good.
We entrust Scotland—its people, leaders, and future—to the care of Our Lady, Queen of Peace. May her intercession guide us toward justice, compassion, and unity. May the Holy Spirit inspire candidates with integrity and humility, and voters with responsibility, prayerfulness, and love of neighbour.
Yours devotedly in Christ,
20 March 2026
Statement from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland
Contact:
Media Office
Bishops’ Conference of Scotland 64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT Tel: 01236 764061 Email: [email protected]
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.
Please pray for Mgr. Henry Docherty, former secretary general of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland, who died this morning. May he rest in peace. It is with deep regret that we have to advise you of the death of Monsignor Henry Docherty, who passed away this morning in Summerlee Care Home in Coatbridge. 1930 Born Glasgow Attended St.Mungo’s Academy 1949 Scots College Rome 1955 Ordained Rome 1956-1959 St. James’ Coatbridge 1959-1967 St. Patrick’s Wishaw 1967-1968 St. Bartholomew’s Coatbridge 1968-1969 St. Augustine’s Coatbridge 1969-1970 St. Brendan’s Motherwell 1970-1978 Chaplain Notre Dame College of Education 1978-1979 St. Serf’s Airdrie 1979-1987 Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Rome 1987 Secretary Bishops Conference of Scotland Further information, and details of the funeral arrangements for Monsignor Henry, will be provided in due course. Our Lady, Queen of Priests, pray for him. Requiescat in pace. (Feed generated with FetchRSS)