The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Gospel
John 5:17-30
‘For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.’

At that time: Jesus answered the Jews, ‘My Father is working even now, and I am working.’ This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgement to the Son, that all may honour the Son, just as they honour the Father. Whoever does not honour the Son does not honour the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life. He does not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life.
‘Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgement, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgement.
‘I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgement is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.’

In this significant moment, we commend Scotland to the care of Almighty God.

We ask the faithful to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon our MSPs, that every decision may uphold the dignity and sanctity of human life.

Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us.

Legends surround Saint Patrick, but at the heart of his life were two simple qualities: humility and courage. He accepted both suffering and success as part of God’s plan, trusting he was only an instrument in bringing Ireland to Christ.

As a teenager, he was captured by Irish raiders and enslaved in Ireland, where he endured hunger, cold and isolation as a shepherd. During those years his faith deepened. After escaping and returning home, he later discerned a call to return to Ireland as a missionary bishop.

Despite opposition and criticism, Patrick preached the Gospel across the country, especially in places where Christ had not yet been proclaimed. He ordained priests, established dioceses, founded monasteries and encouraged the people to grow in holiness.

In a relatively short time, Ireland was transformed by the Christian faith and would go on to send missionaries across Europe. In his Confessio, Patrick gave thanks to God for calling him, an unworthy sinner, to such a mission.

His life remains a powerful witness to faith, courage and trust in God.

More and more medical bodies, professional organisations and charities across Scotland are raising serious concerns about the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.

From the Royal College of Psychiatrists to palliative care experts, disability organisations, and legal professionals, the message is clear:

⚠️ Safeguards are inadequate
⚠️ Risks to vulnerable people remain
⚠️ Key protections have been removed or weakened

These are not isolated voices. They represent those working closest with the sick, elderly, disabled and most vulnerable in our society.

The more we know, the more we say no.

The Catholic bishops of Scotland are urging politicians to reject the proposed Assisted Suicide Bill, warning that it poses serious risks to vulnerable people.

Ahead of tomorrow’s vote in the Scottish Parliament, the bishops have called for legislation that protects life and strengthens compassionate care for those who are seriously ill.

Read more below.

The more we know, the more we say no.


With a final vote on the controversial proposal due to take place on March 17, Scottish bishops have made an urgent plea to Scottish politicians to reject the legislation.