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

Click here to visit the Jubilee 2025 website

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

April 2025

20Apr

A post from Bishops' Conference of Scotland

20 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

20Apr

Pope at Urbi et Orbi prays for an end to all violence, from Gaza to the Sahel - Vatican News

20 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-urbi-et-orbi-easter-2025-peace-gaza-drc-sudan-arms.html

Pope Francis dedicates his Easter Urbi et Orbi message to calling for peace worldwide, for global disarmament and for the release of prisoners.

20Apr

Gather gladness from the skies;

20 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gather gladness from the skies;
Take a lesson from the ground;
Flowers do ope their heavenward eyes
And a Spring-time joy have found;
Earth throws Winter's robes away,
Decks herself for Easter Day.

20Apr

Happy Easter 🙏🙏🙏

20 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Happy Easter 🙏🙏🙏

19Apr

A post from Bishops' Conference of Scotland

19 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

19Apr

The Easter holidays are a perfect time to pause, pray, and explore some of Scotland’s rich Catholic heritage

19 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The Easter holidays are a perfect time to pause, pray, and explore some of Scotland’s rich Catholic heritage.

Here are some special places where faith, history, and beauty come together:

📍St Ninian’s Cave and Whithorn Priory

Walk the quiet coastal path to the cave where St Ninian, Scotland’s first known Christian missionary, is said to have prayed. Nearby, explore the ruins of Whithorn Priory — a powerful reminder of over 1,600 years of Christian faith in the area.

📍 The Whithorn Trust

Step inside the visitor centre and museum to see artefacts from centuries of pilgrimage. A brilliant stop for families wanting to connect with Scotland’s Christian story.

📍St Columba’s, Largs

Nestled by the sea, this welcoming parish is a peaceful place to visit, light a candle, and reflect — perhaps followed by a stroll along the promenade with views across to Cumbrae.

📍Carfin Grotto, Motherwell

Sometimes called “Scotland’s Lourdes”, this prayerful shrine offers Stations of the Cross, Rosary paths, and a peaceful grotto — a perfect space for quiet prayer or a family pilgrimage.

📍St Andrew’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Glasgow

A beautiful and historic cathedral on the banks of the Clyde, with a peaceful atmosphere and regular Masses for visitors.

📍St Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh Castle

The oldest building in Edinburgh, tucked inside the castle walls, and built in honour of St Margaret of Scotland — a saint, queen, and mother known for her compassion and faith.

📍St Andrew’s Cathedral, St Andrews (Fife)

Although now in ruins, this was once the largest church in Scotland — a place of immense historical and spiritual significance. Take a walk through the remains and imagine the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims.

This Eastertide, let your holidays include a step closer to the saints, the history of our faith, and Christ Himself. Where will your journey take you?

19Apr

As we prepare to celebrate the triumph of the Lord's Resurrection at the Easter Vigil in parishes across the Diocese, Bishop Toa...

19 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

As we prepare to celebrate the triumph of the Lord's Resurrection at the Easter Vigil in parishes across the Diocese, Bishop Toal offers his Easter Message to the people of the Diocese.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year there can be no day more hope-filled than Easter Sunday as we celebrate with great joy the Lord’s Resurrection. May the Risen Lord Jesus therefore renew our faith, fill us with great hope, and inspire further acts of Christian love and service.

A special word of welcome to those received into the Church this Easter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you experience the power of the Lord’s presence in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. May your participation in Christ and his Church sustain you constantly now in the pilgrimage of life.

As we continue to hear of the ravages of war and of the terror felt by many in our troubled world we pray earnestly for peace and justice, for forgiveness and healing, for a respite from fear and a glimmer of hope.

We pray that the Lord of New Life will keep us and our loved ones safe in his care and bring consolation to all in pain.

With my Easter blessing and good wishes,

+ Joseph Toal

19Apr

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

19 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Images of Mary the sorrowful mother and the hopeful mother awaiting the resurrection of Her Son🙏

18Apr

From the Via Crucis at the Colosseum this evening

18 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

From the Via Crucis at the Colosseum this evening
We have walked the Stations of the Cross. We have turned towards the love from which nothing can ever separate us. Now, as the King sleeps and a great silence descends upon all the earth, let us pray, in the words of Saint Francis, for the gift of heartfelt conversion:
“Most High and glorious God, Cast your light into the darkness of my heart. Grant me right faith, firm hope, perfect charity, and profound humility. Grant me, Lord, wisdom and understanding, so that I may do your true and holy will. Amen.”

18Apr

Pope’s Via Crucis meditations: Embrace God’s economy in a world of algorithms - Vatican News

18 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-via-crucis-meditations-easter-2025-god-s-economy.html

In his meditations written for the Good Friday Way of the Cross at the Colosseum—presided over this evening, 18 April, by Cardinal Baldo Reina on ...