The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

13th April 2026

13 April 2026

Peace and Dialogue: the Gospel Response to Conflict

The Bishops of Scotland today renew their urgent appeal to political leaders across the world to pursue peace with courage, determination, and sincerity. In a time marked by deepening conflict and human suffering, particularly in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan and South Sudan, the need for dialogue and diplomatic solutions has never been more pressing.

War brings devastation, loss, and division. It leaves lasting wounds in families, communities, and nations, and it disproportionately harms the innocent. The Bishops call on all those in positions of authority to reject the path of escalation and instead commit themselves to meaningful dialogue, patient negotiation, and the difficult but necessary work of peacebuilding.

The Bishops express their gratitude to Pope Leo for his clear and consistent voice in calling for peace. His leadership continues to be a guiding light for the Church and the world at this critical time.

Reflecting on the Holy Father’s recent Vigil for Peace held last Saturday, the Bishops highlight his powerful words:
“Let us silence the weapons, so that the voice of humanity may be heard. Let us choose encounter over confrontation, and the courage of peace over the illusion of power.”

The Bishops of Scotland invite Catholics across our country to join the Holy Father in this appeal. In parishes, homes, and communities, we continue to pray fervently for an end to violence and for the triumph of justice and reconciliation.

The Bishops urge all people of goodwill to stand together in hope. Peace is not beyond reach - but it requires genuine humility, courage, and a shared commitment to the dignity of every human life.

As the Holy Father begins his apostolic journey to several countries in Africa as a missionary of peace, we assure him of our continued prayers and solidarity.

Image: Pope Leo XIV by Edgar Beltrán / Wikimedia Commons

20th March 2026

20 March 2026

Statement from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Following a request from the Holy See, the Bishops of Scotland have been invited to reflect on how the structures of the Church in our country can best serve her mission in the years ahead, specifically whether the present situation of eight dioceses is suitable.

We are all aware of the challenges before us — fewer clergy, changing patterns of practice, and increasing pressures on our diocesan resources, among other things. Yet our mission remains unchanged: to proclaim the Gospel and to lead our people to Christ.

Two possible pathways are being proposed for careful discernment: developing deeper cooperation and the sharing of resources across dioceses within our present structures, or the merging of some dioceses.

In order to best inform ourselves and the Holy See, each bishop will engage with his diocese over the coming months for the first part of this process. Everyone will be given the opportunity to pray, reflect, and contribute.

Following-on from the presentation of a discussion paper, responses from each diocese will contribute to the initial findings which will be given to the Holy See in the Autumn.

This is not simply an administrative exercise. It is a pastoral and missionary response to our changing landscape. This process will ensure our Church in Scotland will continue to grow ever more missionary, more Christ-centred, and more collaborative in the service of God’s people.

Entrusting this work to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to the intercession of Our Lady, we move forward together with confidence and renewed hope.

Contact:

Media Office

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

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

Empty
Click + to add content

News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn

June 2025

25Jun

The 'coalition of conscience' assembling in the Lords to combat assisted suicide - Catholic Herald

25 Jun, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://thecatholicherald.com/the-coalition-of-conscience-assembling-in-the-lords-to-combat-assisted-suicide/

Like so many people in this country, I have long admired Lord Alton of Liverpool. He has been a great credit to the Catholic Church by acting fearlessly in the public square on behalf of pre-born. For decades he has worked courageously and tirelessly against the sharp and often cruel grain of public...

24Jun

NB: This article was written before Friday's vote at Third Reading, but remains relevant

24 Jun, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

NB: This article was written before Friday's vote at Third Reading, but remains relevant.

“It’s now clear that the assisted dying Bill will rob our stretched NHS of much needed resources and could become the trojan horse that breaks the NHS, the proudest institution and the proudest measure in our Labour Party’s history."

Read More: spuc.org.uk/legalising-assisted-suicide-could-break-the-nhs-and-ruin-labours-legacy-dame-siobhain-mcdonagh-warns

24Jun

A post from Bishops' Conference of Scotland

24 Jun, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

24Jun

We welcome His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain to the Diocese of Galloway today

24 Jun, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

We welcome His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain to the Diocese of Galloway today. As he begins his Visitation, he will visit @dumfrieshouse to hear about the work of the King's Foundation in the area.

24Jun

‘The Chosen’ cast visits Vatican after filming Crucifixion scenes in Italy

24 Jun, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/amp/news/264941/the-chosen-cast-visits-vatican-after-filming-crucifixion-scenes-in-italy

Jonathan Roumie, castmates from “The Chosen,” and director Dallas Jenkins are at the Vatican this week after wrapping up three weeks of filming in southern Italy.

24Jun

Barron responds to criticism over participation in Religious Liberty Commission

24 Jun, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/amp/news/264951/bishop-barron-responds-to-criticism-over-participation-in-religious-liberty-commission

In a social media post on June 22, Bishop Robert Barron responded to claims made in a recent article by Minneapolis Star-Tribune columnist Karen Tolkkinen.

24Jun

Nativity of Saint John the Baptist | Franciscan Media

24 Jun, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/nativity-of-saint-john-the-baptist/

Saint John the Baptist is one of the few saints who have two feast days. Today we celebrate his birth, which Saint Luke narrates in his Gospel. There Luke draws a parallel between the births of Jesus and John, pointing out the important role in the history of salvation that John the Baptist would pl...

24Jun

Gospel of the Day (Luke 1,57-66.80)

24 Jun, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel of the Day (Luke 1,57-66.80)

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, "No. He will be called John."

But they answered her, "There is no one among your relatives who has this name." So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name," and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea.

All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be?" For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/word-of-the-day/2025/06/24.html

24Jun

Syria: Suicide bombing at Orthodox Church in Damascus - Vatican News

24 Jun, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

A suicide bomber has killed at least 20 people attending the Divine Liturgy at St. Elijah Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus on Sunday.

23Jun

US bombs Iran nuclear sites as Pope Leo, bishops plead for peace

23 Jun, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

US bombs Iran nuclear sites as Pope Leo, bishops plead for peace
Moments after Trump’s media address, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, told OSV News in a statement, “With all men and women of goodwill, we beg Almighty God to end the proliferation of acts of war and to inspire dialogue before more innocent people are harmed.
https://iobserve.org/2025/06/22/us-bombs-iran-nuclear-sites-as-pope-leo-bishops-plead-for-peace/