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

25th May 2026

25 May 2026

First Encyclical of Pope Leo XIV: Magnifica Humanitas

The Bishops of Scotland warmly welcome Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), the first encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, as a timely and insightful contribution to one of the defining questions of our age. As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes human life, this important document calls us to place the dignity of the human person at the heart of every technological advance.

We encourage the faithful, our schools and parish communities to read, study and pray with this landmark text.

To support this, the Office of Communications and Evangelisation will soon publish a parish study guide and other resources for small groups and parish use, helping communities to reflect more deeply on the opportunities and challenges of new technologies and their impact on human life.

Bishop John Keenan
President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

Full text of Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Letter Magnifica Humanitas:
https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: Justice & Peace Scotland FacebookReturn

November 2024

18Nov

📢 Join us this Saturday and Sunday for another Justice & Peace Scotland Solidarity Weekend

18 Nov, 2024 | Justice and Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

📢 Join us this Saturday and Sunday for another Justice & Peace Scotland Solidarity Weekend.

Saturday 23rd Nov: National Demonstration organised by Glasgow Stop the War Coalition.
🚫Stop All Arms Sales to Israel
🕦11.30am
📍McLennan Arch, Glasgow Green
🪧J&P Scotland supporters are asked to meet at the Doulton Fountain at 11.15am to walk together with our banner.

Sunday 24th November: Dungavel Solidarity Gathering
🤍Dignity Not Detention
🕐1 pm
📍Dungavel IRC, Strathaven, ML10 6RF
This event will follow the format of a two-minute silence to show solidarity with those detained in the facility, followed by some short speeches and readings. There will also be an opportunity to hand in cards and some biscuits and sweets for those in the centre. A warm welcome is extended to any groups or individuals who wish to attend.

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15Nov

Do No Harm - The slippery slope of Assisted Suicide

15 Nov, 2024 | Justice and Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

We recommend viewing this short documentary produced by Being Catholic highlighting some of the serious concerns around the proposed legislation to legalise assisted dying in the Westminster parliament in the United Kingdom. The documentary features reflections and opinion from Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland and Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference (England and Wales).

#DoNoHarm #RaiseYourVoice

“Do No Harm” is a short documentary which highlights some of the grave concerns around the proposed legislation to legalise assisted dying in the Westminster...

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15Nov

Photos from SCIAF's post

15 Nov, 2024 | Justice and Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

💚 It was great to host another successful event yesterday with our friends at SCIAF.

📢 Governments must act now to phase out fossil fuels to protect current and future generations from the consequences of irreversible climate damage: extreme weather events, food shortages, displacement and economic instability.

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14Nov

Photos from Justice and Peace Scotland's post

14 Nov, 2024 | Justice and Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

A huge thank you to all who attended the COP29 Mass today in St Andrew's Cathedral and the gathering afterwards, it was wonderful to see so many turn out to pray for the care of God's Creation. 🙏🌍

A special thanks goes to all the Primary and Secondary schools who joined us from across the Archdiocese of Glasgow, and to Rev. David Coleman who spoke to us over lunch about the work of Eco-Congregation Scotland.

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14Nov

Bishops make plea for ‘rapid transition’ away from fossil fuels

14 Nov, 2024 | Justice and Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

Today the Bishops' Conference of Scotland have released a statement encouraging world leaders to commit to a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and a just transition for workers. Read more about it below 👇 and find the statement in full on our website.

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland made the call during the Cop29 climate change summit in Azerbaijan.

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14Nov

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland have released a statement encouraging world leaders to establish a Fossil Fuel Non-Prolifera...

14 Nov, 2024 | Justice and Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland have released a statement encouraging world leaders to establish a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, to commit all nations to a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuels.

The statement, which is released today to mark the COP29 climate summit currently underway in Azerbaijan, calls on Scotland to play its role in realising the common good by participating in a swift transition away from fossil fuels, underpinned by a just transition for workers.

Archbishop William Nolan, President of Justice & Peace Scotland and of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland's Care of Creation Office said: "I welcome the statement and urge governments at COP29 to overcome national interests and pledge themselves to concrete action now.”

The full text of the statement can be read below.

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13Nov

To mark the COP29 Global Day of Action this Saturday, Justice & Peace Scotland will join many other faith groups at an interfait...

13 Nov, 2024 | Justice and Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

To mark the COP29 Global Day of Action this Saturday, Justice & Peace Scotland will join many other faith groups at an interfaith service in Edinburgh organised by Christian Aid Scotland to reflect on climate justice. The service will be followed by a walk to the Scottish Parliament where a silent vigil will be held to remember victims of the climate crisis. 🕯️

Join us to pray together for climate justice. 🙏

📅Saturday 16th November
⛪Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh
🕑2pm
🪧Look out for the Justice & Peace Scotland banner

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12Nov

📢URGENT ACTION

12 Nov, 2024 | Justice and Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

📢URGENT ACTION

On 28 October 2024, the Israeli government passed a Bill banning UNRWA, the Palestinian refugee agency, from operating in Israel and Palestine. Our friends EAPPI UK & Ireland say: "This will paralyse the agency’s ability to provide life-saving humanitarian aid and other essential services at this time of immeasurable need. Humanitarian organisations around the world are united - no other agency can provide the aid at the scale and speed that’s needed in Gaza. The consequences of banning the agency’s operations will be catastrophic - we must act now."

📝Write to your MP today to ask them to take action to protect UNRWA
🔗EAPPI UK & Ireland have created a letter you can send with a few clicks at this link: https://tinyurl.com/yc45jh4j
🔁Share the call to action.

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11Nov

This Thursday we will come together at lunch time in St Andrew's Cathedral, Glasgow, and we invite you to join us to pray for al...

11 Nov, 2024 | Justice and Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

This Thursday we will come together at lunch time in St Andrew's Cathedral, Glasgow, and we invite you to join us to pray for all those involved in COP29 in Azerbaijan and for the world to love and care for our common home. ⛪

"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it on the seas
and established it on the waters." - Psalm 24: 1 - 2 🙏

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11Nov

Photos from Justice and Peace Scotland's post

11 Nov, 2024 | Justice and Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

As the COP29 climate summit begins today in Baku, Azerbaijan, we share this prayer written by our friends CAFOD and ask our supporters to pray that world leaders and all delegates may prioritise people, planet and care for our common home during all discussions, decision-making and action over the coming days. 🙏🌍

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