The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

17th March 2026

17 March 2026

Scotland Rejects Assisted Dying and Affirms Human Dignity

MSPs can be confident that they have taken the correct and responsible course of action. Their vote serves to protect some of Scotland’s most vulnerable individuals from the risk of being pressured into a premature death.

Every human life possesses inherent value. Genuine compassion is not expressed through ending a life, but through accompanying those who suffer and ensuring they receive the medical, emotional, and spiritual support that recognises their dignity. No life is without worth.

As a society, our responsibility is not to address suffering by eliminating the sufferer, but to surround each person with care, respect, and dignity until their natural end. Today’s decision moves Scotland further in that direction, and MSPs should be commended for this.

However, we must continue to make progress. Our next priority must be to strengthen palliative care by ensuring that it is properly funded and accessible to all who require it.

I would like to express my gratitude to all MSPs for their serious engagement with this issue and for the thoughtful and considered attention they have given to the bill. I am especially grateful to those who upheld the principle of human dignity and advocated on behalf of the vulnerable. Your principled commitment has not gone unnoticed.

Bishop John Keenan

President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

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

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News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: Being CatholicReturn

March 2026

13Mar

🚨 BREAKING

13 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

🚨 BREAKING

Murdo Fraser MSP has confirmed that the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland has moved today from a position of neutrality to full opposition to Liam McArthur’s Assisted Suicide Bill.

This is a significant development. When one of the country’s leading medical bodies raises serious concerns about the legislation, MSPs should take note.

Expert voices from the medical community continue to warn about the risks and consequences of this Bill.

Contact your MSP today and urge them to reject the Assisted Suicide Bill:
👉 https://carenotkilling.scot/

The more we know, the more we say no.

13Mar

The right to life is the most basic of all human rights

13 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

The right to life is the most basic of all human rights. It is the foundation upon which every other right depends.

Former MP and MSP Dennis Canavan reminds us that a society which loses respect for human life ultimately impoverishes itself. When the law begins to permit the ending of life, even in limited circumstances, it risks weakening the principle that every human life has inherent dignity and worth.

This debate is not simply about individual choice. It is about the values we uphold as a society and the protections we offer to the most vulnerable.

If you are concerned about the direction Scotland is heading, please take action today.

The more we KNOW, the more we say NO.

Write to your MSPs by visiting:
👉 https://carenotkilling.scot/

Be sure to carefully read the wording of the email to make sure you are happy for it to be sent to your MSPs. Click the button on the website and enter your postcode when prompted.

Your voice matters.

13Mar

Holy Mass of Friday of the Third Week of Lent | 13 March 2026

13 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Friday of the Third Week of Lent | 13 March 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

12Mar

MSPs have voted to remove conscientious objection from the Assisted Suicide Bill

12 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

MSPs have voted to remove conscientious objection from the Assisted Suicide Bill.

This means healthcare professionals could be left without the clear protections needed to refuse involvement on grounds of conscience.

As a result, MSPs will now be asked to vote on an incomplete Bill, missing a key safeguard for doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff.

This Bill must be rejected.

Contact your MSP today and urge them to vote against the Assisted Suicide Bill:
👉 https://carenotkilling.scot/

The more we know, the more we say no.

12Mar

Photos from Russell Findlay's post

12 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Yes another MSP withdraws his support for the McArthur Assisted Dying Bill.

The more we KNOW, the more we say NO!

Contact your MSP to reject this bill
👉🏼 www.carenotkilling.scot

12Mar

Holy Mass of Thursday of the Third Week of Lent | 12 March 2026

12 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Thursday of the Third Week of Lent | 12 March 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

11Mar

“Be careful what you wish for.”

11 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

“Be careful what you wish for.”

Laws introduced with safeguards and good intentions often expand over time. What begins as a limited measure can quickly grow beyond what was first promised.

Experience from other countries shows that once the door is opened, it rarely remains closed to further change.

Scotland must consider the long-term consequences.

The more we KNOW, the more we say NO.

Write to your MSPs by visiting:
👉 https://carenotkilling.scot/

Carefully read the wording of the email before sending. Click the button and enter your postcode when prompted.

11Mar

Holy Mass of Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent | 11 March 2026

11 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent | 11 March 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

10Mar

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint John Ogilvie | 10 March 2026

10 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint John Ogilvie | 10 March 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

09Mar

Holy Mass of Monday of the Third Week of Lent | 09 March 2026

09 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Monday of the Third Week of Lent | 09 March 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356