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.

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

News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn

December 2024

01Dec

Lord's Day Reflection: 'Keep Calm & Advent On' - Vatican News

01 Dec, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

As the Church marks the First Sunday of Advent, Jenny Kraska offers her thoughts on the day’s liturgical readings under the theme: “Keep Calm & Advent ...

01Dec

Today we start our Advent journey, the importance of Advent is found in its invitation to pause amidst the hustle and occasional...

01 Dec, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today we start our Advent journey, the importance of Advent is found in its invitation to pause amidst the hustle and occasional chaos of the holiday season. It encourages us to reflect and spiritually prepare for the coming of Jesus.
This time allows us to examine our hearts, seek forgiveness, and get ready to embrace the joy of Christmas with open spirits. Each week's themes during this season help to realign priorities, nurture faith, and foster a sense of community as families and congregations unite in celebration.

November 2024

30Nov

How did Scottish MPs vote on assisted dying law for England and Wales?

30 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.thenational.scot/politics/
Majority of Scottish MPs voted against

PLANS to introduce assisted dying in England and Wales have cleared their first parliamentary stages.

30Nov

St Andrews Day 2024.mp4

30 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

30Nov

A spokesperson for Disability Rights UK said: “This decision comes as a profound betrayal to disabled people across the UK, who ...

30 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

A spokesperson for Disability Rights UK said: “This decision comes as a profound betrayal to disabled people across the UK, who continue to struggle to live with dignity in a society that fails to meet even our most basic needs.
“At a time when social care is chronically underfunded, accessible housing is scarce, and many disabled people are unable to afford food, energy, or other essentials, this legislation sends a chilling message: the government prioritises the right to die over the right to live.”

30Nov

Hymn to St Andrew

30 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://youtu.be/1wKhNFhfW0M?si=ZRc0BfZbADK8jXAw

Performed and rehearsed by Motherwell Diocesan Choir, Organist John Pitcathley, Conducted by Des McLean.Use in Papal Mass, Bellahouston Park, Glasgow 2010Mix...

30Nov

https://www.facebook.com/100064625922111/posts/974218434742345/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

30 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.facebook.com/100064625922111/posts/974218434742345/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Happy Feast of St Andrew!

From the 1921 Prayer Book of the College:

When the blessed Andrew came to the place where the cross was made ready, he exclaimed and said:
“O precious cross, for a long time have I desired thee, and, not that thou art made ready for me, my soul is drawn to thee, and I come to thee in peace and gladness; thou also oughtest to welcome me with joy, for I am the disciple of Him who hung on thee.”

We humbly entreat Thy majesty, O Lord:
That as the blessed Apostle Andrew was once a teacher and ruler of Thy Church: so he may be a constant advocate for us before Thee.

St Andrew: pray for us!

29Nov

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

29 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
A bleak day for humanity and especially for our English and Welsh friends, most particularly for the sick, elderly, poor and disabled. I thank everyone who contacted their local MP, which certainly had a positive effect, since the majority of Scottish MPs voted against assisted suicide. We cannot give up but, inspired by the Gospel, continue to build a compassionate and loving society where every human being is cherished.
+Brian

29Nov

Bishop John Keenan has reacted to the UK Parliament's decision to pass Kim Leadbeater's assisted suicide Bill at second reading:

29 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishop John Keenan has reacted to the UK Parliament's decision to pass Kim Leadbeater's assisted suicide Bill at second reading:

"This is a sad day for the sick, the vulnerable and the disabled in society. Today’s vote strikes a blow against the foundational principle of medicine "do no harm". Since parliamentarians have voted to create a category of people that the state will help to commit suicide, doctors will now be invited to help their patients to kill themselves. As we have seen across the world, once enacted these laws are rapidly and dangerously expanded."

29Nov

Bishops Conference meeting with the First Minister

29 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishops Conference meeting with the First Minister | by Scottish Government

Bishops Conference meeting with the First Minister