• edinburgh1
  • ayr1
  • fortrose1
  • ayr2
  • glasgow1
  • Slider1
  • Slider1
  • paisley1
  • edinburgh2
  • oban1

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

21st August 2026


21 August 2026

Final appeal to Catholics ahead of Westminster assisted suicide vote

Bishop John Keenan has issued a pastoral letter urging Catholics across Scotland to contact their MPs ahead of the return of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to the House of Commons on Friday 11 September.

The Bill, reintroduced by Lauren Edwards MP, would permit eligible terminally ill adults in England and Wales to receive assistance to end their lives. A similar Bill was defeated in the Scottish Parliament last March.

Although this new legislation would apply only to England and Wales, Bishop Keenan stresses that this remains an important moment for Catholics in Scotland. The outcome at Westminster could have significant consequences north of the border and potentially reignite attempts to legalise assisted suicide in Scotland.

In his letter, Bishop Keenan describes the coming vote as a “grave moment for the protection of human life” and urges Catholics to contact their MPs “without delay” and ask them to oppose the Bill.

Bishop Keenan said:

“Our opposition to assisted suicide is rooted in compassion. Every person, from conception until natural death, possesses an inviolable dignity as one made in the image and likeness of God.”

Warning particularly of the potential consequences for vulnerable people, he added:

“Illness, frailty, disability, dependence or fear must never lead society to conclude that some lives are no longer worth living.”

The Bishop calls instead for greater investment in palliative and hospice care and better support for carers, insisting that “the proper response to suffering is care, presence, skilled palliative medicine and practical support—not the deliberate ending of life.”

Scotland’s Catholic bishops encourage all who stand on the side of life to contact their MP today and without delay, asking them to protect vulnerable people, support better palliative and hospice care, and vote against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

...ENDS

Notes to Editor

Photo of the Bishop John Keenan: https://www.bcos.org.uk/portals/0/@publications/photos/bishop%20john%20keenan.gif

Pastoral Letter from Bishop Keenan: https://www.bcos.org.uk/portals/0/@publications/letters/Pastoral Letter - Assisted Suicide Westminster - August 2026.pdf

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCoS) is the assembly of the Catholic bishops of Scotland, working together on national pastoral, social and legislative matters on behalf of the Church. Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office. Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

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

19th August 2026


19 August 2026

Church Leaders Welcome New Fund to Support Scotland’s Listed Places of Worship

Scotland’s Catholic bishops have joined other religious leaders in welcoming a new £1 million fund to cover the cost of repairs to listed buildings in Scotland.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Scotland, and Rt. Rev. Gordon Kennedy, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said the money will provide much-needed support to maintain historically significant assets at the heart of community life.

The Scotland Places of Worship Fund will open this autumn to help congregations – from any faith group or denomination – recover VAT costs associated with repair works if they worship in a listed building.

The pilot scheme was developed in response to the closure of the previous UK-wide Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme earlier this year, which sent shockwaves throughout faith communities.

The Scottish Churches Leaders’ Forum and the Scottish Churches Committee urged the UK and Scottish Governments to ensure that listed places of worship are not disproportionately affected by the decision to end the grant scheme in Scotland.

Church members were invited to write to their local elected representatives asking them to lobby the Scottish Government to launch a substitute scheme to ease the financial pressure on congregations.

The money will be made available through the existing Historic Environment Scotland (HES) grants budget and is a standalone scheme.

Bishop Keenan said: “We warmly welcome Historic Environment Scotland's announcement of the Places of Worship Fund pilot for Scotland, which recognises the vital contribution that churches and other places of worship make to Scotland's heritage and community life.”

“The fund will provide much-needed support for the care and conservation of these important buildings, helping to address the loss of the previous UK-wide scheme.”

“We look forward to engaging constructively with Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government as the pilot progresses and to discussions on establishing a permanent, sustainable funding arrangement for the future.”

Commenting on the announcement, the Rt. Rev. Gordon Kennedy said:

“I’m very grateful for the support of HES and the Scottish Government in recognising the importance of places of worship, which are so often cherished by people beyond members of the congregation.”

“We know how difficult it is for communities to lose their place of worship, and support for repairs and maintenance will help keep more places warm, wind and watertight, and it makes it just a wee bit easier for local volunteers to care for these historic assets.”

Religious leaders are encouraging eligible parishes and communities to consider applying when the fund opens for applications later this year. Detailed information can be found at:

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/about-us/news/hes-launches-pilot-fund-to-support-scotlands-historic-places-of-worship/

Contact:

Media Office

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

News from the Commissions and Agencies

December 2025
Holy Mass of Twenty Fourth of December

Read More
Gospel of the Day (Luke 1:67-79)

At that time: Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people
and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us;
to show the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our father Abraham to grant us
that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.’

Read More
This evening, Pope Leo spoke with deep honesty about assisted suicide, following the recent legalisation of euthanasia in his home state of Illinois.

After meeting with the Governor of Illinois, the Holy Father said he was “very disappointed” by the decision and reaffirmed the Church’s teaching on the sacredness of human life, from conception to natural death. He urged people, especially during these Christmas days, to reflect on the goodness and dignity of every human life, reminding us that God became human to show us what it truly means to live a human life.

These words resonate strongly here in Scotland.

As many will know, the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill is approaching a final Stage 3 vote at Holyrood early next year. This is a critical moment. Religious groups, medical professionals, disability groups and charities are working together to protect the most vulnerable and to uphold the dignity of life at its most fragile.

Pope Leo’s message is about compassion that does not abandon, care that does not hasten death, and a society that values every life until its natural end.

Now is a time for prayer, reflection, and respectful engagement with our MSPs. If you wish to make your voice heard in a courteous and constructive way, you can contact your MSPs and learn more about the legislation here:
👉 https://carenotkilling.scot/

“I hope and pray that the respect for life will once again grow in all moments of human existence.” — Pope Leo

Read More
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER FOR JUSTICE & PEACE

As we wait to welcome Jesus,
the Prince of Peace,
born among the poor and laid in a manger,
we place before God the injustices in our world.

In a time of war and division,
fear and intolerance,
may the light of Christ’s coming
shine through the darkness.

May the child of Bethlehem
soften hardened hearts,
turn us away from violence and indifference,
and inspire us to sow seeds of harmony, justice, and peace.

May the infant Jesus inspire us to recognise the humanity in the refugee, the excluded, and the forgotten;
to choose dialogue over division,
compassion over fear,
and hope over despair.

As pilgrims of hope this Christmas,
may we be hopeful bearers of peace:
in our homes, our communities,
and in our shared global family.

May the light of the manager illuminate the world with love, dignity, justice, and peace.

Amen.

Read More
🎄✨ CHRISTMAS WITH DANA

🌟 Whether you're gathered with loved ones or enjoying a cosy night in, Dana's festive spirit will add an extra dash of warmth to your holiday celebrations. Join Dana as she shares the history and performs much loved Christmas Carols.

📅 Tonight at 8pm

On Being Catholic TV, experience the joy of the season with Dana as she brings the magic of Christmas to your screens!

📺 Watch the Christmas special on Freeview, channel 279 or by downloading our app on Amazon Fire Stick, Roku TV, and Apple and Android devices. Can't wait to tune in? Visit BeingCatholic.org/watch-live for an unforgettable Christmas experience.

Read More
Holy Mass of Twenty Third of December
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

Read More
23 December – O Emmanuel

Today we reach the fulfilment of the O Antiphons with O Emmanuel, God with us. Having called upon the Messiah through the images of history, prophecy, and creation, the Church now addresses Him directly and personally. Emmanuel reveals the heart of God: a God who chooses closeness, who shares our weakness and suffering, who comes as one of us. He desires not only to dwell among us but to remain with us always, living within us and drawing us into His own divine life.

Read More
Holy Mass of Twenty Second of December
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

Read More
22 December – O Rex Gentium

Today’s antiphon, O King of the Nations, proclaims Christ as ruler of all creation. His kingdom extends over every people and every corner of the world. Yet this King comes not in power or force, but in humility. By becoming man, He enters a world wounded by sin in order to reclaim what was lost and restore humanity to God. In Him, Jews and Gentiles alike are gathered into one people, united under the gentle and saving reign of Christ the King.

Read More
Amid the presents, food, and family time, Christmas invites us to pause and remember its true meaning, the birth of the Christ Child in Bethlehem.

This Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, our parish doors are wide open. Come and celebrate with us in prayer, carols, and joy as we gather around the altar and the stable.

Whatever your journey of faith, you are welcome. This Christmas, come home. There’s a pew waiting for you.
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
Read More
Page 102 of 303 [102]