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

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News from the Commissions and Agencies

June 2025

13Jun

JUNE 13 | LOSING (AND FINDING) JESUS

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

JUNE 13 | LOSING (AND FINDING) JESUS

Saint Anthony of Padua
A.D. 1195–1231

If you’ve ever lost your car keys or wallet, there’s a good chance you’ve prayed to this saint.

His name is Saint Anthony of Padua. But his life was not dedicated to helping people find lost items. It was dedicated to helping lost people find Jesus.

Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, but his desire to meet Saint Francis of Assisi and join his order brought him to Italy. Once a Franciscan, Anthony went about serving the poor and sick. He cared first for their physical needs. Then he would remind them that Jesus too had no possessions, and he would begin to preach the Gospel.

Anthony is also an official Doctor of the Church—meaning his intellectual insights have greatly informed our understanding of theology. But one of his most meaningful contributions was to make the complex theology of the Scriptures accessible to the common people. He used simple, relatable analogies to explain the teachings of Jesus. Using this approach, Anthony brought a remarkable number of lost people back to Jesus.

At this point, you might be asking, “So why is he the patron saint of lost things?”

This is the story: Anthony had a book of psalms that he absolutely loved. One day, a monk stole the book and left the Franciscan community. Anthony prayed with all his might for its return, and soon the monk was struck by immense guilt and brought the book back.

Soon after Saint Anthony of Padua’s death, people began praying to him whenever they deeply desired the return of a lost item. And this devotion broadened over the centuries.

But the greater lesson of Saint Anthony’s life is that he helped lost people find Jesus. And that is what we are called to do as well, even if it is helping ourselves find Jesus after we have lost him.

We lose Jesus in our lives all the time. We wander away from Jesus all the time. We're either not even aware of it, or we do it on purpose.

Our task then is to find Jesus again. He is always waiting for us to return. All we have to do is say, “Jesus, here I am, and I need you.” We can go to a church. We can talk to a priest. Or we can call up a trusted friend who is firm in their faith.

And if we need that extra bit of help, we can turn to Saint Anthony of Padua.

Saint Anthony, pray for us!

13Jun

Saint Anthony of Padua - Information on the Saint of the Day - Vatican News

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

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/06/13/saint-anthony-of-padua.html

See Vatican News to discover the life-story and message of Saint Anthony of Padua, the Saint of the Day 13 June

13Jun

📢DIGNITY NOT DETENTION - 2 DAYS TO GO!

13 Jun, 2025 | Justice & Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

📢DIGNITY NOT DETENTION - 2 DAYS TO GO!

Justice & Peace Scotland President, Archbishop William Nolan, will lead us in reflection at Sunday's Dignity Not Detention gathering outside Dungavel House in Strathaven.

📍 Dungavel House, ML10 6RF
🕐1pm
🪧 Join us to advocate for an end to indefinite immigration detention.

12Jun

How Catholicism Got Cool

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

https://www.thefp.com/p/meet-americas-newest-catholics

Young Americans and people around the world are flocking to the Catholic Church. The Free Press spoke to them to find out why.

12Jun

❗NEXT WEEK: The second gathering of the new Motherwell Diocese Justice and Peace Commission

12 Jun, 2025 | Justice & Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

❗NEXT WEEK: The second gathering of the new Motherwell Diocese Justice and Peace Commission.

We have been delighted to support parishioners across the Diocese of Motherwell as they work to re-establish the diocese’s long tradition of justice and peace activity and advocacy. Following a successful and enthusiastic first gathering, a second meeting will take place next week. All those across the diocese who are interested in being part of this renewed network are warmly encouraged to attend. Even if you weren't at the first event you are more than welcome to come along!

🗓️ Thursday 19th June
⛪ Holy Mass in Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral at 7pm
🕊️ Justice and Peace Gathering in the Diocesan Offices, Coursington Road, Motherwell at 7.30pm
📧For more info contact Paul Foley on [email protected]

11Jun

Saint Barnabas | Franciscan Media

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

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-barnabas/

What little we know about Saint Barnabas comes to us from Acts of the Apostles, where he plays a fairly big role in the expansion of the early Church. Closely associated with Saint Paul, he shared in several of Paul’s trips and difficulties.

11Jun

‘Both lives matter’, MPs told in abortion decriminalisation debate

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

https://www.christian.org.uk/news/both-lives-matter-mps-told-in-abortion-decriminalisation-debate/

MPs have spoken in defence of the unborn and the welfare of expectant mothers in Parliament.

11Jun

A post from Bishops' Conference of Scotland

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

11Jun

Congratulations to Canon Patrick O’Sullivan, a retired priest of the Diocese, who is celebrating the 70th Anniversary of his Ord...

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

Congratulations to Canon Patrick O’Sullivan, a retired priest of the Diocese, who is celebrating the 70th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood at this time.

Canon O’Sullivan was ordained in 1955 and served as an Assistant Priest at St Peter’s Hamilton, All Saints Coatdyke and St Mary’s Whifflet and as Parish Priest of St John Ogilvie’s Blantyre and St Andrew’s Airdrie from where he retired in 2008. Following his retirement Canon lived for many years in St Mary’s Whifflet before moving to Summerlee Care Home.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Canon O’Sullivan as he reaches this special anniversary. We give thanks for his priestly ministry and ask for God’s blessing upon him.

10Jun

📢THIS WEEKEND - Dignity Not Detention

10 Jun, 2025 | Justice & Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

📢THIS WEEKEND - Dignity Not Detention

🪧Join us alongside Archbishop Nolan for a peaceful witness outside Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre as we call for an end to indefinite immigration detention in the UK.

👨‍🧒This Sunday, while many of us celebrate Father’s Day with our loved ones, the fathers detained inside Dungavel will remain separated from their children, potentially cut off from family visits by the centre’s remote location and lack of public transport access.

🤍Every person deserves to be treated with dignity however in detention centres like Dungavel, people are held in prison like conditions with no set time limit and no clear idea of when they will be released. This prolonged uncertainty takes a considerable toll on mental wellbeing, disconnects people from their families and communities, and can amplifying pre-existing stress or trauma.

Join us to raise our voices for a system that respects the dignity of all:
🗺️Dungavel House, Strathaven, ML10 6RF
🕐Sunday 15th June at 1.00PM