Media

For up to date news affecting the Catholic Church in Scotland contact:  

Scottish Catholic Media Office

       

Scottish Catholic Media Office
5 St. Vincent Place,  Glasgow, G1 2DH.
Tel. 0141 221 1168
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At a meeting of the Consultors of the Diocese of Galloway on Monday 28th February, Fr William McFadden was elected as Diocesan Administrator.  This appointment follows the installation of Archbishop Nolan, formerly Bishop of Galloway, as the Archbishop of Galloway on 26th February 2022.   


On Friday 4 February 2022 Pope Francis appointed Bishop William Nolan, as Archbishop of Glasgow. The new Archbishop will succeed Archbishop Philip Tartaglia who died in January 2021. Bishop Nolan is currently the Bishop of Galloway.  The Archbishop elect will take possession of the Archdiocese during a Mass in Saint Andrew’s Cathedral at 12 noon on Saturday 26th February.

Reacting to the announcement, Bishop Nolan said: "I feel overwhelmed by the trust Pope Francis is putting in me by appointing me as Archbishop of Glasgow. It will be wrench for me to leave Galloway Diocese where for seven years I have experienced the kindness and friendship of so many people, particularly the clergy. God truly blessed me by sending me to Galloway and I hope that my successor there will be similarly blessed.  As I overcome my initial shock at being appointed Archbishop my thoughts now turn to the challenges that lies ahead. I look forward to working with everyone in the Archdiocese, laity and clergy, to carry out the mission that we share of proclaiming God’s good news and of bringing the joy of the gospel into the lives of the people of today.”
  

The Catholic Church in Scotland has appointed The Hon Lady Rita Rae QC as the first Board Chair of the new Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA) which will operate as a private company. Lady Rae will begin to recruit SCSSA Board Members in January 2022.  The SCSSA will operate entirely independently of the Catholic Church, with its own staff and non-executive directors who will work in close collaboration with dioceses and religious communities to ensure that they are meeting safeguarding standards.  Crucially, it will develop a forum in which those who have experienced abuse can contribute their own perspectives to the development of the Church’s safeguarding practice. 

Bishop Hugh Gilbert (President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland) said, “When considering a number of possible candidates for this important post, the Bishops were united in their view that the SCSSA Board Chair must be able to act with impartiality, integrity and freedom from interference.  We immediately recognised that Lady Rae’s prestigious legal career, and her reputation as a recent Senator of the College of Justice in Scotland, offered great testimony to the rigour and the independence with which she will approach this role.  We are delighted that she has accepted this appointment.” 

Lady Rita Rae said, “I am honoured to undertake this role a   


  

Saturday 2 October 2021

The Catholic Church in Scotland has announced the creation of a new independent Safeguarding agency. Speaking at the end of a national Safeguarding webinar which attracted 450 participants from across Scotland, Bishop Hugh Gilbert, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, announced the establishment of a new body – the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA) as an independent private company.

Speaking to the webinar participants, Bishop Hugh Gilbert said: “The SCSSA will operate entirely independently of the Church and will have its own staff and Board of Management who will work in close collaboration with dioceses and religious communities to ensure that they are able to meet national safeguarding standards. It will also develop a process that will provide an independent review of complaints about safeguarding practice and crucially, establish a forum in which those who have experienced abuse can contribute their own perspectives to the development of safeguarding.”  Bishop Hugh added: “We will shortly commence the recruitment process for the Chair and members of the Board of Management, followed by the recruitment of a Director and a Head of Safeguarding Training. It will take some time to establish the new agency and we ask for your patience and support while that process is underway.” 
 

IN GOD'S IMAGE version 2 (IGIv2) has emerged from a 9-month period of consultation, reflection and discussion among many who have direct experience and expertise in the front line of the Church’s safeguarding practice. Significantly, this experience includes responding to the hurt and anguish of those who have suffered abuse at the hands of clergy, religious and others working within the Catholic Church.    IGIv2 makes reference to key statements made by Pope Francis and to instructions and norms published by the Holy See in recent years. It also takes into account evolving changes to the PVG scheme in Scotland. The work of the Independent Review Group and recommendations from independent audits of safeguarding in Scottish dioceses have also had a bearing on this revised version.  The final text of IGIv2 was ratified unanimously by the Bishops of Scotland at an online meeting held on Tuesday 6th July 2021.   It comes into effect on 8th September 2021, the feast of the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It can be read online here: https://www.bcos.org.uk/InGodsImageV2/   


The Bishops of Scotland have published a Pastoral Letter to be communicated to the Catholics of Scotland on the Feast of Pentecost - 23rd May 2021.  The letter marks the 6th anniversary of the publication of the Papal Encyclical Laudato Si' in which Pope Francis wrote of the ecological damage being caused to the earth - "our common home".   Read More...

14 January 2021

Following the death of Bishop Emeritus Vincent Logan, the President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop Hugh Gilbert has issued the following statement: 

“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Vincent Logan, the retired bishop of Dunkeld. The bishops of Scotland offer our deep condolences and the promise of our prayers to Bishop Stephen Robson and all the clergy and people of the Diocese of Dunkeld as they remember Bishop Vincent. 

Coming only a day after the death in Glasgow of Archbishop Philip Tartaglia marks this week as one of loss and mourning for the Catholic church in Scotland. 

Bisho   


13 January 2021

Following the death of Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, the President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop Hugh Gilbert has issued the following statement:


“It is with the deepest sadness that we have learned today on the Feast of St. Kentigern (Mungo) of the death of our brother bishop and friend Philip Tartaglia. His loss to his family, his clergy and the people of the Archdiocese of Glasgow will be immeasurable but for the entire Church in Scotland this is a day of immense loss and sadness.

He was a gentle, caring and warm-hearted pastor who combined compassion with a piercing intellect. His contribution to the work of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland over the past sixteen years was significant and we will miss his wisdom, wit and robust Catholic spirit very much.

On behalf of the Bishops of Scotland, we commend his soul into the hands of God and pray that he may enjoy eternal rest.”

ENDS

Peter Kearney 
Director 
Catholic Media Office 
0141 221 1168
07968 122291 
pk@scmo.org 
www.scmo.org                   

Note to Editors: 

An image of Archbishop Tartaglia is available here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/139632090@N07/25510264473/in/album-72157666531058155/   Read More...


Statement on Nuclear Weapons

Statement on nuclear weapons from the Bishops of Scotland and England & Wales

Tuesday 4 August 2020 

During his historic visit to Japan last year, Pope Francis declared that “the use of atomic energy for purposes of war is immoral, just as the possession of atomic weapons is immoral”. Seventy-five years on from the unprecedented and horrific destruction of life at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we are called to reflect prayerfully upon the UK’s own possession of nuclear weapons.

Pope Francis reiterated that the threat of mutual destruction, the massive loss of innocent lives and the annihilation of any future for our common home, is completely incompatible with our efforts to build peace. “If we really want to build a more just and secure society, we must let the weapons fall from our hands”, said the Pope.

He also reminded us that it is unjust to continue squandering precious resources on manufacturing, maintaining and upgrading ever more destructive technology. The cost of nuclear weapons should be measured not only in the lives destroyed through their use, but also the suffering of the poorest and most vulnerable people, who could have benefited were such vast sums of public money invested in the Common Good of society instead. The Scottish and English and Welsh bishops' conferences have in the past called on the UK government to forsake its own nuclear weapons. 

We therefore recommit ourselves to the abolition of these weapons and to the Holy Father’s call to pray each day “for the conversion of hearts and for the triumph of a culture of life, reconciliation and fraternity. A fraternity that can recognize and respect diversity in the quest for a common destiny.” 

+William Nolan, 
Bishop of Galloway and on behalf of the Commission for Justice and Peace of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland.

+Declan Lang, 
Bishop of Clifton and Chairman of the international Affairs Department of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales 

Bishops announce new Pastoral Ministry Working Group

Wednesday 13 May 2020

Bishop speaks of “growth and hope after a time of despair”

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland have announced the formation of a Covid-19 Working Group, which will begin examining how best to meet the long-term pastoral needs of the Catholic community during the pandemic.  A range of approaches, focusing on the liturgical, spiritual and welfare needs of the Catholic community during a time of long-term restrictions will be examined by a newly established Pastoral Ministry Working Group. This group will aim to ensure that the Church is prepared for the possibility of extended restrictions on the operation of parishes and dioceses by planning for forms of pastoral ministry which will be viable in the COVID-19 context.

The group will be chaired by Bishop Brian McGee, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles. Speaking about the initiative, Bishop McGee said;

“After our public Masses stopped and our Churches closed with almost no warning, the immediate response from our priests and parishioners across Scotland was both impressive and uplifting. With great ingenuity and creativity, online Masses and devotions were made available throughout the country every day. Through this and other action, many vulnerable and lonely people continue to be supported in safe ways.”

“While it will be wonderful when our parishes can reopen, we recognise that Parish life cannot quickly return to normal until a vaccine or a treatment is available. We do not expect this to happen until at least 2021. This means, that even when Churches reopen, parish activities will still be greatly restricted, our Pastoral Working Group hopes to identify and publicise advice or resources to help dioceses and parishes face fresh challenges in a safe manner.”

Bishop McGee added;

“Although not denying the difficulties which lie ahead, our Group had a very positive first meeting. Early figures indicate very high numbers of viewers are watching and downloading Masses and devotions online, leading us to believe that with God’s providential care, the spiritual, pastoral and catechetical work we do can actually help renew the Church in Scotland and bring growth and hope after a time of despair.”


Membership of Pastoral Ministry Working Group

Bishop Brian McGee (Chair)

Fr Stephen McGrattan, Secretary of the National Liturgical Commission

Fr Michael Kane, Parish Priest, St Augustine’s, Coatbridge

Nicola McDonagh, Parishioner, St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh

Margaret Barton, R.E. Adviser, Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh

Barbara Coupar, Director,  Scottish Catholic Education Service

Tina Campbell, National Safeguarding Co-ordinator

Michael McGrath, Asst. General Secretary to the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

Catholic Bishops announce new group to develop COVID-19 Infection Control Protocol

Wednesday 5 May 2020 


The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland have announced the formation of a Covid-19 Working Group, which will begin work on the creation of an Infection Control Protocol to govern the phased reopening of churches for public worship at an early and safe opportunity, in accordance with legislation and the current Scottish Government guidelines on social distancing and hygiene. 

The precautions and requirements to allow Catholic churches to be used for public worship, will be studied carefully and proposed Infection Control Protocols presented to the Scottish Government.

The Working Group will be chaired by Sir Harry Burns, Scotland’s former Chief Medical Officer and Professor of Global Public Health at the University of Strathclyde. Bishop Hugh Gilbert, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland will also sit on the group. Speaking about the initiative, Bishop Gilbert said;

“Our lives remain greatly restricted by this crisis in a way that is painful and difficult for us as Christians. As bishops, we want to offer our thanks to our clergy, religious and laity for their patience and forbearance during these testing times.” 

“Throughout these weeks of lockdown, there have been many signs of hope and faith and it is in the hope that we will recover, that we must plan for the future and find a safe pathway to the resumption of our sacramental life.” 

“The bishops are keen to benefit from the advice of experts in medicine and public health and are very grateful to Sir Harry Burns for agreeing to chair our Working Group. In the interests of everyone’s safety we will proceed cautiously and carefully in step with public health guidance.”

Commenting on the group, Sir Harry said;

“The unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic requires innovative and informed thinking. I am glad that the Catholic Bishops are acting proactively to develop Infection Control measures and delighted to be able to contribute to that work.”

“The reopening of churches and the reintroduction of public worship will happen in a phased way, always taking account of best infection control practice and guidelines on social distancing and hygiene.” 


The full membership of the COVID-19 working group is shown below:

Sir Harry Burns, Professor of Global Public Health at the University of Strathclyde
Bishop Hugh Gilbert, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland Fr Gerard Maguiness, General Secretary to the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland 
Canon Thomas Boyle, St. Mary’s Parish, Greenock
Canon Thomas Shields, St. Fillan’s Parish, Crief
Anthony Horan, Director of the Catholic Parliamentary Office
Peter Kearney, Director of the Scottish Catholic Media Office
Update from Independent Review Group April 2020

23 April 2020

The Independent Review Group, set up by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland to monitor the implementation of the McLellan Commission on Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, has published the attached update on its continuing work during the Covid-19 crisis.

President of Scotland’s Catholic Bishops criticises Scottish Government’s home abortion initiative.

23 April 2020

In a strongly worded letter to Scotland’s Health Minister, the President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop Hugh Gilbert, has described the Scottish Government’s decision to allow women experiencing crisis pregnancies to have consultations by phone or video and to make provision for the delivery of abortion medication by post as “deeply troubling.”

Bishop Gilbert raises several serious concerns, highlighting fears that the April 2019 NICE Draft Guideline, which refer to a risk of serious complications and a risk of severe bleeding, sepsis and in some cases a need for further surgery, are being ignored.  He also points out, that there is no way of establishing that a woman is not being coerced into an abortion in the context of a poorly safeguarded online consultation. Adding, that at a time when there is already an increase in complaints about domestic abuse coercion is a very real concern. 

The Bishop’s letter also asks if women are “receiving information on all available options including details of organisations which can offer support to both the mother and the baby?”

The full text of the letter is shown below.

ENDS

Note to Editors:

The letter from the President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop Hugh Gilbert, has been sent to Ms Jeane Freeman, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport


Dear Cabinet Secretary

I find the decision of the Scottish Government to allow women experiencing crisis pregnancies to have consultations by phone or video and to make provision for the delivery of abortion medication by post deeply troubling.

Some important questions about the process arise, such as:
  • Are women receiving information on all available options including details of organisations which can offer support to both the mother and the baby?
  • Is sufficient time given to counselling during the consultation and to explore the potential physical and psychological impact of abortion on women in both the short and long term?
  • Is it appropriate for drugs which end the life of a human being to be sent by post, trivialising what is an extremely serious and life-changing procedure?
  • The drugs provided not only end the life of an unborn child but are also a risk to the health of its mother. Whilst according the April 2019 NICE Draft Guideline, the risk of serious complications is low, the available data refer to medical termination procedures which are normally initiated in the clinic, and where the woman has been kept under clinical observation for 3 hours. The Guideline refers only to women being permitted subsequently to pass the pregnancy at home. There is, even in these circumstances, a real risk of severe bleeding and sepsis in a small number, and a need for further surgery in a larger proportion, depending on the stage of the pregnancy. It is difficult to envisage how the less tangible, but nevertheless real, longer term psychological and mental health complications can be dealt with in an online setting. Vulnerable women in unsatisfactory domestic circumstances are particularly at risk. 
I believe it is profoundly depressing that in the midst of this unprecedented global pandemic when the resources of almost every government on earth are being diverted towards the preservation of life, especially the lives of the weak and vulnerable, the Scottish Government continues to act to end the lives of the weakest and most vulnerable members of society, the unborn. It is more than disheartening that the Scottish Government should see fit to promote ‘abortion at home’ as though this were a trivial matter equivalent to taking any other medication at home. A position like this appears to be more a matter of ideology than of genuine and dispassionate concern for women’s wellbeing.  

Aside from the Scottish Bishops’ Conference’s absolute opposition to abortion, there are also serious practical concerns involved here. The decision to allow women to take potent abortifacient  medications  in a largely unsupervised manner at home is not only fatal for the innocent human beings in the womb but also constitutes a real risk to women’s present and longer term health and wellbeing.

It is of particular concern that there is no way of establishing that a woman is not being coerced into an abortion in the context of a poorly safeguarded online consultation. In the current situation, there is already an increase in complaints about domestic abuse since the Coronavirus restrictions were put in place. It is far from clear how the Scottish Government proposes to set in place the prudent support procedures which permit all the relevant factors in each individual case privately and without coercion. 

This is a serious matter and I look forward to receiving your response to the concerns raised in this letter.

Yours Sincerely

Hugh Gilbert OSB
Bishop of Aberdeen
President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
Bishops close all Catholic Churches in Scotland

24th March 2020

A statement from the Catholic Bishops of Scotland

"The outbreak of Covid 19 virus in Scotland demands from all of us a response which recognises the serious threat to all people, especially the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, and our duty of care to them. Having given due consideration to the words of the First Minister last evening, we, the Bishops of Scotland, agree that our churches should be closed during this period of national emergency for the common good. There will be no celebrations of baptism or marriage but we will continue to offer prayers for those who have died and for their families who mourn their passing. The Church is not only a building but the people of God at prayer wherever they may find themselves. We encourage all Catholics and all people of faith to pray unceasingly in their homes for our nation at this time in particular for our political leaders, our health care professionals and all those suffering from the virus. May this lived Lenten experience lead us to new life and healing at Easter."

Prayer resources for when Mass cannot be celebrated publicly

20th March 2020

“Let my prayer come before you like incense.”


In this disturbing time for the world and for the Church, we feel the need more than ever to “lift up our hands in prayer.” Even when the Mass is not available or we are confined to home or hospital, we can still bring ourselves, and our hopes and fears, before the Lord, asking for his strength and consolation. We can remain part of the worldwide prayer of the Church, asking the Father to deliver us from our current evils, and through the practice of spiritual communion unite ourselves to the Eucharistic Sacrifice our priests will be offering privately. We can still keep the Lord’s Day holy.  The prayers in this booklet are offered to help us do this. Surely our voice will be heard.

With every blessing,

+ Hugh Gilbert OSB,

Bishop of Aberdeen, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

CLICK HERE TO OPEN THIS RESOURCE

Suspension of public celebrations of Holy Mass

18th March 2020

Given the recent official advice to reduce the spread of Covid-19, the Bishops of Scotland have taken the difficult decision to suspend Holy Mass in public for the time being from Thursday 19th March, the feast of St Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church. The Bishops, who are responding to an unprecedented crisis in modern times, wish to assure all those whom they lead that this decision has not been taken without much prayer and discernment.  

Priests will continue to celebrate Holy Mass in private with the particular intention of praying for those suffering from Covid-19 and for those who care for them.

Churches will remain open for personal prayer and parish priests are encouraged to welcome individuals who seek consolation and encouragement from the Lord. Priests are also asked to be available for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick and Holy Communion as and when they are needed especially for the sick and housebound.

All Catholics in Scotland are asked to join with all the Churches in a National Day of Prayer this Sunday 22nd March and to pray the Rosary, the prayer of our Blessed Mother Mary, at 12 noon, asking Her intercession for our country and our world in this time of need. 

Read the full Pastoral Letter and Statement here.

Church urges Government to drop Gender Recognition Reform Bill

17th March 2020

In a strongly worded response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on its Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, Scotland’s eight Catholic Bishops have unanimously opposed the proposed legislation. Following a meeting of the Bishops’ Conference, they released the following statement:

“Together with a growing number of voices in society, the Church believes that sex or gender cannot be reduced to a mere construct of society that is fluid and changeable. Denying the biological reality of sexual difference and redefining something as fundamental as male and female is not within the purview of government or parliamentarians. Like marriage, it is part of the natural law: an unchanging principle of human existence.”
“Sex is constituted by biological organisation and reproductive functioning, and is recognised at birth, not assigned, government should not proceed with radical legal reforms or expose children to radical treatments. Caution and sensitivity is required.”
The bishops also point out that:
“Gender dysphoria is a condition that can cause significant distress and anxiety. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, of the American Psychiatric Association continues to recognise gender dysphoria as a genuine, troubling medical condition. By de-medicalising legal transition and moving to a self-declaratory model, as proposed in the consultation, society may fail to provide the necessary support for those affected by gender dysphoria in the form of contact with health professionals. De-medicalisation removes a vital protection and safeguard for vulnerable individuals, exacerbated by the proposal to reduce the time a person is required to live in their acquired gender from two years to just three months. By supporting these changes, the Scottish Government risks failing vulnerable people. “
The church’s consultation response points out that since the Scottish Prison Service issued guidance effectively allowing self-identification, the number of prisoners identifying as transgender has risen significantly, to the point where the incidence rate of men identifying as women is 350 times higher amongst the prison population than it is in the general population.
The bishops conclude by saying:
“The proposed changes risk creating medical, social and legal complications which will be difficult to resolve and damaging to those involved, particularly children and women. Accordingly, we have written to the First Minister, highlighting our concerns and urging her to not to proceed with the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill.”
Day of Prayer for all who suffer from Abuse

The Catholic community throughout Scotland is called to set aside Friday 28th February 2020 as a Day of Prayer for all who have suffered, or are suffering, from any form of abuse. We pray that survivors of abuse will experience healing, justice and renewal in their lives. We also pray that the Church, which has been scarred by the grave sin of abuse, will, through repentance and reparation, resolve always to protect the young and the vulnerable. 

Independent Safeguarding Audits

30th January 2020

The Independent Review Group (IRG), chaired by Baroness Helen Liddell, commissioned independent audits of Safeguarding practice in the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh and the Diocese of Galloway.  These professional audits were carried out in 2019 by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) and Children in Scotland (CIS).  Please click on the links below to see these documents.

75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Aushchwitz

27th January 2020

European Bishops honour the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz  appeal or reconciliation and peace, for respect for each nation’s right to exist and to freedom, to independence, to maintain its own culture. They invite people across the world to light candles and say a prayer for people murdered in death camps of all nationalities and religions and for their relatives. "Let our prayers broaden the reconciliation and brotherhood, of which the opposite is hostility, destructive conflicts and fuelled misunderstandings."

 

Day of Prayer for Peace 2020

On Sunday 5th January 2020, Bishop William Nolan, Bishop of Galloway and President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland Justice and Peace Commission, published a Pastoral Letter on the theme of 'Prayers for Peace' for communication in all parishes in Scotland.  

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The coming of Christ brings us hope, and the Church exists to proclaim that hope to the world. There is hope because God does not abandon us to live with our imperfections and our failings – God is with us.

Deep in the heart of every individual is a desire, a longing, a hope for peace. But it is our human failings of greed and selfishness, of pride and arrogance that lead to friction and fallouts, in our families, in our communities, and in our places of work. And when it comes to the international level and the relationship between states, those negative effects of our human weakness and our failings are multiplied leading to violence and to war, to death and to destruction.
Pope Francis tells us that every war is a form of fratricide,1 because in war we are killing our brothers and sisters, since we all belong to the one human family. 

Despite the conflicts in our homes and the wars in our world, the longing for peace lies in the heart of every human being,2 including in the heart of those we choose to call our enemies. But peace can only be brought about by building up trust, for mistrust and fear increase feelings of insecurity and lead us to putting our faith in military might and weapons of war. For peace to be achieved we must overcome those baser elements of our human nature that tempt us to dominate and dictate, and to seek retaliation and revenge.

We always begin the New Year by praying for peace, but we must do more than pray, we must actively work to build up peace: to seek reconciliation in our family fallouts and in our disputes with neighbours. We must urge our politicians and governments not to base their foreign policy on a narrow sense of national self-interest, but to respond to the urge that lies in the hearts of their people for peace, and so work for harmony among the family of nations.

There are not two moralities, a private one for dealing with our family and friends, and a public one for countries and nations. There is only one morality and it is based on respecting the dignity of every human being. There is only one human family to which we all belong. 

Our hope for peace comes from God, whose Spirit is active in the hearts of all and whose presence enables us to overcome the flaws of our human nature. By our prayer and by our constant effort may the peace which we long for in our hearts become a reality in our world.

With my prayers and best wishes for peace and justice in the coming year,

+William Nolan
Bishop of Galloway
President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland Justice and Peace Commission

Appointment of new General Secretary

STATEMENT ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF SCOTLAND.       14 JANUARY 2020

The Bishops of Scotland have appointed Fr Gerard Maguiness to be the new General Secretary of the Bishops' Conference. Fr Maguiness is currently Parish Priest of St Ignatius’ Wishaw, in the Diocese of Motherwell. He succeeds Fr Jim Grant who was appointed in 2018.

Commenting on the appointment, Bishop Hugh Gilbert, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland said: “I am delighted to welcome Fr Gerard to his new post and together with all the members of the conference, look forward to working with him in future. I extend our warmest thanks to Fr. Jim Grant for his service and to Bishop Toal for his willingness to support the conference and its work by lending one of his priests as General Secretary.”

Reacting to his appointment, Fr Maguiness said: "I look forward to serving the Catholic Church in Scotland as General Secretary to the Bishops. I am grateful to Mgr Michael Conway and my parishioners from St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Wishaw, for their support and prayers for this new challenge." 

Bishop Joe Toal, Bishop of Motherwell said: “I am grateful to Fr Grant for the time and dedication he gave to the role of General Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland. I have asked him to take up the post of Parish Priest of St Francis Xavier’s, Carfin, following the illness of Fr Francis McGachey, who stood down as Parish Priest of St Francis’ Xavier’s last year.”

Bishop Toal added: “I am pleased that the Diocese of Motherwell can continue to contribute generously to the National Church by allowing Fr Gerard Maguiness to serve as General Secretary.  I am sure he will bring his many talents to that role and I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide him as he accepts this new challenge.”

ENDS

Note to Editors: 

Fr Maguiness’ appointment will take effect from 7 February 2020. Fr Grant will take up his appointment in Carfin on 8 February.

Fr Gerard Maguiness – CV

Attended Our Lady of Lourdes Primary and Saint Bride's High, East Kilbride;
Studies at Pontifical Scots College and Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome 1987-94;
Ordained 4th July 1994 Our Lady of Lourdes, East Kilbride;
Assistant Priest St. Columbkille's, Rutherglen 1994-1996;
Chaplain to Fernhill School 1994-1996;
Assistant Priest St. Ignatius of Loyola, Wishaw 1996-1999;
Chaplain to St. Aidan's High, Wishaw 1996-1999;
Doctorate in Theology, Alphonsianum, Pontifical Lateran University, Rome 1999-2002;
Assistant Priest St. Monica's Coatbridge 2002-2009;
Primary Religious Education Advisor, Diocese of Motherwell 2002-2008;
Vicar Episcopal for Religious Education 2008;
Lecturer in Moral Theology, Scotus College, Glasgow 2003-2009;
Parish Priest St Edward's Airdrie 2009-2012;
Parish Priest St Ignatius of Loyola Wishaw 2012-2020;
Chaplain to St. Aidan's High, Wishaw 2013-2018

Bishops’ Conference Meeting 3 December 2019

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland met for their final meeting of 2019 at the premises of the General Secretariat in Airdrie on Tuesday 3 December.  Apologies were received from Bishops John Keenan and Stephen Robson, who were unable to attend; otherwise the meeting was attended by all Conference members.

ECUMENISM 
Archbishop Cushley reported on the progress being made towards winding up ACTS the national ecumenical body and in its place creating a new forum for ecumenical engagement. The new body will be the Scottish Christian Form (SCF) and will have a membership wider than the present membership of ACTS. There has been close liaison with the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church and the other members of ACTS on the particulars of the new body. It is hoped that SCF can be established and formally launched early in 2020.

LITURGY
In his capacity as Bishop President of the National Liturgical Commission (and Scottish Member of ICEL, International Commission for English in the Liturgy) Bishop Hugh Gilbert, updated the conference on new English texts containing hymns for the Liturgy of the Hours containing both texts and music for the sections of Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter, Ordinary Time, and the Ordinary and the Psalter. The bishops welcomed the new versions and voted to accept them as part of a projected new edition of the Liturgy of the Hours.

EDUCATION
International Office for Catholic Education - Archbishop Tartaglia reported on the World Congress of Catholic Schools which he attended in New York earlier this year. The Secretary to the Congregation for Catholic Education at the Holy See, Archbishop Zani hosted a meeting with the bishops present at the Congress, outlining the four pillars of the Congregations interest in Catholic schools:

The identity of the Catholic school - there is a spectrum of catholicity around the world with schools in some countries not having as strong a catholic identity than in others.
The educational community - the collaboration of home, school and parish is central to success.
The formation of Catholic teachers- in some countries the withdrawal of religious as school staff was necessitating a move to lay led educators as has been the case in Scotland for many decades.
New Challenges - this is particularly relevant in Scotland as our schools are a part of the state sector.

Archbishop Tartaglia advised that the Scottish Catholic Education Services was well regarded internationally and commended their work.

SAFEGUARDING 
Bishop Toal reported on the work of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) and the decision to request leave to appear at the Child Migration case study beginning on 3 December and continuing in to 2020. He advised that the conference legal representative would explain to SCAI, that there were no records of the Catholic Church in Scotland engaging with or promoting child migration schemes at a parish or diocesan level. Further, it was the understanding of the Bishops’ Conference that, where the migration programme was brought to the attention of care providers in institutions run by Catholic Religious Congregations, they alone would have been responsible for facilitating migration in conjunction with the statutory authorities of the day. The Scottish Hierarchy at the time would not have known the number, identity or destination of migrants and would not have had any means of enquiring about the welfare or eventual outcomes of those who migrated.

Assistant General secretary, Michael McGrath provided an overview of the response made to the Scottish Government’s Redress Consultation. A letter from Bishop Gilbert to the Deputy First Minister points out that the Bishops’ Conference supports the decision of the Scottish Government to establish a Financial Redress Scheme and notes that, although responsibility for those children rested primarily with the State and with local Councils, it is reasonable that all those responsible for providing care should make a meaningful contribution to the scheme.
The letter also advises, that the Catholic Church across Scotland has been engaged for some time in a range of actions designed to offer reparation to victims and survivors of abuse. These actions include: enabling access to records, providing counselling sessions, signposting people to a range of relevant support services, arranging individual meetings and offering apologies.

IRG – Independent Review Group
There was a discussion on the Memorandum of Understanding which will underpin the work of the IRG and the conduct of diocesan audits in future. This seeks to establish protocols in areas such as Data Protection, mediation and arbitration.

ORDAINED MINISTRY

Archbishop Tartaglia led a discussion on future seminary provision, Scotland currently has two seminaries: the Pontifical Scots College Rome, and the Royal Scots College Salamanca. The seminary in Rome caters for the standard 7-year course of formation of the seminarians, in conjunction with the Roman Pontifical Universities & Athenaea. The seminary in Spain caters for a 6-month propaedeutic period prior to the seminarians going to Rome. Both seminaries have long histories. There are currently over 20 seminarians in Rome and there will be around 6 seminarians in the propaedeutic period in the Salamanca seminary in 2020.

There was a wide ranging discussion on how best to prepare the next generation of seminarians for service in the Scottish church and where they might best be trained.

General Election December 2019

This General Election presents us with an opportunity to elect an individual representative who reflects as closely as possible our beliefs. It allows us to revisit Catholic Social Teaching and to connect our voting to our Catholic faith. It can be a chance to proclaim the inherent dignity and value of every human being, made in the image and likeness of God, and to promote the common good.  

In recent times, politics has become divisive, principally, though not exclusively, as a result of the EU referendum. Vigorous debate has sometimes spilled over into personal attacks and even acts of violence which are never acceptable. 

Uncertain times ought to make us stop and reflect on the One who is Truth Himself. Turning to God in these difficult times is our only hope for true peace. During elections, a range of issues compete for our attention; we highlight some of them here so that we may reflect on them and raise them with parliamentary candidates. 

Human Life

It is the duty of all of us to uphold the most basic and fundamental human right – the right to life. We should urge candidates to recognise human life from the moment of conception until natural death and to legislate for its protection at every stage, including protecting the unborn child, ensuring that both mother and child are accepted and loved. 

We should remind our politicians that abortion, assisted suicide and euthanasia are, as the Church has consistently taught, always morally unacceptable. Decriminalisation of abortion unhappily paves the way towards a legal basis for abortion on demand, for any reason, up to birth and politicians should be urged to resist it. 

Our Governments should also promote a culture of life overseas, reversing the current practice of the UK Government to support anti-life initiatives, which might be described as ideological colonisation. 

Marriage and the Family

Society relies on the building block of the family to exist. The love of man and woman in marriage and their openness to new life is the basic, fundamental cell upon which society is built. The wellbeing of society depends on the flourishing and health of family life and MPs and other legislators should respond to this with policies that create economic and fiscal support for married couples and families with children.

Poverty

Sadly, poverty continues to be a scourge for many at home and abroad. Too many people still struggle to make ends meet, homelessness is on the rise, and the two-child limit on tax credits is disproportionately affecting families of faith. This reality cannot and should not endure in our country in the twenty-first century. Reliance on food banks, particularly for families, is a telling criticism of a society that has forgotten its poor people in its midst. 

Our concerns should also extend to maintaining and improving the UK’s commitment to international development, which helps some of the poorest people in the world. Aid should not be used to support immoral practices such as those which compromise the basic right to life. Legislation in our country should also welcome refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, remove the inhumane policy of indefinite immigration detention, and provide for those people living in and around conflict zones while committing to working towards the peaceful resolution of conflict. MPs should also commit the nation to responsible stewardship of the earth and all of its resources, and act on Pope Francis’ call to be ‘protectors of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment.’ 

Freedom of Religion and Conscience

We believe that a creeping intolerance towards religious belief, including but not confined to Christianity, has become part of life in modern Britain. Certain politicians and citizens are finding it increasingly difficult to be true to their faith in an environment that tries to restrict religion to the private sphere. Our MPs should be urged to legislate for a liberal and tolerant society that is truly welcoming to all faiths and none. 

Millions of people worldwide are persecuted for their beliefs. People of faith, including Christians, should be able to practise their faith freely and to bear witness to it in their lives without fear of prejudice, intolerance, abuse or violence. Candidates for Parliament should be committed to the right of people not to be forced to act against their conscience, and the next UK Government should campaign against religious persecution and intolerance around the world.

Nuclear Weapons and the Arms Trade

The use of any weapon that causes more than individual and proportionate harm to civilians is immoral and is rejected by the Church. The use of weapons of mass destruction is a serious offence against God and against humanity. While states are entitled to possess the means required for legitimate defence, this must not become an excuse for an excessive accumulation of weaponry which becomes a considerable threat to stability and freedom as well as a misuse of public funds that could serve to address the needs of the disadvantaged. The next UK Government ought to work actively and seriously towards elimination of the UK’s nuclear arsenal, and the promotion of a more peace-oriented manufacturing industry, one that doesn’t manufacture arms which fuel wars and instability across the world.

Finally, as we engage in this General Election, please pray for those who will be charged with representing the nation’s interests in Parliament. May they be guided towards what is good and true; to the One who can bring true peace and freedom for all. 

Yours devotedly in Christ,

+ Hugh Gilbert, President, Bishop of Aberdeen

+ John Keenan, Vice President, Bishop of Paisley

+ Brian McGee, Episcopal Secretary, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles

+ Philip Tartaglia, Archbishop of Glasgow

+ Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh

+ Joseph Toal, Bishop of Motherwell

+ Stephen Robson, Bishop of Dunkeld

+ William Nolan, Bishop of Galloway


Scottish Bishops appoint new director of Catholic Parliamentary Office - 22 July 2016
The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has appointed a new director of the Catholic Parliamentary Office.

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, president of the Scottish Bishops’ Conference, offered congratulations to Anthony Horan who will take up the post from July 25.

The position has been vacant since John Deighan resigned in April 2015 to become CEO of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children Scotland.

Mr Horan most recently worked as a solicitor and acting legal manager for Glasgow City Council and has worked for the Scottish Legal Aid Board and JC Hughes Solicitors.

“I am honoured to have been appointed director of the Catholic Parliamentary Office of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland,” Mr Horan said. “I look forward to engaging with Scotland’s parliamentarians and the political system, developing friendly and positive relationships in the process. I am extremely grateful to Scotland’s Catholic Bishops for giving me this opportunity to work for them and to develop the work of the Parliamentary Office.”

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia offered his congratulations to Mr Horan. “Together with all the bishops I look forward to working with him in future as he represents the Church in the political sphere,” he said. “Anthony’s demonstrable knowledge of and commitment to his Catholic faith will be a tremendous asset to the Catholic Parliamentary Office. I wish him every success in his new post.”

Pope establishes Sunday of the Word of God
30th September 2019

Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Motu proprio "Aperuit illis", published on 30 September, establishes that "the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the Word of God". The timing of the document is significant: 30 September is the Feast of Saint Jerome, the man who translated most of the Bible into Latin, and who famously said: "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ". This year also marks 1600 years since his death. The title of the document, "Aperuit illis", is equally important. They are its opening words, taken from St Luke’s Gospel, where the Evangelist describes how the Risen Jesus appeared to His disciples, and how "He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures".

18 July 2019 - Letter to First Minister

Letter to First Minister 18 July 2019

The President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop Hugh Gilbert has written to the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to express his concerns at the attacks launched against the SNP MP Dr Lisa Cameron, following her vote against an amendment to the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill that would have lifted the legal protections presently afforded to the unborn child in Northern Ireland.

In his letter on behalf of the Catholic Church in Scotland, Bishop Gilbert calls on the SNP leader, on behalf of all those “who cherish freedom of conscience within the public square” to provide an urgent reassurance that freedom of conscience will be protected within the SNP and valued in Scottish public life, at every level.

The full text of the letter can be seen by clicking on the link above.

Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Argyll and the Isles - 28 Dec 2014
Pope Francis has today appointed Monsignor Brian McGee as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles. The diocese has been vacant since April 2014 when Bishop Joseph Toal became the Bishop of Motherwell. Mgr. McGee is currently Vicar General of the Diocese of Paisley and Parish Priest of Holy Family Parish, Port Glasgow.

Reacting to his appointment, Bishop-Elect McGee said:
“It was very humbling, and indeed frightening, to be informed by the Papal Nuncio that Pope Francis had nominated me to be the new bishop of the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles. However, after reflection and prayer I now face this mission with quiet but definite confidence. Yes, I remain aware of my limitations but I am even more aware of the power of God’s grace which, with our co-operation, overcomes our shortcomings. Experience has taught me that positively answering God’s invitations is always to our own advantage.”

Bishop-Elect McGee added:
“I am excited about coming to the diocese of Argyll and the Isles. It has an ancient and proud heritage whose roots stretch back almost one and a half thousand years preceding even its spiritual father, Saint Columba. Since then, the consistent witness to Christ and the contribution to the National and Universal Church have been immense and I pray that it will continue to be so. I am also mindful of the diocese’s rich Gaelic character and I, although not yet a Gaelic speaker, will endeavour to promote its rightful use in the worship of God.
We have entered into the Year of Mercy. I am inspired by this Jubilee’s ethos and I hope to be a bishop that has an unshakable trust in God’s mercy, unafraid to acknowledge my own need of God’s mercy and one who shows mercy to all, especially those who are most in need. Pope Francis wrote of our Faith Communities being oases of mercy. Please God, as individuals, as parishes and the diocese as a body will be a constant oasis of mercy to all.”

“I cannot deny that it is a wrench for me to leave the Diocese of Paisley. This was where I wanted to minister from my youth and I have always been very happy there. I would like to thank Bishop John Keenan, and his predecessors, as well as the clergy, religious and lay faithful of Paisley Diocese for their encouragement over many years. I recognise that I have much to learn about the diocese of Argyll and the Isles and I hope to be a good listener. It is an area I already love. I grew up in Greenock daily enjoying beautiful views of the Cowal Peninsula, Bute and Arran and I still savour them from my parish in Port Glasgow today. I have holidayed and trekked throughout the diocesan boundaries from my earliest childhood to the present day. I have made several pilgrimages to Iona. I already look forward to living within what will be my new diocese and I sure that I will naturally come to love its people.”

Bishop John Keenan of Paisley said:
“Many congratulations to Bishop Elect Brian on his appointment by Pope Francis to the See of Argyll and the Isles. I am not at all surprised that he has been chosen for this important office. Since appointing him as my Vicar General and getting to know and see him at work I have been highly impressed by his wisdom about the ways of the Church, his personal commitment to living the Gospel and his sense of service to the clergy and people of the diocese. He is loved and respected dearly by his own parishioners in Holy Family, Port Glasgow, who will miss him, and his elevation leaves big shoes to fill in the diocese of Paisley.

“I can assure the clergy and people of Argyll and the Isles that they are getting a Pastor who will give his all to serving them with justice and who will lead them with energy and vision. He will be a valued member of the Bishop’s Conference which will benefit from his fresh perspective and thoughtful discernment.”

Commenting on the appointment the Administrator of the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles, Monsignor James MacNeil said:
“It is with gratitude that we the clergy and faithful of the diocese of Argyll and the Isles welcome the news that Pope Francis has appointed Mgr Brian McGee as the new bishop of our diocese. We welcome him with joy and he can be sure of the support, cooperation, affection and prayers of the community of the diocese as he begins his ministry of leadership and service.

Mgr. MacNeil added: “We pray that under his fatherly guidance we will grow in faith and unity so that we may become a community that effectively witnesses to the presence of the Risen Lord among us. Welcome, Bishop-elect Brian; may you have many years of happy and fruitful ministry as Bishop of Argyll and the Isles.”


ENDS
Peter Kearney
Director
Catholic Media Office
5 St. Vincent Place
Glasgow
G1 2DH
0141 221 1168
07968 122291
mail@scmo.org
www.scmo.org

Notes to Editors:
1.Bishop-Elect McGee will be ordained at St. Columba’s Cathedral in Oban at a date to be advised.
2. Photographs of Bishop-Elect McGee are available from: Anthony MacMillan 01397 702557 or macmillan3@aol.com
3. Bishop-Elect Brian McGee’s Biography
Brian Thomas McGee
FAMILY
Born Greenock 8th October 1965.
Baptised, St Laurence’s, Greenock.
Parents: Seamus and Brighid McGee. Father born in Moville, Ireland moved to Greenock aged five. Mother born Belfast, Ireland moved to Greenock after marriage, 1964. Father engineer fitter, died 1981. Mother Primary teacher.
Siblings: Brona, Ciaran and Kevin. Both brothers died as infants. Brona is a nurse and currently is Director of Care at St Vincent’s Hospice, Howwood.
EDUCATION
Primary School
St Joseph’s Primary School , Greenock 1970-1973
Holy Cross Primary School, Greenock 1973-1977
Secondary School
St Vincent’s College, Langbank 1977-1978
St Mary’s College, Blairs 1978-1983
Senior Seminary
St Patrick’s College, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, Ireland 1983-1989
Ordained priest for the Diocese of Paisley 29th June 1989 in St Mary’s, Greenock by Bishop John Mone
ACADEMIC
Certificate in Philosophy (Distinction) 1984 St Patrick’s College, Thurles,
Diploma in Theology (Distinction) 1988 St Patrick’s College, Thurles,
MA Christian Spirituality (Distinction) 2011 Sarum College, Salisbury,
PARISH MINISTRY
St Charles, Paisley 1989-1995 (Assistant Priest)
Holy Family, Port Glasgow 1995-1997 (Assistant Priest)
St Joseph’s, Clarkson 1997-2007 (Parish Priest)
Spiritual Director, Scotus College, National Seminary 2007-2009
Holy Family, Port Glasgow 2009- (Parish Priest)
DIOCESAN POSTS
Director of RCIA c1993-2003
Vicar Episcopal for Marriage and Family Life 2006-2014
Vicar General of Diocese of Paisley 2014-
Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Galloway - 22 Nov 2014
Pope Francis has today (Saturday 22 November 2014) appointed Fr. William Nolan, as Bishop of Galloway. Fr. Nolan is currently parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes, East Kilbride and Vicar General of the Diocese of Motherwell.

Reacting to the announcement, Bishop-Elect Nolan said; "I am overawed to be appointed by Pope Francis as Bishop of Galloway. I already know some of the clergy and I look forward to working with them and with the the people of the Diocese to help the faith flourish in the land where Ninian planted the seeds of faith so long ago. I wish to serve the Diocese as best I can, but knowing I am hindered by my failings and weaknesses, I ask everyone to pray for me."

Bishop-Elect Nolan added; "The last 20 years of my life have been spent in Our Lady of Lourdes parish East Kilbride. I wish to pay tribute to the people of the parish for their kindness and support to me over the years. My move to Galloway is tinged with sadness at leaving Our Lady of Lourdes behind."

Welcoming the appointment of his successor, Bishop John Cunningham said “I am delighted with the appointment of Fr. Nolan, and I look forward to working with him in the period of transition. I know that he brings with him experience in many pastoral situations, and that this will serve him well as he leads the Diocese of Galloway. Galloway is a diocese consisting of parishes which are both rural and in large towns, and so Fr. Nolan’s wide expertise in dealing with people in his parish ministry, and in being able to adapt to different situations, will serve him well.”

Bishop Cunningham added: “I leave my role as Bishop of Galloway confident in my successor, and can assure him that the people and the priests of Galloway Diocese will offer him every support.”
 
Commenting on the appointment, Fr. William McFadden, Vicar General of the diocese, said: “On behalf of the priests of the diocese I welcome the appointment of Fr Nolan, and can assure him that the clergy of Galloway will support him in every way. We are aware of the demands that await him, particularly in the process of Embracing Change, but he can be sure that there is enormous goodwill and a real commitment to collaborative ministry awaiting him. I would also like to take the opportunity to express the gratitude of the priests of the diocese to Bishop Cunningham for his ministry as bishop, and to wish him well in his retirement.”


ENDS

Peter Kearney
Director
Catholic Media Office
07968 122291(M)
pk@scmo.org

Notes to Editors:

1. Biography – Bishop-Elect William Nolan: DOB: 26th January 1954,
Baptised: St Patrick’s Craigneuk
Schools:
Cathedral Primary, Motherwell
St Patrick’s Primary, Craigneuk
St Vincent’s College, Langbank, 1965 - 1967
St Mary’s College, Blairs, 1967 - 1971
Senior Seminary: Scots College, Rome, 1971 - 1978
Ordained Priest for Diocese of Motherwell, 30th June 1977, St Bernadette’s Motherwell
S.T.L. (Licence in Sacred Theology): Gregorian University, Rome, June 1978
Priestly Ministry:
Assistant Priest, Our Lady of Lourdes, East Kilbride, 1978 – 1980
Assistant Priest, St. David’s, Plains, 1980 – 1983
Vice-Rector, Scots College, Rome, 1983 – 1990
Assistant Priest, St Bridget’s, Baillieston, 1990 - 1994
Parish Priest, Our Lady of Lourdes, East Kilbride, 1994 to present
Chairman Council of Priests, 1992 - 1998
Chairman Committee for Ongoing Formation of Priests, 1993-2004
Administrator, St John Ogilvie, Blantyre, November 2013 to present
Vicar General, Motherwell Diocese, June 2014 to present

4th of 11 children born to William and Catherine Nolan (both deceased) - 5 girls and 6 boys.

Baptised in same church as Cardinal Winning - St Patrick’s, Craigneuk, Wishaw. Taught at Primary School by Cardinal Winning’s sister, Mrs Margaret Canning (now deceased)

Form Master at Blairs College was Fr Peter Moran who is now Emeritus Bishop of Aberdeen.

Mgr Maurice Taylor, emeritus Bishop of Galloway was Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes East Kilbride when he was appointed Bishop of Galloway in 1981. When first ordained Fr Nolan was sent as a curate to Our Lady of Lourdes and served under  Mgr Taylor. Fr Nolan is now the second Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes to become Bishop of Galloway.


2. Bishop John Cunningham has been the Bishop of Galloway since May 2004.

3. The date of the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop-Elect Nolan will be announced in due course.
15 June 2019 - First Report of Independent Review Group

The Independent Review Group, chaired by Baroness Helen Liddell, published its first report on the Safeguarding practices and policies of the Catholic Church in Scotland. The report can be viewed here.



Baroness Liddell issued this statement on the day of publication:

“The Catholic Church, in Scotland and around the world, has been the focus of considerable criticism in recent years about the safety and care of the most vulnerable in our communities. Here in Scotland, the Bishops had the courage to establish a Commission under former Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Dr Andrew McLellan, to conduct a review into the safeguarding policies, procedures and practices within the Catholic Church. Out of that review came the Independent Review Group, which I was invited to Chair, and where I am joined by a team of acknowledged and experienced professionals in the field of safeguarding.

The first meeting of the IRG was in May 2017 and today we publish our first report into our review of the implementation of the McLellan recommendations.

The problem of how the Church is perceived is a universal one and signals the need for real and far reaching change. The vigour with which change is brought about, and is seen to be brought about, will determine whether credibility and trust can ever be restored. There needs to be a change in culture, in capacity, in capability and that needs training, learning, reflection, the utmost transparency, and it needs leadership.

We have found a willingness to adopt that change, but true progress can only come about as a result of deep analysis of strengths and weaknesses.

Safeguarding is often misunderstood; it is about much more than ticking boxes. It must be deeply embedded in the culture and theology of the Church. One of the first acts of the IRG was to review the self administered audits of diocesan safeguarding conducted across Scotland in 2017. The results gave cause for concern. There was a willingness to meet basic compliance standards but little evidence of the requirements of a safer culture. There was also no way to check the accuracy of the results, and a lack of clarity regarding the needs of, and support for, the victims of abuse.

As a result of the comments by the IRG, substantial changes were made to the 2018 audit.

It is clear, with the publication of the document “In God’s Image”, that there is a determination to learn and move forward. However, there is a need for greater consistency, independent analysis and professionalism in monitoring progress.

The IRG have concluded that there is a need to again review the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Service to ensure it is properly resourced and empowered to give standardised and unconditional support and scrutiny to every diocese in ensuring high quality safeguarding practice and the right culture. It is also essential to look again at ensuring robust processes for “whistle blowing”.

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland agreed to the commissioning of independent audits of Scottish Dioceses by the Social Care Institute for Excellence together with Children in Scotland. Two audits have just been completed of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh and the Diocese of Galloway. The results of the audits are in the final stages of checking and will be published fully when completed. Two audits a year will be undertaken until all eight dioceses have been scrutinised. This is a major undertaking, unique in Scotland, and the Bishops have shown a willingness to submit their Dioceses to the utmost scrutiny.

Much remains to be done, as we move forward the IRG will work further with the Religious congregations in Scotland, and our programme of outreach around Scotland will take us to every Diocese. We will also seek to reach out to survivors to learn from them. We will also build on our learning from the outcomes of the Independent audits.

We are grateful for all the help and cooperation we have received. I am particularly grateful for the dedication and hard work of the members of the IRG who have given of their professionalism and experience so willingly.

We owe it to the vulnerable in our communities to be relentless in our pursuit of their safety and care. Our focus is to ensure we do not let them down”.


Bishop Joseph Toal, who has responsibility for overseeing the work of the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Service, issues this statement in response.

“The Bishops of Scotland are grateful to Baroness Helen Liddell and members of the Independent Review Group for their work in externally reviewing and monitoring the Safeguarding practices of the Catholic Church in Scotland.  We welcome their report and we shall take time to give it serious consideration.

Since setting up the Independent Review Group, we have taken steps to improve Safeguarding practices in all eight Dioceses in Scotland.  The most significant of these actions include the publication of 'In God's Image' (our manual of Safeguarding procedures), a radical revision of the annual Safeguarding Audit which is completed in every Catholic parish and, most recently, entirely independent audits of Safeguarding practice in two of our Dioceses.

We are determined to apply what we learn, both from the steps we have already taken and from the IRG's report, and to ensure that the highest standards of Safeguarding practice are met throughout the Church in Scotland.”

23 May 2019 - Death of Bishop Joseph Devine

Bishop Emeritus Joseph Devine RIPTributes have been paid to Bishop Joseph Devine, former Bishop of Motherwell, who died on Thursday 23 May at Wishaw General Hospital, aged 81.

Bishop Hugh Gilbert, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland said:

“On behalf of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland I would like to offer Bishop Devine’s family our deepest and most prayerful sympathies. During his active years as a bishop, he made a lasting and significant contribution to work of the Bishops’ Conference. I will pray for the repose of his soul and celebrate Mass for him today (Friday 24 May).”“We ask God to grant him eternal rest after his distinguished ministry as a priest and bishop in Scotland – and give thanks for all that he did for the Church in our country over the past 59 years of his priesthood. May God rest his soul.”

Bishop Joseph Toal, Bishop Devine’s successor as Bishop of Motherwell said:

“All in the Diocese of Motherwell feel the sadness of the death of our Bishop Emeritus, Rt Rev Joseph Devine, yesterday evening. He served as Bishop of Motherwell for 30 years, and for 6 years before that as Auxiliary Bishop of Glasgow Archdiocese, so we acknowledge and give thanks to God for his faithful and very full ministry as a bishop and priest.”

“I heard of the news of his death in Wishaw General Hospital as I was about to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, something which Bishop Devine celebrated hundreds of times, and it is for this that many in the Diocese remember him best. Through his years as Bishop, Bishop Devine served the Catholic Church in Scotland through his full participation and valued contribution to the work of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, particularly in regard to Catholic Education.”

“Although he was very ill through the last days of his life he was still very alert and very much himself. I suspect he would have liked to have lived another couple of days to know the outcome of Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final. I thank those who nursed him through his last week on earth and those who attended to him at home through the years since his retirement. We commend his soul to God and look forward to celebrating his Funeral and giving thanks for all he offered to the Lord and his people as Priest and Bishop. May he rest in peace.”

Archbishop Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St. Andrews & Edinburgh and a former priest of the Diocese of Motherwell said;

“I will always remember Bishop Joseph Devine with affection and respect. He was a generous and wise pastor of souls and as a young priest I learned a great deal from him. He dedicated himself generously to celebrating Word and Sacrament, especially among the young people of Motherwell, and we owe him a great debt of gratitude. May he rest in peace”

ENDS


Peter Kearney
Director
Catholic Media Office
5 St. Vincent Place
Glasgow
G1 2DH
0141 221 1168
07968 122291
pk@scmo.org
www.scmo.org


Notes to Editors

The date of Bishop Devine’s funeral will be advised in due course.

Biography

Born in Glasgow 7th August 1937; educated at St. Ninian’s Primary School, Kirkintilloch, St. Mary’s College, Blairs, St Peter’s College, Cardross.
Ordained priest in Glasgow, 29th June 1960.
Studied in Scots College, Rome (Ph.D., 1964, Gregorian University, Rome)
Served as:
Private Secretary, Archbishop of Glasgow, 1964-65
Assistant priest, St. Robert Bellarmine, Glasgow, 1965-67
St. Joseph’s, Helensburgh, 1967-72
On staff of St. Peter’s College, Cardross, 1967-74
Assistant chaplain, Catholic Chaplaincy at the University of Glasgow, 1974-77
Episcopal Vicar, lay apostolate 1974-83
Nominated titular bishop of Voli (and auxiliary bishop), 5th May 1977
Ordained Bishop by Thomas Joseph Winning, Archbishop of Glasgow in St. Francis’ Church Glasgow, 31st May, 1977
Translated to Motherwell, 13th May 1983
Retired 31st May 2013.
Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Paisley - 08 Feb 2014
Pope Francis has today (Saturday 8 February 2014) appointed Fr John Keenan, as Bishop of Paisley.

The Diocese of Paisley has been vacant since September 2012, when Bishop Philip Tartaglia became Archbishop of Glasgow. Fr David Boyd has been the Administrator of the Diocese in the interim.

Reacting to the announcement, Bishop-Elect Keenan said;

“While nervous at my appointment, I have been very uplifted at the congratulations and good wishes I have received so far which have given more confidence.  Everyone I speak to says Paisley is a wonderful diocese with good priests and people full of faith. I am looking forward to being with my brother priests, many of whom I already know really well, and getting to know the people and the parishes of the diocese.  I hope just to settle in and listen a lot.”  

“At the same time I leave Glasgow with a heavy heart.  I have loved my priesthood there from the very beginning and know I have family and many friends who will continue supporting me.   This is an exciting time in the Church under Pope Francis' lively leadership and I hope to put as much of his vision into my own personal life and ministry as I can.  I know many people in Paisley and Glasgow will be praying for me and I thank them very much.”

Welcoming the appointment of his successor, Archbishop Tartaglia said;

“I welcome the appointment of Father John Keenan as Bishop of Paisley. As Archbishop of Glasgow, I am glad that a priest of the Archdiocese has been named by Pope Francis as Bishop of Paisley. Father Keenan has been a much-loved and respected Parish Priest, and an inspirational Catholic Chaplain to Glasgow University (Turnbull Hall). His appointment gives me a huge headache in trying to replace him. But, in the Church, when one part of the body is made stronger, the whole body benefits.  So, in this case, Paisley’s delight is Glasgow’s joy, and I am certain that Fr Keenan will be a fine bishop for Paisley.

As a former of Bishop of Paisley, I am very happy that the Diocese of Paisley now has a new Bishop. It’s a great diocese and very supportive of its bishops. Bishop-Elect John Keenan can expect a warm and heartfelt welcome throughout the diocese. I was very happy as Bishop of Paisley and I am sure he will be too.

And as President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, along with my brother-bishops, I will be delighted to welcome our new colleague to the Bishops’ Conference. We know that John is a very gifted priest, and we look forward with anticipation to his contribution as a bishop to the work of the Conference.”

Commenting on the appointment, Fr David Boyd said:

"I was absolutely delighted to hear that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, had nominated as bishop of Paisley Diocese Fr. John Keenan.  Over the past seventeen months since Archbishop Tartaglia left for Glasgow we have been praying at many masses in our diocese for,  "a pastor who will please you by his holiness and to show us watchful care". I am certain that in Bishop Elect John Keenan, that prayer has been answered.  On behalf of Bishop Emeritus John Mone, the priests and deacons and lay faithful of the Diocese of Paisley, I can assure Bishop Elect John a very warm welcome and the assurance of our prayers and support.  Over the past seventeen months, as Administrator, I have been taken aback time and time again by the support, energy and good will of all the clergy and people of this Diocese.  I am certain that Bishop Elect John will also experience this and that we will hopefully make him feel at home very quickly".

 
ENDS

Peter Kearney
Director
Catholic Media Office
07968 122291(M)
pk@scmo.org

Notes to Editors:

1. Biography - Bishop Elect John Keenan: DOB 19/12/64 Born and Baptised: St Joseph's, Cowcaddens , then St Gregory's, Wyndford. School: St Gregory's Primary, Shrigley Salesian College, Cheshire. University of Glasgow (1984-88); Ll.B  Gregorian University Rome (1988-95); S.T.B., Ph.L

Parishes:  Christ the King, Kingspark (1995-2000) and Chaplain at Holyrood (1997-2000) Lecturer in Philosophy, Scotus College (1995-2005) University of Glasgow Chaplain (2000-2014) and Parish Priest, St Patrick's, Anderston (2013-14) Vocations Director, Archdiocese of Glasgow (2013-14)

2. The installation of the new bishop will take place in St. Mirin’s Cathedral, Paisley on Wednesday 19 March 2014, the Feast of St. Joseph.

3. Bishop Elect John Keenan will become Scotland’s youngest Bishop following his Episcopal Ordination on 19 March.

4. The Diocese of Paisley was established in 1947 to serve the Roman Catholic Community within Inverclyde, Renfrewshire & East Renfrewshire (excluding Thornliebank). Although a small Diocese in geographical terms, the Diocese serves an eighth of the Catholic population of Scotland.

5. The appointment of Bishop Elect John Keenan, is the third Scottish Episcopal appointment made by Pope Francis since his election on 13 March 2013. He appointed Archbishop Leo Cushley as Archbishop of St, Andrews & Edinburgh on 24 July 2013 and Bishop Stephen Robson as Bishop of Dunkeld on 11 December 2013.
Vatican Summit on the Protection of Minors in the Church

PBC 2019 logo

Pope Francis has called a meeting of Bishops from across the Catholic world to learn about, reflect on and pray about the important issue of "The Protection of Minors in the Church". Bishop Hugh Gilbert, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, will represent the Church in Scotland throughout the summit which takes place on 21st to 24th February 2019.

You can keep in touch with the summit using the link below

http://www.pbc2019.org/home

Bishops' Conference appoints new General Secretary - 10 December 2018
The Bishops of Scotland have appointed Fr Jim Grant to be the new General Secretary of the Bishops' Conference. Fr Grant is currently Parish Priest of Holy Family Parish in Mossend, Bellshill in the Diocese of Motherwell. He succeeds Mgr Hugh Bradley who was appointed in 2012.

Commenting on the appointment, Bishop Joe Toal, Bishop of Motherwell said:

“I am happy that Fr Grant has accepted the Bishops’ request to succeed Mgr Hugh Bradley as General Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland. I am sure he will carry out his duties as General Secretary very well and will bring his long experience as a Parish Priest to assist wisely the Bishops and all who work for the Conference in the time ahead. Of course, we will miss his ministry in Motherwell Diocese but we are happy to contribute generously to the National Church in allowing Fr Grant to serve as General Secretary. He will still be resident in the Diocese and will continue to have an active role where possible. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide him as he accepts this new challenge.”

Reacting to his appointment, Fr Grant said:

“It came as quite a shock to me to be asked to undertake this role. I never sought nor expected to be anything but a parish priest. It is the everyday pastoral work in a parish setting which energises me and where I have found great fulfilment and it is with a very heavy heart that I will leave parish ministry albeit for even a short time. I shall miss enormously being part of a parish community. This new role will be something completely different, however, I do see a pastoral element in the role of General Secretary to the Bishops’ Conference which is to support, encourage and affirm all the different agencies and individuals who do such great work for the Bishops’ Conference and indeed for Catholic Church in Scotland. In a sense, these people will become my new ‘parishioners’.”

Fr Grant added;

“I will find it hard to leave the wonderful Parish community of Holy Family, Mossend where I have spent over 23 years as Parish Priest. I shall treasure my years there and as I move on to new pastures, I would hope to use the pastoral experience gained over the last 35 years in parish life in my new role.”

ENDS

Note to Editors: Fr Grant’s appointment will take effect from 31 January 2019

Peter Kearney
Director
Catholic Media Office
5 St. Vincent Place
Glasgow
G1 2DH
0141 221 1168
07968 122291
pk@scmo.org
www.scmo.org
Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Dunkeld - 11 Dec 2013

Pope Francis has today appointed Bishop Stephen Robson, currently Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Andrews and Edinburgh as the new Bishop of Dunkeld.

Bishop Robson will replace Bishop Vincent Logan who stood down as Bishop of Dunkeld after almost 30 years in December 2010 on health grounds. Monsignor Basil O’Sullivan has been the Administrator of the Diocese in the interim.

Reacting to the announcement, Bishop Robson said;

“I am deeply honoured to have been chosen by Pope Francis as the next Bishop of Dunkeld. Dunkeld is a beautiful diocese set in the heart of Scotland and I look forward to living and working there, getting to know the clergy, religious and laity and accompanying them on their Christian journey.  I look forward to trying to build up the People of God in the Faith and in the confidence of being Catholic in a challenging world. I look forward especially to helping the young and families to live the Gospel and to serve Christ in the Church. A big priority must also be to encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life”

Welcoming the appointment of his successor, Bishop Vincent Logan said;

“I was delighted to hear that Pope Francis has chosen Bishop Stephen Robson as my successor as the Bishop of Dunkeld. I offer Bishop Stephen my warmest congratulations on his appointment and assure him of my prayers and support as he prepares to begin his ministry in the Diocese of Dunkeld.”

Commenting on the appointment, Archbishop Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh, said:

“I am delighted that the Holy Father has nominated Bishop Stephen Robson as Bishop of Dunkeld.  In my brief time in Edinburgh, I have learned of a widespread affection and respect for him as a person and as a priest, and I will miss his wise counsel, energy and hard work at the service of the Archdiocese.  I am sure that the people and priests of Dunkeld will benefit greatly from his goodness, openness  and willingness to cooperate with everyone for the sake of Christ and the Gospel.  May God bless Bishop Stephen and the flock entrusted to his care.“

The President of the Bishops Conference of Scotland, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, Archbishop of Glasgow, also congratulated Bishop Robson, saying;

“On behalf of the Bishops Conference of Scotland, I congratulate Bishop Stephen Robson on his appointment as Bishop of Dunkeld. I am very pleased for Bishop Stephen and for the Diocese of Dunkeld. I wish him every blessing in his new responsibilities.”

Welcoming him to the Diocese of Dunkeld, Monsignor Ken McCaffrey in his capacity as Delegate of the Diocesan Administrator, said:

“In one sense, our Advent period of waiting has come to an end earlier than we had anticipated. We offer our heartfelt welcome to our new Bishop and promise him a warm welcome to the Diocese of Dunkeld, where we look forward to working with him.”

ENDS

Peter Kearney

Director

Catholic Media Office

07968 122291(M)

pk@scmo.org

Notes to Editors:

1. Biography - Right Rev Bishop Stephen Robson, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Andrews and Edinburgh. Chaplain of His Holiness, 2008-date; Chancellor Archdiocese of St Andrew’s and Edinburgh, 2007-date; Moderator of the Curia in the Archdiocese. Parish Priest of SS John Cantius and Nicholas, Broxburn (2-12-present.

Dob: 1.4.1951. Parents: Leslie and Margery Robson. Ordained: 17.3.1979. Education: University of Edinburgh BSc, 1974; MTh, 1986; Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, STL, 2000, STD, 2003, JCL, 2006. Publications: With the Spirit and Power of Elijah, 2004 (Published Doctoral dissertation, Pontifical University Gregorian Press). Recreations: Music, reading, cinema, theatre. Clubs and Societies: Member of Institute of Biology; Chartered Biologist of Institute of Biology; Member of Canon Law Society of Great Britain & Ireland.


Career: Ordained, 1979; Assistant Priest, St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, June- Oct 1979; Assistant Priest, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (St Marie’s), Kirkcaldy, 1979- 1981; Chaplain, St Andrew’s High School, 1979-1981 ; Teacher training in-service, 1981; Professor, St Mary’s College, Blairs (National Junior Seminary), 1981-1986; Secretary to Archbishop O’Brien, 1986-1988; Post Graduate, Edinburgh University, 1986-1988; Assistant, Holy Cross Edinburgh, 1986-88; Parish Priest, Duns, 1988-1989; Novice, Ampleforth Abbey, 1989-1990; Parish Priest Dunbar, 1990-1993; Assistant Episcopal Vicar for Education, 1990-1993; Vicar Episcopal for Education, 1993-1998; Parish Priest, St John Vianney, Edinburgh, 1993-1997; Parish Priest, St Theresa’s East Calder, 1997-1998; Spiritual Director, Pontifical Scots College, Rome, 1998-2006; Professor, Pontifical Beda College, Rome, 1999-2001; Postgraduate, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, 1998-2006 (STL, 2000, STD, 2003, JCL, 2006); Parish Priest, North Berwick, 2006-2012; Parish Priest SS John Cantius and Nicholas (2012-present); Judge, Scottish National Tribunal, 2006-2012;

Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Andrews and Edinburgh,  Titular Bishop of Tannuna, Tuesday 8 May 2012; Consecrated Bishop 9th June 2012, St Mary’s Cathedral Edinburgh.

2. Bishop Robson was awarded The Bellarmine medal in 2004. The Bellarmine medal is a gold doctoral medal awarded annually to the two best doctoral theses submitted each year - one in philosophy and one in theology by the Gregorian University in Rome. He was awarded the theology award in 2004 for his thesis on St Bernard of Clairvaux's spiritual theology.

3. The installation of the new bishop will take place in St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Dundee very early in January on a date to be announced shortly. Bishop Robson has chosen as his Episcopal Motto: Peregrinator pro Christo - Pilgrim  for Christ.

Episcopal Ordination of Archbishop-elect Leo Cushley

The Episcopal Ordination of Archbishop-elect Leo Cushley will take place at St. Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh at 11am on Saturday 21st September 2013. Archbishop Elect Cushley who was appointed new Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh by Pope Francis on 24 July will become the eighth Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh since the restoration of the Catholic Hierarchy in 1878.
 
He will be consecrated by:
 
Cardinal James Harvey, who will be the principal consecrator and principal celebrant of the Mass of Episcopal Ordination/Consecration. Cardinal Harvey was Mgr. Cushley’'s first superior in the Secretariat of State and is a long-time colleague in the diplomatic service. Cardinal Harvey also worked as a deacon in a parish Edinburgh in the summer of 1974. Cardinal Harvey is from Wisconsin, USA.
 
His Excellency Archbishop Antonio Mennini, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, the Pope’s representative in the United Kingdom.
 
Most Rev. Philip Tartaglia, Archbishop of Glasgow, in his capacity as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh.
 
Among the guests will be: Rt. Hon Alex Salmond, the First Minister, the Moderator of the General Assembly, Dr Lorna Hood, Bishop John Armes Episcopal Bishop of Edinburgh, the British Ambassador to the Holy See, Nigel Baker, together with the Catholic Bishops of Scotland and other civic and religious dignitaries.
 
Commenting on the Ordination, Cardinal Harvey said;
 
“I am delighted and honoured to part of this historic moment in the life of the Church of St Andrews and Edinburgh.  Archbishop Cushley brings many gifts of mind and heart to his new office.  I am convinced that these gifts, suitable for prudent pastoral governance, will redound to the good of this Archdiocese and beyond.“ 

ENDS
 

Peter Kearney
Director
Catholic Media Office
5 St. Vincent Place
Glasgow
G1 2DH
0141 221 1168(T)
0141 204 2458(F)
07968 122291(M)
pk@scmo.org
www.scmo.org

Pope Appoints New Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh

Pope Francis has today, July 24, 2013, appointed Monsignor Leo Cushley as Archbishop of St. Andrews & Edinburgh. 

The new Archbishop will take over the governance of the Archdiocese from Archbishop Philip Tartaglia who has been Apostolic Administrator following the resignation of Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who was Archbishop from August 1985 until March 2013. 

Mgr Cushley is presently Head of the English-language section of the Vatican’s Secretariat of State and has been a close collaborator of both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. In his capacity as Prelate of the Anticamera Mgr Cushley has been regularly involved in the visits of Heads of State and other important guests to the Holy See.  Recently he has assisted as Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, the Archbishop of Canterbury and many other high profile visitors called upon the Pope. 

As Head of the English section of the Secretariat of State it was his task to accompany the Holy Father to English-speaking countries.  During 2010 he accompanied Pope Benedict to Malta and Cyprus as well as the United Kingdom. During that visit, at Bellahouston, Mgr Cushley had the pleasure of presenting his family to Pope Benedict. 

Commenting on his appointment, Mgr Cushley said: “I am humbled that our Holy Father Pope Francis has nominated me for such an important task here in our ancient capital.  I know it's a delicate moment and that there is a lot to be done, but with God's grace and the kind support of the clergy and people of Edinburgh, I will work cheerfully and willingly with all the energy I can muster. 

“There are certain important questions that I will also have to familiarize myself with. I have no jurisdiction in the diocese until after I have been ordained in late September.  Only then will I be able to take stock of what has happened and see what can be done. 

“It is my sincere hope to do this always in truth and in charity, with a view to reconciliation and healing among the Catholics of Edinburgh. My first task is to preach the good news, Christ crucified and risen from the dead, to confirm my brother priests in their Catholic faith and ministry, and to be a loving, simple, wise shepherd to the flock that has been entrusted to me.” 

Mgr Cushley counts among his pastimes hillwalking in the Scottish mountains and in the Abruzzi region of central Italy.  He is looking forward to getting acquainted with the Scottish hills again.  He has driven between Rome and Scotland seven times and has enjoyed every minute of it. His new role will mean that he will now surrender his distinctive Vatican number plate as well as his diplomatic passport. 

Mgr Cushley is also a regular jogger and listens to audiobooks while running/walking 10km three times a week in Rome.  He describes himself as “completely rubbish” on the golf course, but enjoys watching the sport (he was at the Open Championship at Muirfield last Saturday). 

Musically his tastes range from U2 to opera by Puccini, Verdi or Mozart. 

Notes to Editors:

 

1. The Archbishop-elect's episcopal ordination will take place in St.

Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh on 21st September 2013, when he will assume the governance of the Archdiocese. Further details of that ceremony will be issued when finalised. Until that ceremony the Archbishop-elect continues to be addressed as “Monsignor Cushley”. 

Biography: 

PERSONAL 

Born, 18 June 1961 in Airdrie, Lanarkshire, to Bill and Eileen Cushley, who married in 1960. Both were natives of Lanarkshire; Bill a baker and Eileen a secretary.  Bill Cushley died in 2007.  Mgr Cushley has a brother and sister, Carey (b. 1963), and Kenneth (b. 1966).  Carey, a primary school teacher, and Kenneth, an electrician, are both married, Carey having two children and Kenneth one, and all live in the west of Scotland.  He was ordained to the priesthood on 7th July 1985 at St John the Baptist’s, Uddingston, by Bishop Joseph Devine. 

Presently Mgr Cushley works in the Vatican as Prelate of the Anticamera and Head of the English-language section of the Vatican Secretariat of State.  He has been a priest of Motherwell Diocese for 28 years, and was active in the diocese 1987-1993.  He was asked to work for the Holy See in 1993, and has served in its Diplomatic Service since 1997. 

EDUCATION 

Doctorate in Canon Law at the Gregorian University, Rome (1997) Licence in Sacred Liturgy at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute, Rome(1987) Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology, Gregorian University, Rome (1984) Baccalaureate in Philosophy, Gregorian University, Rome (1981) 

Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Rome (1994-1997) Pontifical Scots College, Rome (1979-1987) St Mary’s College, Blairs, Aberdeen (1975-1979) Holy Cross High School, Hamilton (1973-1975) St John the Baptist’s Primary School, Uddingston (1967-1973) All Saints Primary School, Coatdyke (1966-1967)

 

SERVICE AT THE VATICAN 

Prelate of the Anticamera, Apostolic Palace (since 2012) (This is a ceremonial post, one which is close to the person of the Pope, and involves assisting the Holy Father as he receives visitors.) 

Head of the English-language section, Secretariat of State, Vatican (since 2009) (As the head of the English-language section, Mgr Cushley was the head of a team of writers and translators who have a series of tasks related to whatever the Pope requires in the English language.  The work also includes interpreting from English when the Holy Father or the Cardinal Secretary of State request assistance.   Mgr Cushley speaks Italian, French, Spanish and Portuguese. 

SERVICE IN THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS OF THE HOLY SEE 

Counsellor, Apostolic Nunciature in Botswana (2008) Counsellor, Apostolic Nunciature in South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland (2007) First Secretary, Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations, New York (2004) First Secretary, Apostolic Nunciature in Portugal (2001) Second Secretary, Apostolic Nunciature in Burundi (1997) [Service in the Nunciatures consists in assisting the Apostolic Nuncio - the Holy See’s Ambassador to a country - in all tasks, and occasionally taking his place as chargé d’affaires.  A Nunciature is identical to any normal embassy, but is also the point of reference for the local Catholic Church with the Church’s central administration in Rome.  The Holy See has full diplomatic relations with 178 of the world’s countries, and over 100 nunciatures on the ground in those countries]

WORK FOR THE HOLY SEE 

Attaché, English-language section, Secretariat of State, Vatican (1993-1994)

SERVICE AS A PRIEST IN DIOCESE OF MOTHERWELL

Assistant Priest, St Aidan’s Parish, Wishaw (1992) Chaplain to St Aidan’s High School, Wishaw (1992) Chaplain to Our Lady’s High School, Motherwell (1992) Assistant Priest, St Serf’s Parish, Airdrie (1988) Chaplain to St Margaret’s High School, Airdrie (1988) Assistant Priest, Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral, Motherwell (1987) 

For further enquiries please contact

Catholic Media Office - 0141-221-1168

 Or

Fr.Thomas Boyle - 07900 492750

thomashughboyle@googlemail.com

Archbishop Muller's Visit to Scotland

Archbishop Gerhard Müller the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith visited Scotland in June 2013 to deliver the prestigious "Cardinal Winning Lecture" at the University of Glasgow.

The Archbishop who heads the Vatican department charged with promoting and safeguarding Catholic doctrine has a long standing relationship with Scotland and has visited many times. For ten years he was Bishop of Regensburg, which is twinned with Aberdeen, and has visited as the guest of both Bishops Conti and Moran on a number of occasions. 

He also brought a message from Pope Francis to Scotland's Catholics, visited a Catholic Primary School, delivered a spiritual reflection to clergy and celebrated Mass in St. Andrew's Cathedral in Glasgow. 

Pope Francis has asked Archbishop Müller to convey his "greetings to Catholic teachers and to those preparing them at Glasgow University and good wishes for the success of the Saint Andrew's Foundation for Catholic teacher education." The Pope has also asked the Archbishop to "greet warmly all the Catholics of Scotland, especially the priests whom you will meet during your visit. Aware of recent challenges and of the crosses they have patiently borne." 

In the course of his lecture at the University of Glasgow, Archbishop Müller said; 

"It is opportune at this present moment, amidst the rapidly changing state of society, of higher education generally and also of the Church, to reflect on the nature and distinctiveness of Catholic Education and on the challenges it both faces and also presents."

He proposed that;

"the State has the duty and responsibility to facilitate the wishes of Catholic parents to educate their children according to their desire to pass on their faith to their children."

Commenting on the, "overarching secular tone of society today" and a "growing acceptance of a relativist stance with regard to truth and morality" Archbishop Müller warned against the assumption that "human freedom essentially entails creating one’s own truth and moral good." Adding that there are "logical absurdities in the relativists position: first – in asserting as absolutely true that there is no absolute truth; second – in maintaining that each person’s truth is as valuable as another’s; and third – in asserting that each person’s morality is as good as the other’s. The first represents the collapse of reason; the second and third, if pursued to their logical conclusion, would lead to the breakdown of society."

Archbishop Müller concluded with, "In the midst of so many diverse and at times bewildering versions of educational aims and processes, the Church has a rich and vital vision to proclaim." Adding; "May this new Institute play an important role in the study of this vision, its dissemination for the formation of Catholic teachers, and support of the schools in which this vision becomes realised."

Statement from the Press Office of the Holy See on Cardinal O'Brien

15 May 2013

Mercoledì, 15.05.2013 N. 0301
Pubblicazione: Immediata
Sommario:
Ë COMUNICATO DELLA SALA STAMPA DELLA SANTA SEDE
Ë COMUNICATO DELLA SALA STAMPA DELLA SANTA SEDE

His Eminence Cardinal Keith Patrick O’Brien, Archbishop Emeritus of St. Andrews and
Edinburgh, for the same reasons he decided not to participate in the last Conclave, and in
agreement with the Holy Father, will be leaving Scotland for several months for the purpose of
spiritual renewal, prayer and penance. Any decision regarding future arrangements for His
Eminence shall be agreed with the Holy See.
[00685-02.01]

! TESTO IN LINGUA ITALIANA
Per le stesse ragioni per cui decise di non prendere parte all’ultimo Conclave, S.Em.za il
Card. Keith Patrick O’Brien, Arcivescovo emerito di St. Andrews and Edinburgh, d’intesa con
il Santo Padre, nei prossimi giorni lascerà la Scozia per alcuni mesi di rinnovamento spirituale,
preghiera e penitenza. Ogni decisione circa la destinazione futura del Cardinale sarà da
concordare con la Santa Sede.
[00685-01.01]
[B0301-XX.01]

News: New Pope

Wednesday 13 March 2013

Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been elected Pope. He was chosen on the fifth round of votes by the 115 cardinals meeting in the Sistine Chapel to select Pope Benedict XVI's successor. He is the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to become Bishop of Rome, and has chosen the name Francis.

Reacting to the announcement, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, Archbishop of Glasgow and President of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland said;

 "I was surprised that the conclave was so quick. It took hardly any longer than the election of Benedict XVI. Given the pre-Conclave situation,  and the absence of a single dominant figure, I can only see this quick result as God's work. As soon as I heard I went into my chapel and offered a grateful and joyful prayer of
 thanksgiving … Deo Gratias!"

Archbishop Tartaglia added;

 "He is a man of firsts. The first Latin American. The first Jesuit. The first Pope Francis. I think we can take from his first appearance that he is a humble, spiritual and calm man. A reconciler and healer, with a strong background on social justice. His name reminds us of the little saint of Assisi. A simple man who was the poor servant of Jesus and who was given the message 'rebuild my church'. It is  a very significant message for our time. He may also have in mind St Francis Xavier the great missionary and a reminder of the need for a new evangelisation.

Archbishop Tartaglia concluded;

 "We missed having a Pope. Catholics feel the need for Peter. We now have Peter back. The new Pope will give us joy and confidence."

 ENDS

Peter Kearney
Director
Catholic Media Office
5 St. Vincent Place
Glasgow
G1 2DH
0141 221 1168
07968 122291
pk@scmo.org
www.scmo.org

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