Perplexing decision

Press release

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has released the following statement on the Scottish Government’s decision not to allow places of worship to open for communal worship until 23 July at the earliest: “The Scottish Government’s decision not to allow places of worship to open for communal worship until 23 July at the earliest, while allowing pubs, restaurants and cinemas to …

Getting back to church

Press release

On Thursday 17th June, Bishop Stephen writes, “Good news from the Parliament today that we shall be moving into Phase 2 of our gradual re-emergence into society as the Government’s Routemap and the Church’s own Routemap, based on Holyrood’s and parallel to it, as have already indicated.” “Now that the virus has been sufficiently suppressed and the death and infection …

Church doors to re-open

Press release

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government that from Monday 22 June, churches may reopen for private prayer. Commenting on the announcement, the President of the Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Hugh Gilbert said; “We welcome the decision to reopen churches and look forward to the gradual resumption of church life, while recognising that not all …

Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for June

Prayer, Press release

Pope Francis has released a video message accompanying his prayer intention for June, which this month is that “all those who suffer may find their way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus.” In his prayer intention for the month of June 2020, Pope Francis asks everyone to pray for those who are suffering, as …

Church’s Covid19 Working group

Press release

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 …

The role of Deacons in our Church

Press release

Bishop Stephen invites you watch Pope Francis’ message on the role of deacons in the Church today. “Do we understand clearly the mission of deacons in the Church? They bring into the clergy the world of the family and of their profession. They have much to give.” Deacons are men with a very clear family vocation of serving God and …