Christian leaders to MSPs: reject Assisted Suicide
A coalition of senior Christian leaders has issued an open letter to MSPs, calling on them to vote against the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill at the upcoming Stage 3 debate. In their joint letter, the leaders warn that while the intention to relieve suffering is deeply understood, legalising assisted dying would “undermine […]
Call for funding clarity after VAT refund scheme ends
Christian leaders in Scotland have expressed concern over the future of historic churches due to the closure of a crucial funding scheme. The UK Government announced that the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS) would stop at the end of March 2026 without informing denominations or the Scottish Government. The scheme enabled parishes to […]
Calix: faith, fellowship & recovery in Christ
“I started The Calix Society in Edinburgh because I felt there was a real gap in the recovery community for a focus on Catholic spirituality and fellowship,” says Grace, a parishioner at St Patrick’s in Edinburgh. The Calix Society offers a Catholic ministry to alcoholics in recovery by deepening or rediscovering their faith and sharing […]
Pastoral Letter on final Assisted Suicide vote
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Scotland stands at a moment of profound moral consequence. In the coming weeks, the Scottish Parliament will cast its final vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill; legislation that would, for the first time in our nation’s history, permit physician‑assisted suicide. As your shepherds, entrusted […]
Bishops’ statement on Religious Education
Statement on the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill The Bishops thank the Scottish Catholic Education Service (SCES) and the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office (SCPO) for the considerable work undertaken to present the Church’s strongly held views on this issue. We recognise a number of important protections which […]
Pupils pray together at Cathedral
Primary Seven pupils gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh today for the annual Mass to mark their upcoming transition from primary to secondary school. The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Leo Cushley, who told them to keep in their minds and hearts the Lord’s Prayer. He said: “the best thing we can do is […]
Church prepares to welcome new Catholics!
It was a joyful occasion at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh yesterday when around 150 catechumens/candidates attended the Rite of Initiation. Archbishop Cushley told them: “We have this wonderful opportunity to conform ourselves more closely to the person of Jesus Christ through the gifts of grace we receive in the Sacraments. “St Paul says we […]
Praying for those who have suffered abuse
The Day of Prayer for Those who have Suffered Abuse falls on the Friday after Ash Wednesday (20 February). This day provides opportunities for Catholics in their homes, parishes and communities to pray for the healing of all who have suffered abuse. The Liturgical Commission of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has prepared these resources […]
Archbishop’s Ash Wednesday Message at Holyrood
Archbishop Cushley led the annual Ash Wednesday service at the Scottish Parliament earlier today. The annual gathering is an opportunity for MSPs and parliament staff to pray together, listen to scripture and receive ashes. Archbishop Cushley told those gathered: “Lent is a wonderful opportunity to look at ourselves as honestly as we can and to […]
Look ahead to Lent
Ash Wednesday (18 February) marks the beginning of Lent, a sacred season in the Church’s year. As ashes are placed on our foreheads, we are reminded of our human frailty and of God’s enduring mercy, calling us to turn back to Him with open hearts. Ash Wednesday Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh Throughout Lent […]