The latest Bishops’ Conference meeting took place in Glasgow on 11th June, with a full agenda considering a wide range of matters relating to the life and mission of the Church in Scotland.
The bishops received feedback from the recent consultation on diocesan boundaries. Using the Conversation in the Spirit method, the bishops prayerfully reflected on the contents of the reports and discussed concrete proposals for the future.
Within the area of evangelisation and proclamation, the bishops received ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue reports and reflected on key themes emerging from the recent Communications Conference in Rome.
They also welcomed the soon to be released study guide to Magnifica Humanitas, prepared by Justice and Peace Scotland, which aims to help parish groups to engage more deeply with Pope Leo’s important reflections on artificial intelligence, human dignity and the future of society.
The bishops reviewed resources prepared for this year’s Day for Life, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to promoting the dignity of every human person from conception until natural death.
In the area of formation for ministry, the bishops considered proposals relating to an Applicants’ Year for those discerning priestly formation and received an update on plans concerning the future provision of seminary formation and the acquisition of a new college in Rome.
The bishops also received a report on venues currently under consideration for a national museum and archives project, recognising the importance of preserving and promoting Scotland’s rich Catholic heritage for future generations.
Other matters discussed included the ongoing development of an electronic Celebret system for clergy, arrangements for the retreat day of the bishops’ in-service week in Salamanca, updates from Catholic organisations and youth movements, and proposals to strengthen co-operation and communication across Catholic agencies and apostolates.
The bishops entrusted all of these matters to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and asked the faithful throughout Scotland to continue to pray for the Church’s mission of evangelisation, renewal and service.