Ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has published an Election Briefing Pack urging the faithful to exercise their franchise in accordance with the social doctrine of the Catholic Church.
The document contains “A special prayer for the election is included, inviting Catholics to seek God’s guidance in their voting decisions,” as well as “practical resources – a guide to hosting hustings and a link to find local candidates.”
The pack also offers “This comprehensive resource aims to guide Catholics in Scotland to engage thoughtfully and prayerfully in the democratic process, reflecting on their responsibilities as citizens and disciples of Jesus Christ.”
A statement released by the conference notes that the pack also contains a pastoral letter which urges voters to approach the election with faith-formed consciences and a commitment to justice, compassion, and unity.
The prelates emphasise the importance of electing a Parliament with integrity and which prioritises the dignity of the most vulnerable in society.
Drawing upon key principles of Catholic Social Teaching such as human dignity, the common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity, the Fathers of the Church addressed “critical moral issues such as the protection of life, care for the poor, accessible healthcare, environmental stewardship, and the defence of religious freedom.”
It also “suggested questions for candidates, encouraging voters to engage with political representatives on topics such as poverty, family, education, and peacebuilding.”
As the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election approaches, the Bishops urged the Catholic faithful to actively participate in the electoral process.
The pastoral Letter, signed by all eight members of the Conference of Scotland, indicates that political participation is both a constitutional franchise and an ecclesiastical mandate for Christian discipleship.
According to the letter, while “the Church and the political community have distinct roles, yet both serve the good of every person.”
Explaining further, the bishops noted that “The Church forms consciences through the light of the Gospel, while politics shapes society’s structures.”
They explained that, “Elections are not only political events but opportunities to reflect prayerfully on our responsibilities as citizens and disciples of Jesus Christ.
“Our participation in public life expresses our love of neighbour and our desire to build a society that honours God through truth, justice, and charity.”
The Bishops affirmed the rights of parents, who have the God-given responsibility to educate their children, including choosing schools that reflect their convictions.
The ecclesiastical hierarchy urged the authorities to safeguard this right and protect Catholic schools, “which serve families of all backgrounds and help form young people in faith, virtue and service.”
They cautioned against any “attempts to marginalise, or remove, these schools would weaken Scotland’s educational diversity.”
Further stressing the civic responsibilities and rights of the faithful, the Church leaders stated, “As you prepare to vote, reflect on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST).”
CST focuses on “human dignity, the common good, solidarity, and sustainability- which illuminate the key moral issues of our time,” they maintained.
The Bishops drew attention to “The protection of life from conception to natural death; care for the poor and vulnerable; fair and sustainable economic conditions; accessible healthcare.
“Elimination of modern slavery; the strengthening of marriage and family life; care for creation; the promotion of peace and support for poorer nations; and the defense of religious freedom and conscience.”
While creating awareness on electoral franchise, the bishops also expressed concerns, calling attention to critical infrastructure in Scotland.
They emphasised that “many in Scotland today face deep vulnerability: unborn children; the elderly; families in poverty; the disabled; those with poor mental health; and people suffering addiction.
“Victims of modern slavery; migrants seeking safety; people considering suicide; and victims of crime,” which, according to the bishops, “they deserve not only compassion but public policies that protect their dignity.”
Calling on Scottish leaders to live up to their duties, the Bishops cautioned, “Our elected officials must defend fundamental freedoms-thought, conscience, and religion-so Scotland remains a place where people can express beliefs openly and respectfully.”
While praying “for respectful and honest conversation throughout this election,” the religious leaders warned that “Political life must not be poisoned by anger, division, populist rhetoric.”
The Catholic Church enhances political participation in Scotland through the Catholic Parliamentary Office (CPO), which encourages lay Catholics to be “active participants” rather than “passive spectators.”
The next Scottish Parliament election is scheduled on 7 May 2026, when voting for all 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) will take place.
The British, Irish, and qualifying foreign nationals residing in Scotland, who have attained the voting age of 16 on election day, are eligible to participate.
Editor’s Note: Featured photo is courtesy of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland.
