Image: Scottish Government

Bishop meets First Minister

On Tuesday, Bishop Hugh Gilbert, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, met with First Minister John Swinney.

During the cordial meeting, which was held in the First Minister’s office at the Scottish Parliament, the important role of the Catholic Church in supporting local communities and providing for those in need was discussed, as well as the key part played by Catholic schools in educating many of Scotland’s young people.

Concerns were raised about the impact of some policy and legislation on religious freedom with discussions around the importance of recognising and respecting the right to disagree, including in relation to beginning and end of life issues.