Motion · S6M-12451 · 11 Mar 2024

Ordination of the Right Reverend Father Francis Dougan as Bishop of Galloway

Lodged by Kenneth Gibson (No Party Affiliation) Standard Motion 19 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament congratulates the Right Reverend Francis Dougan as Bishop of Galloway on his ordination to the Episcopate in a very moving and joyful ceremony at the Church of Saint Peter-in-Chains, Ardrossan, on 9 March 2024; is aware that Bishop Dougan, originally from Lanark, received his priestly ordination on 27 June 2001 and was incardinated in the diocese of Motherwell; understands that Bishop Dougan will succeed Archbishop William Nolan, who served as the Bishop of Galloway from 2015 to 2022 before assuming the position of Archbishop of Glasgow; further understands that Bishop Dougan was ordained by the Most Reverend Leo Cushley, Metropolitan Archbishop of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh; notes that the role will see Bishop Dougan become the ecclesiastical head of the Diocese of Galloway, which covers the local authority areas of Dumfries and Galloway, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire and mainland North Ayrshire and Cumbrae; understands that, upon his ordination, Bishop Dougan proclaimed the need for a Church where everyone can feel at home, and welcomed and expressed his commitment to continue to build on the solid foundations left by those who have come before, stretching back to St Ninian, who first planted the seeds of the Christian faith in Galloway, and wishes Bishop Dougan all the best in his endeavours in his new role which, it believes, he will tackle with gusto and good humour.

Supporters (19)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.