On the 16th October, the Congregation of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer published on its blog an Open Letter “to Catholic bishops, priests and faithful”. This Congregation is a religious institute with its motherhouse in the Diocese of Aberdeen, located in the Orkney Islands. The Diocese deeply regrets the tone, direction and key elements of this Letter. It is incompatible with the Catholic sense of the Church’s unity. While remaining open to conversation with the Congregation, the Diocese has made alternative arrangements for the ongoing provision of the older rite of the Roman Mass (usus antiquior) at St John’s, Fetternear. The competent Dicasteries of the Holy See are also studying the situation and will provide canonical and doctrinal guidance. This is all an invitation to prayer for that unity of the Church so close to the Heart of Christ.

+Hugh Gilbert OSB, Bishop of Aberdeen, 24 October 2025