Glasgow Parish Files Complaint to Vatican Over Archbishop’s Restructuring Plans

By Otobong Gabriel,  Abuja 

A Catholic parish in Glasgow has formally petitioned the Vatican over what members describe as unfair and heavy-handed restructuring decisions by the city’s Archbishop, sparking fresh debate about parish closures and mergers across Scotland.

Members of St Albert the Great Parish, located on Glasgow’s south side, submitted an official complaint to church authorities in Rome, accusing Archbishop William Nolan of mishandling changes that have deeply affected their worship and community life.

At the heart of the dispute is the withdrawal of regular Sunday Mass services at the parish and proposals to merge or restructure the congregation with a neighboring church. Parishioners argue that the move goes beyond administrative adjustments and effectively strips the parish of its identity and spiritual foundation.

Church members say they were given little opportunity for meaningful consultation before the decisions were made. According to them, the process lacked transparency and pastoral sensitivity, leaving many feeling excluded from choices that directly affect their faith life.

Tensions reportedly grew after the final scheduled Sunday Mass was conducted without the Archbishop present. Instead, a visiting priest unfamiliar with the congregation presided over the service — a situation some parishioners interpreted as a sign that their concerns were not being taken seriously.

The complaint also questions certain administrative decisions, including the handling of parish finances and the transfer of funds, with members seeking clearer explanations about how resources are being managed during the restructuring.

The situation at St Albert’s reflects broader unease within parts of the Glasgow archdiocese, where several churches are facing closures, mergers, or reduced services. Other congregations have also begun organizing petitions and appeals, fearing that similar measures could weaken long-standing parish communities.

Archdiocesan officials have defended the changes, explaining that they are responding to practical challenges such as a shortage of priests and shifting demographics. They say consolidating parishes is intended to ensure that clergy and resources are used more effectively, even though such decisions can be difficult for local communities.

Despite these assurances, many at St Albert’s remain determined to pursue their appeal, hoping the Vatican will review the situation and reconsider actions they believe threaten the future of their parish.