Archbishop Mario Conti took the opportunity at the Annual Gathering to express his continuing support for St Margaret's.

The Archbishop concelebrated Mass with two fellow Bishops, Bishop Phillip Tartaglia of Paisley, and Bishop John Mone, Bishop Emeritus, and former Bishop of Paisley. During his homily, Archbishop Conti expressed his support and commitment to the future of St Margaret's in the light of recent legislation and speculation about the future of the Catholic adoption agencies.

Archbishop Conti is the President of St Margaret's

He has taken a keen interest in the development of the adoption legislation in Scotland resulting in the new Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007, and also in the new Equality Act 2006, which will have an influence on the way in which adoption agencies deliver services.

Archbishop Conti stated: "The Bishops of Scotland are very aware of the challenging nature of the legislation, but are nonetheless determined that the good work being done by agencies like St Margaret's should not be lost. Therefore I want to reassure you that St Margaret's will continue with its work, and will continue to be faithful to its mission, namely to find families for children."

It is reassuring to have the support of Archbishop Conti during this period of change. The new Equality Act is due to come into effect from the end of December 2008.