The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

The Roman Catholic Bishops in Scotland work together to undertake nationwide initiatives through their Commissions and Agencies.

The members of the Bishops' Conference are the Bishops of the eight Scottish Dioceses. Where appropriate the Bishops Emeriti (retired) provide a much welcomed contribution to the work of the conference. The Bishops' Conference of Scotland is a permanently constituted assembly which meets regularly throughout the year to address relevant business matters.

Members of The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

6th November 2026

06 November 2026

Scottish Bishops Promote ‘Show Mercy’ Theme for Prisoners’ Week 2026

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is encouraging parishes across the country to support Prisoners’ Week Scotland, taking place from 15 - 22 November, under the theme Show Mercy.

The annual initiative invites communities to reflect on the experiences of prisoners, their families, victims of crime and those working within Scotland’s prisons.

This year’s theme highlights the importance of recognising the dignity of every person, including those serving prison sentences.

Deacon Kenny McGeachie, lead Catholic chaplain for the Scottish Prison Service, said:

“This year’s Prisoners’ Week invites us to think more deeply about what it means to show mercy, particularly towards those who are already paying the price for their actions. I would encourage everyone to take part in Prisoners’ Week and reflect on how even a small act of kindness can affirm a person’s human dignity.”

One practical example is the Prisoners’ Week Dignity Fund, supported by the Society of St Vincent de Paul and other groups. The fund helps prisoners who lack financial resources or family support to obtain essential items, including suitable clothing for family funerals and basic necessities.

The Bishops’ Conference is encouraging parishes to make use of the Prisoners’ Week information packs distributed to parishes throughout Scotland, helping communities mark the week through prayer, reflection and practical support.

The public launch of Prisoners’ Week Scotland will take place on Sunday 15 November at Freedom City Church, Cumbernauld, with charity and support-service stalls from 3pm.

The event is open to everyone, and members of the public are warmly encouraged to attend.

Further information is available at www.prisonersweek.org.uk.

...ENDS

Notes to editor

Prisoners’ Week Scotland 2026 takes place from 15–22 November, with the theme Show Mercy. The public launch event will be held on Sunday 15 November at Freedom City Church, Cumbernauld, with charity and support-service stalls from 3pm. Everyone is welcome.
For further information, visit www.prisonersweek.org.uk
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office. Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

22nd October 2026

22 October 2026

Statement from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Bishop John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley and President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has announced that he is stepping back from his daily duties until further notice, following medical advice.

Bishop Keenan has been undergoing medical investigations and will require further tests and examinations over the coming weeks.

During this time, Vicar General Monsignor Joe Burke will oversee the day-to-day running of the Diocese of Paisley.

Bishop Keenan hopes to provide a further update once these investigations are concluded and is grateful for your prayers at this time.

...ENDS

Notes for editors

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCoS) is the assembly of the Catholic bishops of Scotland, working together on national pastoral, social and legislative matters on behalf of the Church. www.bcos.org.uk
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office. Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn

July 2026

31Jul

Gospel

31 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 13:54-58
‘Is not this the carpenter’s son? Where then did this man get all these things?’

At that time: Coming to his home town Jesus taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?’ And they took offence at him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honour except in his home town and in his own household.’ And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

30Jul

Humanae Vitae and the world it predicted

30 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Marking the anniversary of Humanae Vitae, Michael J. Robinson, Executive Director of SPUC, reflects on the enduring relevance of Pope St Paul VI’s landmark encyclical.

In this thought-provoking article, he considers whether the challenges facing society today, from relationships and family life to demographic decline and our understanding of human dignity, echo the concerns raised by Pope Paul VI nearly six decades ago.

Read the full article below and join the conversation.

As the West confronts loneliness, falling birth rates and fractured relationships, ‘Humanae Vitae’ reads less like a relic than a diagnosis

30Jul

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲

30 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲

Bishop John Keenan, the Bishop with responsibility for Marriage, Family and Life for the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s call for the serious gaps in palliative and social care to be addressed before the Westminster Parliament considers assisted suicide legislation.

Bishop Keenan said:
“The Prime Minister’s intervention is both timely and welcome. We have a duty to ensure that every person approaching the end of life has access to the compassionate palliative and social care they deserve. No one should ever feel driven towards assisted suicide because they lack the care, support or dignity they need.

“We were grateful that the Scottish Parliament resolutely rejected assisted suicide only recently. We hope this latest intervention will encourage Members of the Westminster Parliament to reflect carefully before taking a step that would fundamentally change the way our society cares for the sick and vulnerable.

“As our Catholic Parliamentary Officer, Anthony Horan, has rightly said: ‘The last thing the country needs is another divisive debate about assisted suicide. We need to make progress in improving palliative and social care, not offering vulnerable people state support to end their lives.’ I share that conviction wholeheartedly.

“This is an opportunity to rethink the whole approach to assisted suicide. The compassionate response to suffering is never to help people end their lives, but to ensure they receive the high-quality care, love and accompaniment they need. Let us pray for all who are seriously ill, for their families and carers, and for those in public office, that they may always uphold the dignity of every human life and work to build a society that truly cares for its most vulnerable members.”

30Jul

Gospel

30 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 13:47-53
‘They sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad.’

At that time: Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
‘Have you understood all these things?’ They said to him, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’
And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there.

29Jul

🇻🇦 "MAY BELIEVERS AND PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL NEVER STOP WORKING AS BUILDERS OF PEACE." - Pope Leo XIV

29 Jul, 2026 | Justice & Peace Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

🇻🇦 "MAY BELIEVERS AND PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL NEVER STOP WORKING AS BUILDERS OF PEACE." - Pope Leo XIV

Christians from across Scotland will gather at Faslane this coming Saturday for the annual 'No to Nuclear Weapons' Peace Witness Vigil.

Organised by Justice & Peace Scotland and held in collaboration with the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church, The Iona Community, Quakers in Britain, and Pax Christi Scotland the event brings Christians together to pray for nuclear disarmament around the world as an essential step towards world peace, to protect human life, and to safeguard God's creation.

The Vigil is led by Most Rev. William Nolan, president of Justice & Peace Scotland and Archbishop of Glasgow; Right Rev. Gordon Kennedy, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland; and Most Rev. Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.

In his newly published book, 'Disarmed and Disarming: Peace Is a Gift', Pope Leo calls Christians and all people of good will to reject the logic of violence and become builders of peace. In the same book he writes:

"It is not atomic weapons that generate peace, but disarmament."

As wars continue and investment in nuclear weapons grows, we'll gather to affirm that true peace and security is built not on nuclear deterrence but on dialogue, diplomacy and the upholding of international law.

If you've been thinking about coming along to one of our vigils, we'd invite you to join us this weekend to answer the Holy Father's call to be builders of peace.

🗓️ Saturday 1st August
🕚 11.00am–12.30pm
📍 North Gate, HM Naval Base Clyde (Faslane)

🚌 Free coach travel is available from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

📧 To reserve your seat, email: [email protected]

Please include:
🔹 Your name
🔹 Pick-up point (Edinburgh or Glasgow)
🔹 Number of seats required

🚆If you’re travelling independently, take the train to Helensburgh Central, then the hourly 316 bus to Faslane.

🕊️We look forward to welcoming you to pray and act for peace.

29Jul

Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus of Bethany occupy a special place in the Gospel as close friends of Jesus

29 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus of Bethany occupy a special place in the Gospel as close friends of Jesus. Their home, located just outside Jerusalem, was a place where the Lord was always warmly welcomed. Unlike many of His encounters with others, Jesus visited their household not as a preacher addressing a crowd, but as a trusted friend among those who loved Him.

The Gospels present each sibling with their own unique gifts and character. Martha is remembered for her practical service and hospitality, ensuring that the needs of her guests were met. Mary is known for her contemplative spirit, sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening attentively to His teaching. Lazarus, their brother, became a powerful witness to Christ through one of the most remarkable miracles recorded in Scripture.

Martha’s greatest moment in the Gospel comes after the death of Lazarus. As she mourned her brother, Jesus spoke to her the words, *“I am the resurrection and the life.”* In response, Martha made a profound profession of faith, declaring her belief that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Her words remain one of the clearest statements of faith found in the New Testament.

The friendship between Jesus and this family is especially evident in the account of Lazarus’ death. When Jesus arrived at Bethany and saw the grief of those who loved Lazarus, He was deeply moved. The Gospel records the shortest and one of the most powerful verses in Scripture: “Jesus wept.” Soon afterwards, He called Lazarus from the tomb, restoring him to life and revealing His power over death.

Mary also plays an important role in the Gospel story. Shortly before Christ’s Passion, she anointed His feet with costly perfume and wiped them with her hair, an act of love and devotion that Jesus praised. Her actions pointed towards the sacrifice He would soon make for the salvation of the world.

Over the centuries, many traditions and legends developed about the later lives of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. While historical details remain uncertain, their witness has inspired Christian devotion from the earliest centuries of the Church.

29Jul

Gospel

29 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 10:38-42
‘Martha welcomed him. Mary has chosen the good portion.’

At that time: Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’

29Jul

🎙️ Thought for the Day

29 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

🎙️ Thought for the Day

This morning, Archbishop Leo Cushley will be sharing Thought for the Day on BBC Radio Scotland.

📻 Tune in at 7.25am to hear his reflection.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_scotland_fm

28Jul

Please join us in prayer following the distressing news from Medjugorje, where two statues of Our Lady were vandalised and the o...

28 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Please join us in prayer following the distressing news from Medjugorje, where two statues of Our Lady were vandalised and the outdoor altar at St James’ Church was set on fire.

We pray for the parish of St James, for all those who make pilgrimage to Medjugorje, and for everyone affected by this act of desecration. We also pray for the people responsible, that their heart may be touched by God’s mercy and led to repentance and peace.

May Our Lady, Queen of Peace, continue to watch over Medjugorje and all who seek her Son through prayer.

28Jul

Gospel

28 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 13:36-43
‘Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.’

At that time: Jesus left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.’ He answered, ‘The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.’