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

19th August 2026

19 August 2026

Church Leaders Welcome New Fund to Support Scotland’s Listed Places of Worship

Scotland’s Catholic bishops have joined other religious leaders in welcoming a new £1 million fund to cover the cost of repairs to listed buildings in Scotland.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Scotland, and Rt. Rev. Gordon Kennedy, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said the money will provide much-needed support to maintain historically significant assets at the heart of community life.

The Scotland Places of Worship Fund will open this autumn to help congregations – from any faith group or denomination – recover VAT costs associated with repair works if they worship in a listed building.

The pilot scheme was developed in response to the closure of the previous UK-wide Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme earlier this year, which sent shockwaves throughout faith communities.

The Scottish Churches Leaders’ Forum and the Scottish Churches Committee urged the UK and Scottish Governments to ensure that listed places of worship are not disproportionately affected by the decision to end the grant scheme in Scotland.

Church members were invited to write to their local elected representatives asking them to lobby the Scottish Government to launch a substitute scheme to ease the financial pressure on congregations.

The money will be made available through the existing Historic Environment Scotland (HES) grants budget and is a standalone scheme.

Bishop Keenan said: “We warmly welcome Historic Environment Scotland's announcement of the Places of Worship Fund pilot for Scotland, which recognises the vital contribution that churches and other places of worship make to Scotland's heritage and community life.”

“The fund will provide much-needed support for the care and conservation of these important buildings, helping to address the loss of the previous UK-wide scheme.”

“We look forward to engaging constructively with Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government as the pilot progresses and to discussions on establishing a permanent, sustainable funding arrangement for the future.”

Commenting on the announcement, the Rt. Rev. Gordon Kennedy said:

“I’m very grateful for the support of HES and the Scottish Government in recognising the importance of places of worship, which are so often cherished by people beyond members of the congregation.”

“We know how difficult it is for communities to lose their place of worship, and support for repairs and maintenance will help keep more places warm, wind and watertight, and it makes it just a wee bit easier for local volunteers to care for these historic assets.”

Religious leaders are encouraging eligible parishes and communities to consider applying when the fund opens for applications later this year. Detailed information can be found at:

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/about-us/news/hes-launches-pilot-fund-to-support-scotlands-historic-places-of-worship/

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

August 2026

12Aug

Gospel

12 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 18:15-20
‘If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.’

11Aug

Gospel

11 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
‘See that you do not despise one of these little ones.’

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.
‘See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.’

11Aug

Today the Church celebrates Saint Clare of Assisi, one of the first followers of Saint Francis and foundress of the community th...

11 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today the Church celebrates Saint Clare of Assisi, one of the first followers of Saint Francis and foundress of the community that would become known as the Poor Clares.

Born in Assisi in 1193 or 1194 into a wealthy family, Clare was deeply moved by the preaching and example of Saint Francis of Assisi and his radical commitment to living the Gospel.

At around the age of 18, Clare secretly left her family home and travelled to the small chapel of the Portiuncula, where Francis and his brothers received her. There, her hair was cut and she exchanged her fine clothes for a simple religious habit, beginning a new life dedicated entirely to Christ.

Despite strong opposition from her family, Clare remained steadfast. Her younger sister Agnes soon joined her, followed by other women. Their community settled at San Damiano, outside Assisi, where they embraced a life centred on prayer, fraternity, service and Gospel poverty.

Clare became abbess of the community and remained so until her death. She cared particularly for her sick sisters and, despite suffering serious illness herself for many years, continued to guide the growing community.

Like Francis, Clare believed that following Christ meant placing complete trust in God. She worked throughout her life to preserve her community’s commitment to poverty. Shortly before her death, Pope Innocent IV approved her Rule, the first Rule written by a woman for a community of women to receive papal approval.

A famous tradition recalls that when San Damiano was threatened by attackers, Clare placed her trust in Christ and prayed before the Blessed Sacrament for the protection of her sisters. The attackers withdrew.

Saint Clare died on 11 August 1253 and was canonised just two years later by Pope Alexander IV.

Her life continues to remind us that our greatest treasure is found not in possessions, but in giving ourselves completely to Christ.

🙏 Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us.

10Aug

August 9 is designated as International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

10 Aug, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

August 9 is designated as International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.

To celebrate this, our Diocesan Director for Motherwell Diocese, Fr Dominic Quinn, reflects on his time spent working amongst the indigenous peoples of Bolivia

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10Aug

Lord Jesus, we pray that you will make your love more obvious, knowing that you understand

10 Aug, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Lord Jesus, we pray that you will make your love more obvious, knowing that you understand

#MissiosMondayPrayer

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10Aug

🎒 A new school year begins

10 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

🎒 A new school year begins

Over the coming days, schools across Scotland will begin to return for a new academic year.

As pupils, teachers and staff prepare to return to the classroom, we keep all of our school communities in our prayers.

We pray especially for those beginning school for the very first time, those moving on to secondary school, and all those starting a new chapter in their education.

May the Lord bless our pupils, teachers, staff and families, and may the year ahead be filled with opportunities to learn, grow in faith and flourish.

🙏 St Thomas Aquinas, Patron Saint of Students and Catholic Education, pray for us.

10Aug

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, one of the most greatly venerated martyrs of the ear...

10 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, one of the most greatly venerated martyrs of the early Church.

Saint Lawrence served as one of the seven deacons of Rome under Pope Saint Sixtus II during the third century. As a deacon, Lawrence had particular responsibility for the Church’s material goods and for the care of the poor and those in need.

In the year 258, the Emperor Valerian ordered a persecution of the Church. Pope Sixtus II was arrested and martyred on 6 August. Just four days later, on 10 August, Lawrence also suffered martyrdom for his faith in Christ.

His witness made such a profound impression upon the early Christians that devotion to him spread rapidly throughout the Church.

One of the most famous traditions surrounding Saint Lawrence concerns the treasures of the Church. It is said that the Roman authorities, believing the Church possessed great material wealth, ordered Lawrence to surrender its treasures.

Lawrence asked for time to gather them.

Instead of presenting gold or silver, he gathered together the poor and those who depended upon the Church for help. Presenting them to the Roman authorities, Lawrence declared that these were the true treasures of the Church.

Tradition also holds that Lawrence was martyred by being burned upon a gridiron. While the precise circumstances of his death cannot be established with certainty, his martyrdom itself and the ancient devotion to him are firmly rooted in the life of the early Church.

A basilica was later built over his tomb in Rome, and San Lorenzo fuori le Mura – the Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls – remains one of Rome’s great pilgrimage churches.

Saint Lawrence reminds us that the true riches of the Church are not found in possessions, but in Christ and in those whom He calls us to love and serve – particularly the poor, the vulnerable and those most in need.

May his courage strengthen us to remain faithful to Christ and his example inspire us to recognise and serve Christ in one another.

🙏 Saint Lawrence, pray for us.

10Aug

Gospel

10 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
John 12:24-26
‘If anyone serves me, the Father will honour him.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honour him.’

09Aug

Gospel

09 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 14:22-33
‘Command me to come to you on the water.’

After the crowd had eaten and were satisfied: Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

08Aug

🌿 One month to go!

08 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

🌿 One month to go!

In just one month, the Bishops’ Conference Care of Creation Office will gather in Glasgow for the Season of Creation Conference 2026 — a day of inspiration, reflection and practical action as we celebrate the Season of Creation.

📅 Saturday, 5th September 2026
🕙 10am – 3pm
📍 Eyre Hall, Archdiocese of Glasgow Offices, Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4JY

We are delighted to welcome Lorna Gold, Executive Director of the Laudato Si’ Movement, as our keynote speaker.

The day will also include practical workshops exploring how parishes, schools and communities can engage young people and parish groups in caring for our common home.

🌱 There’s still time to register and join us!

Register today: bit.ly/SeasonofCreation26