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

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]

20th October 2026

20 October 2026

Scottish Theologian Appointed to Vatican’s International Theological Commission

Dr Sara Parvis of the University of Edinburgh has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the International Theological Commission for its new five-year term (2026–2031).

The Commission brings together theologians from around the world to advise the Holy See on important questions of Catholic theology and doctrine.

Born in Aberdeen and raised in Edinburgh, Dr Parvis is an Associate Professor at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Divinity, specialising in early Christianity, Church history and patristic theology.

Welcoming the appointment, Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:

“On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Scotland, I warmly congratulate Sara on her appointment by Pope Leo to this important Commission.

“This appointment is a recognition of her distinguished theological scholarship and of the contribution Scottish scholars continue to make to the life of the universal Church.

“We wish Sara every blessing as she takes up this important responsibility and assure her of our prayers.”

Commenting on her appointment, Dr Parvis said:

“It’s a great honour to be appointed to the International Theological Commission, and I’m very pleased to be bringing a Scottish perspective to the conversations the group will be having over the next few years.”

...ENDS

Notes to Editor

Photo of Dr Sara Parvis: Photo of Dr Sara Parvis
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

October 2026

03Oct

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱

03 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland is deeply concerned by renewed calls to decriminalise abortion in Scotland and to remove existing legal safeguards governing the ending of unborn human life. These proposals would permit abortion up to birth for any reason, including sex-selective abortion.

Every human life possesses inherent dignity and worth; a dignity that does not depend upon age, size, ability, dependency or stage of development. It begins at conception and continues until natural death. A just and compassionate society should recognise and protect the lives of both mother and child, especially when either is vulnerable.

We are deeply disturbed that the Scottish Greens believe abortion should be treated "like any other healthcare procedure". This claim simply does not match the brutal reality of abortion, which is the deliberate ending of an innocent, defenceless human life.

This act can never be regarded as simply another healthcare intervention, nor can it ever be described as "safe". Medicine exists to heal, protect and care for human life. While we recognise that women can face profoundly difficult and distressing circumstances during pregnancy, society's response should be to offer practical support, compassionate care and genuine alternatives rather than measures that further weaken protection for the unborn.

The public debate on abortion often focuses exclusively on autonomy and choice. While personal freedom is important, rights must always be considered alongside responsibilities and the rights of others, including those who are unable to speak for themselves.

We urge the Scottish Government, and all MSPs, to reflect carefully on the ethical, medical and social implications of these proposals. We also call for greater investment in maternity services, perinatal mental health support, family assistance programmes, pregnancy counselling, and practical support for women facing challenging pregnancies.

Scotland should aspire to be a society where no woman feels abandoned during pregnancy and where every human life is welcomed, valued and protected. Rather than removing legal protections for unborn children, we should work together to build a culture of solidarity, care and compassion for both mother and child. There is a better way than abortion.

Bishop John Keenan
President of the Marriage, Family and Life Commission
Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

03Oct

Gospel

03 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 10:17-24
‘Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’

At that time: The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!’ And Jesus said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’
In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’
Then turning to the disciples he said privately, ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.’

02Oct

Belonging to God and to the people in Ukraine

02 Oct, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

This year, Missio Scotland is supporting projects in Ukraine and Albania.

To learn more about this important life-saving and life-giving work, in the lead up to #WorldMissionSunday, we will be sharing with you the stories behind those projects—the people that are being assisted as a result and those charged with carrying them out.

This week, we'd like to share with you the story of how priests like Fr Luca Bovio, National Director in Missio in Ukraine and the Church as a whole, are serving the people in a country devastated by conflict and the part that Missio Scotland in playing in assisting this crucial work.

Thank you and God bless you all!

@followers

“AS I’m talking to you, for the last three nights we have been under heavy fire from missiles and drones and, unfortunately, another 50 people have died in the capital, Kyiv. It’s not an easy situation, but people appreciate our work and our presence is very precious to them. Belonging to God ...

02Oct

Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels, giving thanks for the care and protection of the angels wh...

02 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels, giving thanks for the care and protection of the angels whom God sends to accompany us throughout our lives.

Throughout Sacred Scripture, angels appear as messengers and servants of God, carrying out his will and helping his people. The Church has long held that each person is entrusted to the care of a guardian angel who watches over them and helps lead them towards God.

Jesus himself speaks of this special care in the Gospel of Matthew when he says: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”

Devotion to guardian angels developed gradually within the life of the Church. The early monastic tradition helped deepen awareness of the presence of the angels, while Saint Bernard of Clairvaux became one of the great teachers of devotion to them in the Middle Ages.

The feast of the Guardian Angels began to be celebrated more widely in the 16th century and was added to the Roman calendar by Pope Paul V in 1615.

Guardian angels are not simply part of childhood devotion. The Church teaches that their care accompanies us throughout life. They help us in our journey of faith, encourage us towards what is good and continually direct us towards God.

Today we give thanks for their unseen presence and ask that we may be attentive to the guidance God gives us through them.

🙏 Holy Guardian Angels, watch over us and lead us closer to God.

02Oct

Gospel

02 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 18:1-5, 10
‘In heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.’

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.’

01Oct

Pope Leo’s prayer intention for October 2026

01 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Pope Leo’s prayer intention for October 2026

For mental health ministry
Let us pray that mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.

01Oct

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland annually organises a ‘Design a Garden’ Competition for Primary Schools, highlighting the imp...

01 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland annually organises a ‘Design a Garden’ Competition for Primary Schools, highlighting the importance of caring for creation in line with “Laudato SI’”, the encyclical by the late Pope Francis.

The competition is in partnership with SCES and their Laudato Si’ Schools’ Programme, as well as the Knights of St. Columba who kindly sponsor the competition each year.

The winners of the 2026 competition, Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral Primary School, Motherwell, received prize money of £250 and the winner’s trophy at a special assembly with Bishop Toal.

Congratulations to all involved!

01Oct

Today is the Feast of St Thérèse of Lisieux, the Patron Saint of the Missions and Missionaries, but it also marks the beginning ...

01 Oct, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today is the Feast of St Thérèse of Lisieux, the Patron Saint of the Missions and Missionaries, but it also marks the beginning of #MissionMonth in the Church, where we, as Catholics, are encouraged to pray for and offer financial support to our brothers and sisters in faith throughout the world.

As our National Director, Fr Vincent Lockhart, explains in this reflection, we must endeavour to be—as Pope Leo XIV wishes—#OneInChristUnitedInMission, not just during #MissionMonth but always!

Please support the work of Missio Scotland in your parishes on October 18th, the 100th anniversary of #WorldMissionSunday, and throughout the year so that we, in turn, can support the work of our fantastic missionaries worldwide.

Thank you and God bless you all.

@followers

01Oct

Today the Church celebrates Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Virgin and Doctor of the Church, affectionately known as the “Little Flowe...

01 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today the Church celebrates Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Virgin and Doctor of the Church, affectionately known as the “Little Flower.”

Born Thérèse Martin in Normandy, France, in 1873, she grew up in a deeply Catholic family. Her parents, Saints Louis and Zélie Martin, would themselves later become the first married couple to be canonised together.

Thérèse felt called to religious life from an early age and, after receiving special permission, entered the Carmelite convent at Lisieux when she was just 15 years old. She would spend the remainder of her short life within its walls, devoted to prayer, community life and ordinary daily duties.

It was within this hidden life that Thérèse developed the spirituality for which she became famous – her “Little Way.” She understood that holiness did not necessarily require extraordinary deeds. Instead, every small action, sacrifice and difficulty could be offered to God when carried out with great love.

She once wrote: “I prefer the monotony of obscure sacrifice to all ecstasies. To pick up a pin for love can convert a soul.”

Thérèse had a particular desire to pray for priests and missionaries and understood her enclosed life as an apostolate for the whole Church. Although she never travelled to the missions herself, her extraordinary missionary spirit led to her later being declared a patron saint of the missions.

Thérèse died from tuberculosis on 30 September 1897, aged just 24. After her death, her spiritual writings were published as The Story of a Soul, introducing her “Little Way” to millions of people around the world.

She was canonised by Pope Pius XI in 1925 and, in 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II declared her a Doctor of the Church, recognising the profound importance of her spiritual teaching.

Saint Thérèse reminds us that holiness is possible in the ordinary circumstances of everyday life: doing small things with extraordinary love and placing our complete trust in God.

🙏 Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, pray for us.

September 2026

30Sep

Parents in Aberdeen are invited to make their views known in the online portal

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

Parents in Aberdeen are invited to make their views known in the online portal. Full details attached.

“My child is only three – does this really apply to us?”

YES!

One of the most important things about the current Catholic Secondary School campaign is that we need to hear from families with children aged 0–18.

Your child doesn’t have to be approaching secondary school.

👶 Baby? Register.

🧸 Toddler? Register.

🎒 Primary school? Register.

📚 Secondary school age? Register.

This is about demonstrating the potential demand for Catholic secondary education in Aberdeen now and in the future.

If you would consider a Catholic secondary school for your child, please add your voice.

https://form.jotform.com/261192155489363

Every registration strengthens the case.

#AddYourVoice #CatholicEducation #Aberdeen