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

25th October 2026

25 October 2026

Archbishop Cushley welcomes honour for Pope Leo

Archbishop Leo Cushley has welcomed the announcement that Pope Leo XIV has accepted an invitation to become Papal Confrater of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Archbishop Cushley is the Bishop President for Ecumenical Relations of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland.

This honour follows The King’s own appointment as Royal Confrater of the Papal Basilica and Abbey of St Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome during his State Visit to the Vatican in October last year.

Welcoming the announcement, Archbishop Cushley said:

“I warmly welcome the news that His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of Pope Leo as Papal Confrater of the College of St George at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. By this gesture, both His Majesty and the Holy Father have shown their clear wish to promote Christian unity through emphasis on all that we treasure in common, not least our respect and friendship for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.”

...ENDS

Notes for editors

Photo of Bishops’ Conference of Scotland: Photo of Bishops' Conference of Scotland
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]

23rd October 2026

23 October 2026

The UK Budget, to be delivered by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 28 October, will set out the UK Government’s plans for taxation and public spending alongside an independent assessment of the economic and fiscal outlook from the Office for Budget Responsibility. Its decisions will shape the resources available for public services, devolved governments and support for households and communities across the country.

The Catholic Parliamentary Office of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland urges the Chancellor to put human dignity and the common good at the heart of the Budget.

That means tackling poverty in all its forms, protecting people who need care, sustaining families and community services, and reversing international aid cuts. Poverty, inadequate housing and healthcare, family breakdown, unemployment and environmental neglect all undermine the dignity of individuals and the wellbeing of society.

For households struggling with living costs, this must include targeted energy support for those unable to afford adequate heating, alongside sustained investment in affordable housing and warmer homes. The Budget must address the cost-of-living crisis head on and provide the support people need to meet essential costs, keep their homes warm and live with dignity.

The welfare system must also provide adequate support for those in need and practical routes into employment for those able to work.

Alongside these commitments, the Budget must provide sustainable funding settlements that enable devolved governments to support all these key areas.

Our responsibility to those in need also extends beyond our borders. We urge the UK Government to reverse the planned cut in Official Development Assistance from 0.5% to 0.3% of national income by 2027 and work towards restoring 0.7%. This would support low-income countries and protect essential humanitarian and development programmes from further disruption.

The same commitment to human dignity must guide our response to refugees and people seeking asylum. We urge the UK Government to provide safe, legal routes to protection, including resettlement and family reunion, backed by adequate funding. The Budget should also support local authorities and community organisations to welcome people seeking safety and help them rebuild their lives.

Community organisations also play a vital role in supporting people in need. They require fair, sustainable and predictable funding, and their experience must help shape policy.

Finally, care for the environment must go hand in hand with care for those most affected by change. The Chancellor must provide predictable international climate finance for communities in greatest need and protect low-income households from disproportionate costs in the transition to cleaner energy.

..ENDS

Notes for editors

Photo of Bishops’ Conference of Scotland: Photo of Bishops' Conference of Scotland
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]

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

08Oct

Gospel

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

Gospel
Luke 11:5-13
‘Ask, and it will be given to you.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey and I have nothing to set before him”; and he will answer from within, “Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything”? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’

07Oct

Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

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

Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary.

The feast has its origins in the 16th century, when Pope Saint Pius V established the Feast of Our Lady of Victory following the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, a victory attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the prayer of the Rosary. The feast was later renamed and eventually fixed on 7 October.

The Rosary itself developed gradually over centuries as a way of meditating on the life, death and Resurrection of Christ through prayer with Mary. The Dominican tradition played an important role in spreading this devotion throughout the Church.

In 2002, Pope Saint John Paul II added the Mysteries of Light, bringing the Rosary to the form familiar to Catholics today.

The Rosary remains one of the Church’s most cherished prayers, drawing us into the mysteries of Christ and helping us to contemplate his life through the eyes of his Mother.

🙏 Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.

07Oct

Gospel

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

Gospel
Luke 11:1-4
‘Lord, teach us to pray.’

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ And he said to them, ‘When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’

06Oct

Gospel Luke 10:38-42

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

Gospel Luke 10:38-42
Martha works; Mary listens

Jesus came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord’s feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered: ‘Martha, Martha,’ he said ‘you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.’

05Oct

Gospel

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

Gospel
Luke 10:25-37
‘Who is my neighbour?’

At that time: Behold, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? How do you read it?’ And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.’
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.” Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You go, and do likewise.’

04Oct

COMING UP ACROSS SCOTLAND

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

COMING UP ACROSS SCOTLAND

▪️𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆
Saturday 17 October 2026, 9.30am–3.30pm
St Mary’s, 36 Forebank Road, Dundee, DD1 2PB

The Diocese of Dunkeld’s annual Mission Awareness Day will explore Catholic Social Teaching with Lorraine Currie, Chief Executive of SCIAF. Bishop Andrew McKenzie will celebrate Holy Mass at noon. All are welcome.

Find out more: https://www.dunkelddiocese.co.uk/event/mission-awareness/

▪️𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗮𝘇𝗮: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀
Thursday 22 October 2026, 7.00pm
Immaculate Conception Church Hall, 2049 Maryhill Road, Glasgow, G20 0AA

SCIAF’s annual Romero Lecture will be delivered by internationally recognised peace mediator Oliver McTernan. The free evening will honour the legacy of Saint Oscar Romero and include the lecture, questions and refreshments.

Register: https://sciaf.beaconforms.com/form/32f88aa5

▪️𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Saturday 24 October 2026
St Augustine’s Parish Centre, 12 Dundyvan Road, Coatbridge, ML5 1DQ

Families from across Scotland are invited to a special day organised by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Marriage, Family and Life Office. The conference will offer an opportunity to come together in faith and prayer and to celebrate and reflect upon Catholic family life.

Book your place: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/4EAU3ueKgU

▪️𝗦𝗣𝗨𝗖 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
Thursday 29 October 2026, 6.30pm–8.30pm
Beginning at the Mercat Building, Glasgow Cross, and concluding at St Andrew’s Cathedral

SPUC Scotland’s annual Candlelight Procession will bring people together to pray for the protection of unborn life. The Rosary begins at 6.30pm, followed by the procession at 7.00pm and Holy Mass in St Andrew’s Cathedral at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

Find out more: https://archedinburgh.org/event/spuc-candlelight-procession-2/

▪️𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 – 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲
Saturday 31 October 2026, arrivals from 9.30am; programme 10.00am–2.30pm
Conforti Institute, Calder Avenue, Coatbridge, ML5 4JS

Join the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Committee for Interreligious Dialogue for a free conference exploring the Church’s commitment to interreligious dialogue and how it can be lived out in parishes and communities. The day will include talks, practical guidance, questions and discussion. A light lunch will be provided.

Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Ai8qdDPULb

▪️𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Saturday 7 November 2026
Technology & Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 9 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RD

The Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency’s national conference is for clergy, religious, parish safeguarding coordinators, trainers, staff and volunteers with safeguarding responsibilities. The programme will explore practical ways to help make parish life safer, informed by survivors, research and examples from parish communities.

Register: https://form.jotform.com/262421592883362

04Oct

Scottish Laity Network

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

Scottish Laity Network - November Gathering

The Scottish Laity Network has organised a Gathering to celebrate and give thanks for the fruits of their shared journey and to discern what comes next. The event is on Saturday 7th November at the Conforti Centre, Coatbridge either in person or online.

Please check the SLN website for further information.

The Scottish Laity Network (SLN) seeks to enable Scottish laity to come together as disciples of Jesus through prayer, dialogue and discernment to find 'new ways' of being Church in Scotland in the 21st century.

04Oct

Gospel

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

Gospel
Matthew 21:33-43
This is the landlord's heir: come, let us kill him

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people, ‘Listen to another parable. There was a man, a landowner, who planted a vineyard; he fenced it round, dug a winepress in it and built a tower; then he leased it to tenants and went abroad. When vintage time drew near he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his servants, thrashed one, killed another and stoned a third. Next he sent some more servants, this time a larger number, and they dealt with them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them. “They will respect my son” he said. But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, “This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him and take over his inheritance.” So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?’ They answered, ‘He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will deliver the produce to him when the season arrives.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the scriptures:
It was the stone rejected by the builders
that became the keystone.
This was the Lord’s doing
and it is wonderful to see?
‘I tell you, then, that the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.’

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.’