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

21st August 2026

21 August 2026

Final appeal to Catholics ahead of Westminster assisted suicide vote

Bishop John Keenan has issued a pastoral letter urging Catholics across Scotland to contact their MPs ahead of the return of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to the House of Commons on Friday 11 September.

The Bill, reintroduced by Lauren Edwards MP, would permit eligible terminally ill adults in England and Wales to receive assistance to end their lives. A similar Bill was defeated in the Scottish Parliament last March.

Although this new legislation would apply only to England and Wales, Bishop Keenan stresses that this remains an important moment for Catholics in Scotland. The outcome at Westminster could have significant consequences north of the border and potentially reignite attempts to legalise assisted suicide in Scotland.

In his letter, Bishop Keenan describes the coming vote as a “grave moment for the protection of human life” and urges Catholics to contact their MPs “without delay” and ask them to oppose the Bill.

Bishop Keenan said:

“Our opposition to assisted suicide is rooted in compassion. Every person, from conception until natural death, possesses an inviolable dignity as one made in the image and likeness of God.”

Warning particularly of the potential consequences for vulnerable people, he added:

“Illness, frailty, disability, dependence or fear must never lead society to conclude that some lives are no longer worth living.”

The Bishop calls instead for greater investment in palliative and hospice care and better support for carers, insisting that “the proper response to suffering is care, presence, skilled palliative medicine and practical support—not the deliberate ending of life.”

Scotland’s Catholic bishops encourage all who stand on the side of life to contact their MP today and without delay, asking them to protect vulnerable people, support better palliative and hospice care, and vote against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

...ENDS

Notes to Editor

Photo of the Bishop John Keenan: https://www.bcos.org.uk/portals/0/@publications/photos/bishop%20john%20keenan.gif

Pastoral Letter from Bishop Keenan: https://www.bcos.org.uk/portals/0/@publications/letters/Pastoral Letter - Assisted Suicide Westminster - August 2026.pdf

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. Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

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]

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

January 2026

18Jan

Photos from Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh's post

18 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

18Jan

Gospel of the day (John 1:29-34)

18 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel of the day (John 1:29-34)

At that time: John saw Jesus coming towards him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.” I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptising with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John bore witness: ‘I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptise with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptises with the Holy Spirit.” And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.’

17Jan

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity invites Christians across Scotland to pause, pray, and reflect on Christ’s call to unity ...

17 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity invites Christians across Scotland to pause, pray, and reflect on Christ’s call to unity among His followers. Christian unity Week is observed from 18 to 25 January. This week invites Christians to reflect prayerfully on Christ’s call to unity and to place this intention before Him.

Reflecting on the theme One Body, One Spirit, Archbishop Leo reminds us:

"In Scotland we are blessed to share friendships with Christians of other traditions, friendships rooted not in convenience but in a genuine desire to follow Christ more faithfully. The Catholic Church in Scotland has officially acknowledged friendship with the Scottish Episcopal Church; The St Ninian Declaration reminds us of our shared witness, charity and service. The St Margaret Declaration, meanwhile, encourages honest and warm dialogue grounded in truth with our friends in the Church of Scotland. These commitments do not gloss over sincerely held differences of the past or the present. Rather, we endeavour to see in each other a fellow disciple of Jesus of Nazareth, and to grow together in charity as brothers and sisters in Christ. We acknowledge real differences between our Churches, and we do so without fear, because friendship among Christians is not a threat to faith but a fruit of it. So we pray for unity by placing ourselves before Christ, asking that He deepen our love for His Church, strengthen our respect for one another, and lead us, in His time and by His grace, closer to the unity He desires.”

17Jan

Saint Anthony, abbot, often called the father of Christian monasticism, lived a life of radical Gospel simplicity

17 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Saint Anthony, abbot, often called the father of Christian monasticism, lived a life of radical Gospel simplicity. As a young man, he was deeply moved by Christ’s words to sell what one has and give to the poor, and he freely gave away his inheritance to live a life of prayer, fasting and solitude.

Unlike Saint Francis of Assisi, with whom he is often compared, Anthony spent most of his life as a hermit in the desert. There, through asceticism and constant prayer, he became a powerful witness to spiritual freedom. Yet his solitude was never selfish. Many sought him out for counsel, healing and guidance, and his holiness drew others to the same way of life.

Later in life, Anthony helped organise a loose community of hermits, laying foundations for monastic life in the Church. He also stood firmly for the faith, supporting persecuted Christians and later opposing the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ.

Saint Anthony died in solitude at a great age, having spent his life in prayer and spiritual battle. His witness continues to inspire those seeking a life rooted in simplicity, faith and total trust in God.

17Jan

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

17 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Earlier this week, the annual liaison meeting of the Bishops’ Conferences of Scotland, Ireland, and England & Wales took place in Maynooth.

The gathering brought together representatives from the three neighbouring Conferences to discuss and reflect on issues of shared concern and interest. Topics included synodality, safeguarding, vocations and formation, liturgy, education, conflict, peace and justice, populism and migration, as well as ecumenism and interreligious dialogue.

As well as sharing good practice and exploring common challenges, the meeting helped to deepen bonds between the Conferences and strengthen collaboration across these islands.

Catholic Bishops' Conference (England and Wales) Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference

17Jan

Gospel of the day (Mark 2:13-17)

17 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel of the day (Mark 2:13-17)

At that time: Jesus went out again beside the lake, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed him.

And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’

16Jan

Gospel of the day (Mark 2:1-12)

16 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel of the day (Mark 2:1-12)

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralysed man carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralysed man lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralysed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, ‘Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralysed man, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Rise, take up your bed and walk”? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’ — he said to the paralysed man — ‘I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.’ And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw anything like this!’

15Jan

Gospel of the day (Mark 1:40-45)

15 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel of the day (Mark 1:40-45)

At that time: A leper came to Jesus, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, ‘If you will, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, and said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.’ But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.

14Jan

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

14 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

As households across Scotland continue to feel the pressure of rising costs, many people may be missing out on financial support they are entitled to.

Social Security Scotland delivers 17 different payments supporting families on low incomes, disabled people, pensioners, unpaid carers, and young people starting work. Support is also available for heating costs and funeral expenses.

This includes:
• Scottish Child Payment (£27.15 per week per child)
• Disability Payments (up to £110.40 per week for those aged 66+)
• Carer Support Payment (£83.30 per week)
• Job Start Payment (£319.80 one-off payment)

Advice Direct Scotland warns that millions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed each year.

You can check your eligibility for free at benefits.advice.scot or call 0808 800 9060.

Taking a few minutes to check could make a real difference.

14Jan

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the death of Bishop Vincent Logan (†14 January 2021), Emeritus Bishop of Dunkeld

14 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the death of Bishop Vincent Logan (†14 January 2021), Emeritus Bishop of Dunkeld.

Bishop Vincent served the Diocese of Dunkeld for almost 32 years, from his appointment in 1981 until his retirement in 2012. Appointed by Pope John Paul II, he gave decades of generous and energetic service to the people of the diocese and to the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, where his work was widely valued and appreciated.

His later years were marked by ill health, borne with quiet dignity and faith. He died during the Covid pandemic, just one day after his close friend and brother bishop, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, alongside whom he had served for many years.

On this anniversary, we remember Bishop Vincent with gratitude for his long priestly and episcopal ministry, his commitment to Catholic education and catechesis, and his faithful service to the Church in Scotland. We commend him to the mercy of God and pray for the repose of his soul, and for all who mourn him.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.