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 May 2026

25 May 2026

First Encyclical of Pope Leo XIV: Magnifica Humanitas

The Bishops of Scotland warmly welcome Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), the first encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, as a timely and insightful contribution to one of the defining questions of our age. As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes human life, this important document calls us to place the dignity of the human person at the heart of every technological advance.

We encourage the faithful, our schools and parish communities to read, study and pray with this landmark text.

To support this, the Office of Communications and Evangelisation will soon publish a parish study guide and other resources for small groups and parish use, helping communities to reflect more deeply on the opportunities and challenges of new technologies and their impact on human life.

Bishop John Keenan
President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

Full text of Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Letter Magnifica Humanitas:
https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn

May 2026

24May

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

24 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Earlier this week, people gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh for Sung Vespers and prayers for peace in the Holy Land.

Archbishop Cushley reflected on his recent visit to the Holy Land, saying: “I got to see how people of goodwill just want peace. Our Church is present there, and it is through charities like Friends of the Holy Land that we are able to reach out and help them.”

Brendan Metcalfe, CEO of Friends of the Holy Land, spoke of the importance of prayer and solidarity with Christian communities across the region, highlighting the ecumenical nature of the charity’s work.

The exhibition ‘50 Faces of the Holy Land’ continues to be on display at St Mary’s Cathedral this week.

24May

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection: 24 May 2026

24 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection: 24 May 2026

24May

A wonderful evening of music took place at Motherwell Cathedral as the Carluke Primrose Orchestral Flutes were joined by the Can...

24 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

A wonderful evening of music took place at Motherwell Cathedral as the Carluke Primrose Orchestral Flutes were joined by the Cantabile Ensemble for a special concert in the beautiful surroundings of the Cathedral.

The evening brought together talented musicians of all ages, including the orchestra’s Young Learners, whose performance highlighted the next generation of young musicians.

24May

What is Fairtrade?

24 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Fairtrade is more than a label on your coffee or bananas - it’s a way to make trade work better for the people behind our favourite products. It involves working with small-scale farmers and workers around the world to build a fairer trade system - one where they can earn a decent income, work in safe conditions, and invest in their futures as they see fit. Perhaps plan something for Fairtrade Fortnight? (21st September – 4th October 2026)

#LaudatoSiWeek2026

Buying Fairtrade is easy. There are almost 5,000 Fairtrade products from coffee and tea to flowers and gold. When you shop, look for the FAIRTRADE Mark.

23May

Pentecost Vigil from St Margaret's Cathedral, Ayr

23 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Pentecost Vigil from St Margaret's Cathedral, Ayr

23May

Young people from Sacred Heart & Saint Lucy's Cumbernauld, have been preparing for Pentecost in a beautiful way, with the Confir...

23 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Young people from Sacred Heart & Saint Lucy's Cumbernauld, have been preparing for Pentecost in a beautiful way, with the Confirmandi visiting each classroom to lead the novena prayer between Ascension and Pentecost.

A wonderful witness of faith, prayer and leadership from the young people of the parish as they continue their journey towards Confirmation. 🙏

23May

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

23 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

As well as saving energy in our own homes, we also have a duty to save energy in our church buildings. Places of worship use energy primarily for heating and lighting, so even small changes can make a significant difference to both costs and our care for creation. Many simple, low-cost measures can help reduce heat loss, improve efficiency, and make our churches more sustainable without major disruption or expense.

This resource offers Ten Top Tips for Saving Energy in Your Church, including practical advice on reducing draughts, using heating more efficiently, switching to LED lighting, improving insulation, preventing damp, and encouraging everyone who uses our parish buildings to play their part.

22May

Bishops Conference of Scotland > Our Work > Promoting Respect and Care for Human Life > Care of Creation

22 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The Office for the Care of Creation was established by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland in 2021. Inspired by Pope Francis’ documents Laudato si' and Laudate Deum, the office provides advice, support, and guidance to dioceses and parishes as they assess their carbon footprint and discern practical ways to work towards carbon neutrality.

The office also works closely with organisations including Eco-Congregation Scotland, SCIAF, and Justice & Peace Scotland on issues affecting both local communities and the wider global family. Through collaboration, education, advocacy, and practical initiatives, the office seeks to help Catholics across Scotland respond to the call to care for our common home with faith, responsibility, and hope.

Find out more about the work of the Care of Creation Office here:

The Office for the Care of Creation was established by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland in 2021. Inspired by Pope Francis’ documents Laudato si and Laudate Deum , it provides advice and guidance to dioceses and parishes to assess their carbon footprint and discern how to work towards carbon n...

22May

📢 SAVE THE DATE: DIGNITY NOT DETENTION - DUNGAVEL SOLIDARITY WITNESS - Sunday 14th June, 1pm, Dungavel House Strathaven, ML10 6R...

22 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

📢 SAVE THE DATE: DIGNITY NOT DETENTION - DUNGAVEL SOLIDARITY WITNESS - Sunday 14th June, 1pm, Dungavel House Strathaven, ML10 6RF

Twice a year we gather outside Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre to stand in solidarity with those detained inside and to call for an end to indefinite immigration detention in the UK. As anti-immigrant sentiment and hostile rhetoric towards migrants and refugees continues to grow, it is more important than ever that we come together to show that another response is possible – one that is rooted in compassion, human dignity, and love for the stranger.

21May

YouTube Originals

21 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

“The Letter” is a powerful documentary exploring more about the principles of Pope Francis’ letter Laudato Si and the escalating impact of climate change on communities around the world. Watch the film here.

56K likes, 539 comments. "The Pope, the Environmental Crisis, and Frontline Leaders | The Letter: Laudato Si Film"