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

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

January 2026

02Jan

Gospel of the day (John 1:19-28)

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

Gospel of the day (John 1:19-28)

This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’ So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord”, as the prophet Isaiah said.’ (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) They asked him, ‘Then why are you baptising, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptise with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.’ These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptising.

01Jan

Pope Leo's Prayer Intention for January 2026

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

Pope Leo's Prayer Intention for January 2026

For prayer with the Word of God
Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

01Jan

As the Christmas season continues, the Church invites us to reflect on Mary’s divine motherhood

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

As the Christmas season continues, the Church invites us to reflect on Mary’s divine motherhood. Far from taking the focus away from Christmas, Mary helps us understand more deeply the mystery of God becoming man.

At the Annunciation, Mary freely says yes to God’s plan, allowing the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity to take flesh. Elizabeth recognises this extraordinary moment when she calls Mary “the mother of my Lord” (Luke 1:43).

St Paul echoes this truth when he writes that God sent his Son, “born of a woman” (Galatians 4:4), and reminds us that through Christ we become children of God. In this way, Mary’s motherhood extends to all who belong to her Son.

From the earliest centuries, the Church has honoured Mary with the title Mother of God (Theotokos), solemnly affirmed at the Council of Ephesus in 431 and cherished in the Church’s faith to this day.

01Jan

Gospel of the Day (Luke 2:16-21)

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

Gospel of the Day (Luke 2:16-21)

At that time: The shepherds went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

December 2025

31Dec

As one year gives way to the next, there’s a quiet invitation to slow down

31 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

As one year gives way to the next, there’s a quiet invitation to slow down. Before thinking about what lies ahead, it can be worth spending time with what has already been lived, noticing what has shaped us, strengthened us, and revealed something deeper about who we are becoming.

The Examen offers a simple and prayerful way to do this. It helps us look at our days with honesty and gratitude, paying attention to moments of consolation and challenge, and recognising how God has been present even when we didn’t immediately notice.

Rather than rushing forward, we can step into the new year grounded in awareness and hope, carrying what has been learned, trusting in God’s guidance, and remaining attentive to His presence in the ordinary rhythms of daily life.

31Dec

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

31 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the Only Begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness about him, and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.” ’

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only begotten God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

30Dec

Bishops of Scotland Congratulate Lady Rita Rae CBE on receiving Honour from The King

30 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishops of Scotland Congratulate Lady Rita Rae CBE on receiving Honour from The King

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland warmly congratulates Lady Rita Rae on her appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in The King’s New Year’s Honours List.

Lady Rae has given outstanding service to the life and mission of the Catholic Church in Scotland. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA) and as Vice Chair of St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society, bringing wisdom, integrity, and a profound commitment to the protection and dignity of children and vulnerable people. She has also served the Church as a member of the national tribunal, as a board member of the Glasgow Archdiocesan newspaper Flourish and has given longstanding support for adoption and family services.

Alongside her service to the Catholic Church, Lady Rae has had a distinguished career in public life. She served as a Senator of the College of Justice and High Court judge, was the first working female Rector of the University of Glasgow, and she continues to support young people and students through education, mentoring, and scholarships.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:
“This honour recognises Lady Rae’s faithful service to the Church and her tireless commitment to justice, safeguarding, and the dignity of the human person. She is a most deserving recipient of this high honour.”

Bishop Brian McGee, Bishop with Episcopal responsibility for safeguarding, said:
“Lady Rae’s leadership and independent scrutiny have driven the Church’s safeguarding practices to the highest standards. Her clarity, compassion, and determination have deepened the Church’s commitment to care and protection for all, reminding us of our constant need to accompany survivors and maintain robust policies and procedures.”

Archbishop William Nolan, the Archbishop of Glasgow, said:
“The honour bestowed on Lady Rae is richly deserved. She has worked tirelessly for charities over the years including St Margaret’s Adoption Society and has greatly assisted the Scottish Bishops in their ongoing commitment to safeguarding. Her honour will be widely welcomed.”

The Bishops of Scotland assure Lady Rae of their prayers and congratulations.

30Dec

Congratulations to William Mawdsley (93), who has been awarded the Archdiocesan Medal, for Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh...

30 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Congratulations to William Mawdsley (93), who has been awarded the Archdiocesan Medal, for Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, in recognition of his outstanding service to the Church.

William has served as an altar server for an extraordinary 80 years and continues to serve faithfully.

Archbishop Cushley celebrated Mass at St John’s Church, Corstorphine, on Saturday, where he presented the medal to William. The weekend also marked a special personal milestone, as William and his wife Margaret celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

We give thanks for William’s remarkable witness of faith, dedication, and service to the Church.

Image (left to right): Fr Binu Palakapally IC (Parish Administrator, St John the Baptist & St Kentigern RC Parish, Edinburgh), William Mawdsley, Archbishop Cushley, Margaret Mawdsley, and Fr Paul Henderson (Assistant Priest).

30Dec

Gospel of the Day (Luke 2:36-40)

30 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel of the Day (Luke 2:36-40)

At that time: There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the Temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
And when Joseph and Mary had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favour of God was upon him.

29Dec

Gospel of the day (Luke 2:22-35)

29 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel of the day (Luke 2:22-35)

When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord’) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons’.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the Temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.’

And his father and his mother marvelled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed — and a sword will pierce through your own soul also — so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.’