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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

National Family Conference 2026

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: Justice & Peace Scotland FacebookReturn
January 2026



Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord and marks the annual Day of Prayer for Justice and Peace.

Each year, this day invites us to reflect on the deep human longing for peace and to recognise that true peace begins not with systems or structures, but with the conversion of the human heart.

At Mass today, parishes across Scotland will hear about the work of Justice & Peace Scotland, a commission of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, which supports prayer, education, and reflection on issues of peace, human dignity, and care for creation, rooted in the Gospel and Catholic social teaching.

As we begin a new year, we are invited to pray for peace in our world, in our communities, and within our own hearts.
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🕊️JUSTICE & PEACE SUNDAY 2026

Today in Scotland, on the Feast of the Epiphany, we mark the Day of Prayer for Peace, also known as Justice & Peace Sunday.

Archbishop Nolan has prepared a special reflection inviting us to pray for the conversion of all human hearts towards peace. You can watch his message below, and listen out for his letter being read at Sunday Masses today.

We invite all friends and supporters of Justice & Peace Scotland to join with us in praying in a particular way today for peace, reconciliation, and justice in our world.

In his Message for the World Day of Peace, our Holy Father, Pope Leo, calls us to begin the year united in prayer:

“Let us all pray together for peace: first, among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering, but also within our homes, in families wounded by violence or pain.”

As we begin 2026, how will you respond to this call? How will you help build up God’s kingdom of love, justice, and peace in your own life, parish, and community?

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December 2025
🙏PRAYER TO THE HOLY FAMILY FOR REFUGEES

On the Feast of the Holy Family we ask Jesus, Mary and Joseph who once had to flee violence and persecution themselves, to accompany all families and people who are seeking sanctuary today:

Lord Jesus, Son of God,
you know what it is to flee your home in fear,
to seek safety in a foreign land.
Be close to all who are forced to leave
their homes, their livelihoods, and all that is familiar.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
you know the anxiety of seeking shelter,
of protecting your child amid danger and threat.
Comfort all mothers and caregivers who are displaced, and surround their children with your gentle love and care.

Saint Joseph, faithful guardian of the Holy Family,
you led Jesus and Mary to safety in Egypt.
Guide and protect all families
and people fleeing war, persecution, poverty, and violence.
Intercede for them that they may know safe passage, sanctuary, and the hope and courage to build new lives.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
help us to recognise you
in every refugee, migrant, and displaced person.
Remove our fear, indifference, and suspicion,
and fill us with the love of Christ,
that we may welcome the stranger
with open hearts and generous hands,
sharing our resources and our solidarity.

Inspire our leaders and nations
to work for justice and peace,
so that every family may live without fear of violence, war, and persecution
and every person may find dignity, safety, and belonging.

Amen

📷 Image - 'Refugees: The Holy Family' by Kelly Latimore

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✨A happy, holy and peaceful Christmas to all from Justice & Peace Scotland.

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✨Only if people change will the world change and in order to change, people need the light that comes from God; the light which so unexpectedly entered into our night, on the night of Christmas.
- Pope Benedict XVI

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🙏A CHRISTMAS PRAYER FOR JUSTICE & PEACE

As we wait to welcome Jesus,
the Prince of Peace,
born among the poor and laid in a manger,
we place before God the injustices in our world.

In a time of war and division,
fear and intolerance,
may the light of Christ’s coming
shine through the darkness.

May the child of Bethlehem
soften hardened hearts,
turn us away from violence and indifference,
and inspire us to sow seeds of harmony, justice, and peace.

May the infant Jesus inspire us to recognise the humanity in the refugee, the excluded, and the forgotten;
to choose dialogue over division,
compassion over fear,
and hope over despair.

As pilgrims of hope this Christmas,
may we be hopeful bearers of peace:
in our homes, our communities,
and in our shared global family.

May the light of the manager illuminate the world with love, dignity, justice, and pace.

Amen.

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The Scottish Parliament is currently considering amendments to the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill, which would seek to change the current religious opt-out provisions in Scottish schools.

A spokesperson for Scotland’s Catholic Bishops said the Church is disappointed and confused with the Scottish Parliament Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee's decision to agree an amendment that has the effect of separating Religious Education (RE) and Religious Observance (RO) in schools.

The spokesperson said: “There is an intrinsic link between RE and RO in Catholic schools. Religious Education gives knowledge of faith, while Religious Observance is the living expression. One without the other risks empty ritual or solely ‘head’ knowledge.

“Separating them suggests that the Scottish Government, and those who voted for this amendment, do not value their role in Catholic schools. Furthermore, we are concerned that this amendment has the effect of changing the long-standing conscience clause in section 9 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 and removes important rights for parents.

“We continue to be disappointed with the policy of the Scottish Green party, as confirmed by Maggie Chapman during the Committee session on Tuesday, to campaign for the removal of denominational schools from the Scottish Education system. The inclusion of denominational schools in the state system in Scotland continues to be an example of a diverse, pluralistic, democratic education system in action.

“The Catholic Church looks forward to constructive engagement in Stage 3 of the Bill, and to working collaboratively with government, parliament, and other stakeholders to ensure that any final legislation respects both parent and children’s rights and the rich heritage of Catholic education in Scotland.”
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🌟Congratulations to the Caritas students from St Joseph's Parish Blantyre and St Anthony's and St Mark's Rutherglen, who both hosted moving holy hour services in their parishes last week as part of a project supporting Justice & Peace Scotland. The young people led their communities in prayer around two issues that have dominated news headlines this year, bringing them before God to intercede for love, justice and peace.

​✝️The group in St Joseph's have been learning about the situation in the Holy Land through exploring stories of the "Living Stones"; the Christians of the Holy Land. On Tuesday of last week they led a "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem" holy hour, reflecting on the violence that affects all people there and praying for a just and lasting peace for all families in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel.

​🙏In St Anthony's and St Mark's the young people have been exploring the issue of refugees and migration. They hosted a "Welcome The Stranger" holy hour, inviting their parishioners to reflect on how the Holy Family were once refugees, fleeing violence to find safety in a foreign land. They led the community in praying for compassion, safety, and welcome for all those forced to flee their homes today.

💜 A huge thank you and well done to all the Caritas young people involved for their commitment, courage and witness and to the parish priests and volunteers who support them. We’re so grateful to everyone involved in bringing the Justice & Peace Scotland Caritas Parish Project to life.







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🇻🇦POPE LEO'S PRAYER INTENTION FOR DECEMBER

This month the Holy Father asks us to turn our hearts in prayer to those Christians living in the midst of war and conflict, especially our brothers and sisters in the Middle East.

He asks us to pray that they may not feel abandoned but rather be strengthened as "seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope." He calls us to stand in spiritual solidarity with those who suffer and to become builders of unity in our own communities.

Let us join him in this prayer.

🎥 Watch his full message here:


By The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network: https://www.popesprayer.va/ The Pope Video: https://thepopevideo.org/ In collaboration with Vatican Media: http://www...
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📢NEWS FROM JUSTICE & PEACE SCOTLAND
Our latest newsletter is available now and we are looking back on a busy few months of advocacy where many of you joined us in prayer and witness.

This edition covers:
📣 Scotland Demands Better: marching against poverty in Edinburgh.
🌍 COP30 Mass: Archbishop Nolan’s challenge to the powerful on climate justice.
❤️ Dilexi te: rediscovering a practical love for the marginalised.
🕯️ Advent: upcoming events including an ecumenical advent service in Glasgow hosted by Friends of the Holy Land.

➡️Head to our website to read, download and share the new update.

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