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

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

July 2026

24Jul

Gospel

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

Gospel
Matthew 13:18-23
‘The one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’

23Jul

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint Beidget of Sweden | 23 July 2026

23 Jul, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint Bridget of Sweden | 23 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

23Jul

𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿

23 Jul, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿

The Catholic Bishops of Scotland have written to the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, offering their congratulations on his appointment and assuring him of their prayers and good wishes as he begins this important public service.

As a Catholic, the Prime Minister will be familiar with the Church’s enduring commitment to the dignity of every human person and to the promotion of the common good – principles which lie at the heart of Catholic social teaching. We hope these values will underpin his leadership, particularly in serving the poor, the vulnerable and those on the margins of society, and in advancing the cause of peace, justice and reconciliation both at home and abroad.

We assure the Prime Minister of our prayers for wisdom, courage and integrity as he undertakes the responsibilities of this high office. We look forward to working constructively with him and his Government on the many issues that affect the lives and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities, and we pray that the United Kingdom will continue to use its influence in the service of peace, justice and human dignity throughout the world.

Bishop John Keenan
President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

23Jul

𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿

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

23Jul

From an early age, Saint Bridget of Sweden experienced deep spiritual visions, particularly of Christ’s Passion

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

From an early age, Saint Bridget of Sweden experienced deep spiritual visions, particularly of Christ’s Passion. Beginning at the age of seven, these encounters shaped her faith and mission, inspiring a life dedicated not to extraordinary spiritual experiences themselves, but to prayer, charity, and service to others.

Born into a noble Swedish family, Bridget spent much of her life within the royal court of King Magnus II. She married and became the mother of eight children, including Saint Catherine of Sweden. Alongside her responsibilities as a wife and mother, she cultivated a strong spiritual life and became known for her compassion, wisdom, and devotion.

Following the death of her husband, Bridget embraced a more penitential way of life. She sought to influence both Church and society for the better, encouraging moral reform and greater faithfulness to the Gospel. Although she was not always successful in her efforts to guide King Magnus, she did receive land and support to establish a religious community for men and women. This foundation later developed into the Bridgettine Order, which continues to this day.

In 1350, during a Holy Year, Bridget undertook a pilgrimage to Rome, travelling across a Europe devastated by plague. She remained in Rome for the rest of her life, working tirelessly for the renewal of the Church and calling for reform. Her years there were often difficult, marked by financial struggles and opposition from those who resisted her message.

Near the end of her life, Bridget made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The journey was challenging, including a shipwreck and the loss of her son Charles. Returning to Rome, she died in 1373, leaving behind a legacy of prayer, courage, and devotion to Christ.

Recognising her importance to the Christian heritage of the continent, Pope Saint John Paul II named Saint Bridget of Sweden a co-patroness of Europe in 1999, alongside Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.

23Jul

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 15:1-8
‘Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch, and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.’

22Jul

The deeds you do may be the only sermon some people will hear today

22 Jul, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The deeds you do may be the only sermon some people will hear today

#MissiosWednesdayWisdom

@followers

22Jul

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalen | 22 July 2026

22 Jul, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalen | 22 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

22Jul

Apart from the Blessed Virgin Mary, few women hold such an honoured place in the Gospels as Saint Mary Magdalene

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

Apart from the Blessed Virgin Mary, few women hold such an honoured place in the Gospels as Saint Mary Magdalene. Despite this, she has often been misunderstood. For centuries, a tradition developed identifying her with the unnamed sinful woman who anointed the feet of Jesus. However, modern biblical scholarship recognises that there is no clear scriptural evidence linking the two figures.

Mary Magdalene, whose name indicates that she came from Magdala, is introduced in the Gospel as a woman from whom Jesus cast out “seven demons” (Luke 8:2). Rather than suggesting a sinful past, this expression is generally understood to refer to severe suffering, illness, or spiritual affliction from which she was healed through Christ’s compassion and power.

Following this encounter, Mary became one of Jesus’ most devoted disciples. The Gospels describe her as one of the women who supported Jesus and the Apostles through their own resources and accompanied them throughout His ministry. Her gratitude and faithfulness remained steadfast even during the darkest moments of Christ’s Passion.

Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the Cross when many others had fled. She witnessed the Lord’s crucifixion, burial, and, most significantly, became the first person to encounter the risen Christ on Easter morning. Entrusted with the news of the Resurrection, she was sent by Jesus to announce it to the Apostles.

Because of this unique mission, Mary Magdalene has been given the title “Apostle to the Apostles.” Her life is a powerful witness to the transforming mercy of Christ, faithful discipleship, and the hope of the Resurrection. Through her example, the Church honours a woman whose unwavering love and loyalty placed her at the heart of the Gospel story.

22Jul

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 20:1-2, 11-18
‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’

On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’
Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ Having said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’ — and that he had said these things to her.