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

May 2026

12May

This Sunday, 17th May, the Church marks Communications Sunday

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

This Sunday, 17th May, the Church marks Communications Sunday.

In a world where so many people first encounter faith online, digital communication has become an important part of evangelisation and outreach. A video, livestream, social media post, or message of hope can often become the first step in someone’s journey towards Christ.

The second collection this weekend will support the work of the Office of Communications & Evangelisation of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland as we continue to share the Gospel through digital media, social platforms, video, news, and resources reaching people across Scotland and beyond.

Please keep this work in your prayers and, if you are able, support the second collection next weekend.

12May

National Director's Reflection—May 2026

12 May, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

In his monthly reflection, Missio Scotland's National Director, Fr Vincent Lockhart, speaks of the importance of missionaries and their role in feeding people spiritually and physically across five continents

#NDsMonthlyReflection

@followers

In his monthly reflection, Missio Scotland's National Director, Fr Vincent Lockhart, speaks of the importance of missionaries and their role in feeding peopl...

12May

Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter | 12 May 2026

12 May, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter | 12 May 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

12May

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀’ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗦𝗣𝘀

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

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀’ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗦𝗣𝘀

On behalf of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland, I warmly congratulate all Members of the Scottish Parliament elected to serve our nation. Your role is a noble calling, entrusted with the responsibility to act with integrity, to value every human life, and to prioritise the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable in our society. I pray that your service will be rooted in humility and guided by a sincere desire to promote truth, justice, and charity for the common good of all. I hope that you will defend fundamental freedoms, foster respectful dialogue, and work for a Scotland where every person's dignity is respected. Be assured of my prayers as you begin this important work for the people of Scotland.

Bishop John Keenan
President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

12May

Gospel

12 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Gospel
John 16:5-11
‘If I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, “Where are you going?” But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgement: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgement, because the ruler of this world is judged.’

11May

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is looking for a creative and skilled Video Editor to support its growing digital communications work.

This is a part-time role (24 hours per week), offering hybrid/remote working, with occasional travel for events and broadcasts.

You’ll play a key role in producing engaging video content that communicates the life and mission of the Catholic Church in Scotland.

🎬 What we’re looking for:
• Strong video editing skills with a clear sense of storytelling
• Experience creating content for social and digital platforms
• Confidence using editing software
• Good understanding of audience engagement

📅 Deadline: Friday 29 May 2026
📧 Apply with a CV, cover letter and portfolio to: [email protected]

👉 Find out more and apply: https://www.bcos.org.uk/vacancies

Please share with anyone who may be interested.

11May

One Week. One Action

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

One Week. One Action. A Global Catholic Response. Save the Date!

Each year, the global Church unites to celebrate Laudato Si’ Week — an annual moment of prayer, reflection, and concrete action inspired by Laudato Si', by Pope Francis.

In 2026, from May 17 to 24, Catholics across continents will once again respond together, not just with words, but with action.

11May

Lord, as you did during your ministry on earth, please help us to accept one another

11 May, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Lord, as you did during your ministry on earth, please help us to accept one another

#MissiosMondayPrayer

@followers

11May

A post from Being Catholic

11 May, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

11May

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 15:26-16:4a
‘The Spirit of truth will bear witness about me.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.
‘I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.’