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

11th October 2026

11 October 2026

Scotland’s Bishops Lead Prayers for Pope Leo

The Catholic bishops of Scotland have offered their prayers and support for Pope Leo XIV following the announcement today that he is to undergo surgery in the coming days.

Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square at today’s Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo revealed that recent medical examinations had identified a small, localised nodule on his lung. The Holy Father explained that it had been detected at a very early stage and that, following medical advice, he had decided to undergo surgery to remove it.

Speaking on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop John Keenan expressed the bishops’ solidarity with the Holy Father and invited Catholics and people of goodwill across Scotland to remember him in their prayers.

Bishop Keenan said:

“We are conscious of the concern that news of the Holy Father’s health will bring to Catholics and to so many others throughout the world.

“At this time, we wish to express our closeness to Pope Leo and our hope that he will be strengthened and reassured by the prayers and good wishes of so many people who hold him in great affection and esteem.

“On behalf of all the bishops of Scotland, I want to assure the Holy Father of our heartfelt prayers and support.

“We invite Catholics across Scotland, and all people of goodwill, to join us in praying for Pope Leo, for the medical team caring for him, and for a successful operation and a full and speedy recovery.

“May the Lord give him strength and peace in the days ahead.”

...ENDS

Notes for editors

Photo of Pope Leo: Photo of Pope Leo XIV
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]

8th October 2026

8 October 2026

Parental and Pastoral Care Without Fear: A Response to the SNP Conference Motion on Conversion Practices

The Catholic Parliamentary Office shares the determination to protect every person from violence, coercion, and abuse and strongly believes that such conduct should be addressed effectively under the law, and those who have suffered harm should receive compassionate and appropriate support.

At the same time, the motion tabled at SNP Party Conference proposes a prohibition of exceptional breadth, extending across family life, religious settings, healthcare and situations in which an adult has sought assistance voluntarily. Without precise definitions and robust safeguards, such an approach risks treating ordinary conversations, conscientious guidance and supportive care as suspect simply because they engage questions of identity, relationships, faith or personal conduct.

Parents and carers have responsibilities for the welfare of their children, including listening, offering reassurance, setting appropriate boundaries and helping them to reflect carefully on significant decisions. A broadly framed ban could create uncertainty about whether a parent may ask questions, encourage patience, seek professional advice or discuss the family’s moral and religious convictions without fear that such conversations might later be characterised as unlawful.

This uncertainty could weaken trust within the home. Children and young people benefit when they can speak openly with those who know and love them best, without family members feeling compelled either to affirm immediately every stated view or to withdraw from sensitive discussion altogether.

Pastoral ministry is founded on respect for the dignity and freedom of every person. Clergy, chaplains and lay pastoral workers are called to listen without condemnation and to accompany people with sensitivity and discretion. Individuals may seek prayer, spiritual counsel or moral guidance for many reasons. They should remain free to ask for such support, and clergy should remain free to respond honestly and compassionately within the teaching of their faith, provided no abuse, intimidation or coercion is involved.

It is important, for the sake of clarity and legal certainty, that supporters of conversion practices legislation demonstrate which conduct that isn’t already illegal they intend to criminalise by the proposed new law. Moreover, it is vital that any new law contains clear protections for freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of expression, private and family life, and the voluntary giving and receiving of pastoral care.

Anthony Horan

Director

Catholic Parliamentary Office

Bishops' Conference of Scotland

...ENDS

Notes for editors

Photo of Anthony Horan, Director of the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office: Photo of Anthony Horan
The Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office works on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, by engaging with politicians and policymakers on matters central to the life and mission of the Catholic Church.
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

February 2026

04Feb

There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them

04 Feb, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them

#MissiosWednesdayWisdom

04Feb

Holy Mass of Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Ordinary Time | 04 February 2026

04 Feb, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Ordinary Time | 04 February 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

04Feb

Gospel

04 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Mark 6:1-6
‘A prophet is not without honour, except in his home town.’

At that time: Jesus came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, ‘Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. And Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honour, except in his home town and among his relatives and in his own household.’ And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.

03Feb

The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has announced that, on 3 February 2026, a decree will be p...

03 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has announced that, on 3 February 2026, a decree will be published adding the memoria ad libitum of Saint John Henry Newman to the General Roman Calendar, together with the related liturgical texts.

From 3 February 2026, Saint John Henry Newman will be formally included in the Church’s worldwide liturgical calendar as an optional memorial, to be observed on 9 October. This means that parishes across the universal Church may choose to remember him at Mass on that day, using newly approved prayers and liturgical texts.

Saint John Henry Newman, pray for us.

03Feb

Very little is known about the life of Saint Blaise, yet devotion to him has spread widely throughout the Church

03 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Very little is known about the life of Saint Blaise, yet devotion to him has spread widely throughout the Church. His feast has long been observed with great reverence, especially in Eastern Christian traditions, and for centuries the blessing of throats has been associated with his memory.

Saint Blaise was Bishop of Sebastea in Armenia and was martyred around the year 316 during a time of continued persecution in the region. Later accounts describe him as a devoted shepherd who cared deeply for the spiritual and physical wellbeing of his people. Forced to flee the city, he lived for a time in solitude, dedicating himself to prayer.

Tradition tells of his arrest after being discovered by hunters, and of a miracle attributed to him on the way to prison, when a child suffering from a fish bone lodged in his throat was healed through his prayer. This event lies behind the enduring custom of invoking Saint Blaise for protection against illnesses of the throat.

Blaise remained steadfast in his faith, refusing to renounce Christ despite severe suffering. He was eventually put to death for his witness, and is honoured as a martyr of the early Church.

03Feb

Gospel

03 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Mark 5:21-43
‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’

At that time: When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.’ And he went with him.
And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, ‘If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.’ And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my garments?’ And his disciples said to him, ‘You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, “Who touched me?” ’ And he looked round to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’
While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?’ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’ And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, ‘Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. Taking her by the hand he said to her, ‘Talitha cumi’, which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’ And immediately the girl got up and began walking, for she was twelve years of age, and they were immediately overcome with amazement. And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

02Feb

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

The Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill is about protection and real support.

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland have written to the First Minister of Scotland expressing support for Ash Regan’s Bill, describing it as a vital step in addressing the harm linked to prostitution.

The Bill shifts the focus away from those who are exploited and onto those who create demand — criminalising buyers, not sellers — while repealing outdated offences that penalised vulnerable individuals.

It recognises the reality that many involved in prostitution face serious vulnerabilities, including trauma, abuse, grooming, and increasing risks from online and technology-facilitated exploitation.

Crucially, the Bill also establishes a statutory right to support — including accommodation, healthcare, financial assistance, and counselling — helping people exit prostitution safely and rebuild their lives.

This is about reducing harm, challenging demand, and offering real pathways to freedom and recovery.

02Feb

Holy Mass of the Feast of the Presentation | 02 February 2026

02 Feb, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Feast of the Presentation | 02 February 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

02Feb

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is pleased to announce the appointment of Fr Matthew Carlin as Vice Rector of the Pontifical...

02 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is pleased to announce the appointment of Fr Matthew Carlin as Vice Rector of the Pontifical Scots College in Rome.

Fr Matthew, a priest of the Diocese of Paisley, will take up this important role in the coming months, assisting the Rector in the formation of Scottish seminarians preparing for priestly ministry. He succeeds Fr Nick Welsh, whose dedicated service to the College is warmly acknowledged by the Bishops.

Fr Matthew studied at the Pontifical Scots College in Rome from 2009 to 2017. He was ordained to the priesthood on 30 June 2016 at St John’s Church, Barrhead.
Following ordination, he served as curate at St Mirin’s Cathedral, Paisley, from 2017 to 2019. He was appointed Parish Priest of St Francis, Port Glasgow, in 2019, serving there until 2024. Since then, he has been Parish Priest of St Aidan’s, Johnstone, and since 2025 has also served Christ the King, Howwood.

In addition to parish ministry, Fr Matthew currently serves as Vicar Episcopal for Education in the Diocese of Paisley and as Defender of the Bond at the Scottish Catholic Inter-diocesan Tribunal.

Commenting on the appointment, Bishop John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley and President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:
"I want to thank Father Matthew for his generosity of spirit in accepting this important role in the formation of our future priests. He has been happy and thriving in his parish work, in his commitments in the diocese regarding our schools as well as in his national work at our Tribunal. We will miss him from our diocese both personally and pastorally for the time when he is away. I know he will now accept this latest appointment by the bishops of Scotland with his same characteristic faithfulness, dedication and zeal. We assure him of our prayers and wish him a joyful and fruitful ministry in Rome."

Fr Matthew said:
“I was privileged to spend eight years at the Scots College in Rome, studying, praying, and preparing to serve God's people. I am immensely grateful for everything I received during that time, and I look forward to assisting others in their formation for the diocesan priesthood. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Bishop John Keenan for his guidance and encouragement, and to all the Bishops of Scotland for their trust in appointing me as Vice Rector. I ask everyone to keep me, and all those involved in priestly formation, in their prayers.”

The Rector of the Pontifical Scots College, Fr Mark Cassidy, said:
"I am delighted that Fr Matthew will be joining the College as vice rector in succession to Fr Nick Welsh. Bringing his own talents and gifts to the role, I am sure that Fr Matthew will build on the good work done by his predecessor in helping to develop the formation programme here at the College. I know that Fr Matthew will be a great example and mentor to our men studying for the priesthood."

The Bishops of Scotland commend Fr Matthew to the prayers of the faithful as he prepares to take up this important role in the life of the Church in Scotland.

02Feb

In the late fourth century, a woman named Etheria made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and recorded what she witnessed in a remarkable...

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

In the late fourth century, a woman named Etheria made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and recorded what she witnessed in a remarkable travel journal. Her writings give us one of the earliest insights into the Church’s liturgical life, including the celebration of Christ’s birth and the solemn procession marking His Presentation in the Temple forty days later.

This feast recalls Jesus being brought into the Temple in accordance with the Law, marking His first public appearance there. While it reflects the customs surrounding purification after childbirth, the focus of the celebration rests firmly on Christ, who is presented to the Lord.

By the fifth and sixth centuries, the feast had spread throughout the Western Church. Since Christmas was celebrated on December twenty five, the Presentation came to be observed on February two, forty days later.

In the early eighth century, a candlelight procession was introduced, followed later by the blessing and distribution of candles. From this tradition comes the feast’s familiar name, Candlemas, celebrating Christ as the light of the nations.