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

6th November 2026

06 November 2026

Scottish Bishops Promote ‘Show Mercy’ Theme for Prisoners’ Week 2026

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is encouraging parishes across the country to support Prisoners’ Week Scotland, taking place from 15 - 22 November, under the theme Show Mercy.

The annual initiative invites communities to reflect on the experiences of prisoners, their families, victims of crime and those working within Scotland’s prisons.

This year’s theme highlights the importance of recognising the dignity of every person, including those serving prison sentences.

Deacon Kenny McGeachie, lead Catholic chaplain for the Scottish Prison Service, said:

“This year’s Prisoners’ Week invites us to think more deeply about what it means to show mercy, particularly towards those who are already paying the price for their actions. I would encourage everyone to take part in Prisoners’ Week and reflect on how even a small act of kindness can affirm a person’s human dignity.”

One practical example is the Prisoners’ Week Dignity Fund, supported by the Society of St Vincent de Paul and other groups. The fund helps prisoners who lack financial resources or family support to obtain essential items, including suitable clothing for family funerals and basic necessities.

The Bishops’ Conference is encouraging parishes to make use of the Prisoners’ Week information packs distributed to parishes throughout Scotland, helping communities mark the week through prayer, reflection and practical support.

The public launch of Prisoners’ Week Scotland will take place on Sunday 15 November at Freedom City Church, Cumbernauld, with charity and support-service stalls from 3pm.

The event is open to everyone, and members of the public are warmly encouraged to attend.

Further information is available at www.prisonersweek.org.uk.

...ENDS

Notes to editor

Prisoners’ Week Scotland 2026 takes place from 15–22 November, with the theme Show Mercy. The public launch event will be held on Sunday 15 November at Freedom City Church, Cumbernauld, with charity and support-service stalls from 3pm. Everyone is welcome.
For further information, visit www.prisonersweek.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]

News from the Commissions and Agencies

November 2026

05Nov

Luisa Campbell, General Secretary of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland, recently visited the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh to spe...

05 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Luisa Campbell, General Secretary of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland, recently visited the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh to speak to members of the Curia of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh.

Luisa gave an overview of the work of the Bishops' Conference, its various agencies and commissions, and outlined her own role in supporting the bishops and coordinating the work of the Conference. She also discussed some of the current projects, including the review of diocesan boundaries, safeguarding and the future location of the Scottish Catholic Archives.

Thanks to the Archdiocese for the invitation and the opportunity to meet staff.

05Nov

Holy Mass of Thursday of the Thirty First Week of Ordinary Time | 05 November 2026

05 Nov, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Thursday of the Thirty First Week of Ordinary Time | 05 November 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

05Nov

Archbishop’s message of mercy ahead of Prisoners’ Week

05 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Earlier this morning, Archbishop Leo Cushley appeared on BBC Radio Scotland’s Thought for the Day, offering a reflection on justice, mercy and the possibility of redemption as we approach Prisoners’ Week Scotland (15–21 November).

With this year’s theme, Show Mercy, Archbishop Cushley reflected on the dignity of every person, the importance of supporting victims of crime and the Christian belief that no one is beyond the possibility of change.

🎧 Listen to the full reflection: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0033s0s (from 1:16:55).

05Nov

Gospel

05 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 15:1-10
‘There will be joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.’

At that time: The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’
So he told them this parable: ‘What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
‘Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’

04Nov

“Come and see.” John 1:39

04 Nov, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

“Come and see.” John 1:39

Could God be calling you to the priesthood?

Priests for Scotland will hold a “Come and See” weekend on 5–6 December 2026 for men who are discerning a possible vocation to the priesthood.

The weekend offers an opportunity to step away from the usual routine, spend time in prayer and begin exploring that call more deeply.

If this is a question you have been carrying, contact your diocesan Vocations Director for more information.

04Nov

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

04 Nov, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

04Nov

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo | 04 November 2026

04 Nov, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo | 04 November 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

04Nov

Saint Charles Borromeo

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

Saint Charles Borromeo

Saint Charles Borromeo is remembered for his commitment to renewing the life of the Church. Living during the Protestant Reformation, he played an important part in the final years of the Council of Trent and worked tirelessly to put its reforms into practice.

Born into a noble Milanese family with connections to the powerful Medici family, Charles wished to devote his life to the Church. When his uncle became Pope Pius IV in 1559, Charles was entrusted with significant responsibilities at the Vatican. Although still a young student and layman, he was appointed cardinal-deacon and administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan. His ability led to further appointments, including serving as secretary of state with responsibility for the Papal States.

The unexpected death of his older brother prompted Charles to make a firm decision about his vocation. Despite pressure from his relatives to marry, he chose the priesthood. He was ordained at the age of 25 and shortly afterwards consecrated Bishop of Milan.

Charles helped bring the Council of Trent to its conclusion. He encouraged the pope to reconvene it in 1562, following a suspension of ten years, and managed its extensive correspondence during the final sessions. His patient work helped sustain the Council at moments when it was in danger of breaking up. These responsibilities delayed his move to Milan.

Charles lived this teaching through his own choices. He gave most of his income to charity, rejected luxury and practised demanding personal penances. He willingly sacrificed wealth, honours and influence to live simply and serve those in need.

During the plague and famine of 1576, Charles remained in Milan while many civic leaders fled. He cared for the sick and dying and organised efforts to feed between 60,000 and 70,000 people each day. To sustain this work, he borrowed large sums of money that took years to repay.

The demands of his ministry eventually took a toll on his health, and Charles died at the age of 46. His life remains an example of courageous leadership, personal holiness and compassion for those most in need.

04Nov

Gospel

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

Gospel
Luke 14:25-33
‘Any one who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.’

At that time: Great crowds accompanied Jesus, and he turned and said to them, ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, and wife and children, and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, “This man began to build and was not able to finish.” Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.’

03Nov

“Come and see.” John 1:39

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