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

August 2026

01Aug

Gospel

01 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 14:1-12
‘Herod sent and had John beheaded, and his disciples went and told Jesus.’

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, and he said to his servants, ‘This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.’ For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been saying to him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’ And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.

July 2026

31Jul

Pope Leo's prayer intention for August 2026

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

Pope Leo's prayer intention for August 2026

For evangelisation in the city
Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

31Jul

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, began his life with ambitions very different from those for which he ...

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

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, began his life with ambitions very different from those for which he is remembered today. As a young man, he dreamed of military glory and success. However, his life changed dramatically when he was seriously wounded by a cannonball during battle. While recovering, he found himself with little to read except a life of Christ and stories of the saints. These books stirred something deep within him and marked the beginning of a profound conversion.

Inspired by a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ignatius made a pilgrimage to the shrine of Montserrat in Spain. He then spent many months in prayer and reflection at nearby Manresa, living simply and dedicating himself to God. During this period he experienced both great spiritual consolations and intense inner struggles. Through prayer, penance, and perseverance, he gradually discovered a deeper peace and a clearer understanding of God’s call.

It was during this time that Ignatius began developing the ideas that would later become the *Spiritual Exercises*, one of the most influential works of Christian spirituality. Designed to help people discern God’s will and grow in their relationship with Christ, the Exercises continue to be used throughout the world today.

Although he longed to remain in the Holy Land, circumstances prevented him from doing so. Instead, Ignatius devoted himself to study, attending several universities across Europe. Despite facing suspicion, hardship, and even brief periods of imprisonment, he remained committed to serving the Church.

In 1534, together with six companions, including Saint Francis Xavier, Ignatius took vows of poverty and chastity and pledged to dedicate his life to the service of Christ. Their small group eventually became the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. Approved by Pope Paul III in 1540, the order quickly grew, and Ignatius was chosen as its first Superior General.

31Jul

Gospel

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

Gospel
Matthew 13:54-58
‘Is not this the carpenter’s son? Where then did this man get all these things?’

At that time: Coming to his home town Jesus taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?’ And they took offence at him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honour except in his home town and in his own household.’ And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

30Jul

Humanae Vitae and the world it predicted

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

Marking the anniversary of Humanae Vitae, Michael J. Robinson, Executive Director of SPUC, reflects on the enduring relevance of Pope St Paul VI’s landmark encyclical.

In this thought-provoking article, he considers whether the challenges facing society today, from relationships and family life to demographic decline and our understanding of human dignity, echo the concerns raised by Pope Paul VI nearly six decades ago.

Read the full article below and join the conversation.

As the West confronts loneliness, falling birth rates and fractured relationships, ‘Humanae Vitae’ reads less like a relic than a diagnosis

30Jul

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲

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

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲

Bishop John Keenan, the Bishop with responsibility for Marriage, Family and Life for the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s call for the serious gaps in palliative and social care to be addressed before the Westminster Parliament considers assisted suicide legislation.

Bishop Keenan said:
“The Prime Minister’s intervention is both timely and welcome. We have a duty to ensure that every person approaching the end of life has access to the compassionate palliative and social care they deserve. No one should ever feel driven towards assisted suicide because they lack the care, support or dignity they need.

“We were grateful that the Scottish Parliament resolutely rejected assisted suicide only recently. We hope this latest intervention will encourage Members of the Westminster Parliament to reflect carefully before taking a step that would fundamentally change the way our society cares for the sick and vulnerable.

“As our Catholic Parliamentary Officer, Anthony Horan, has rightly said: ‘The last thing the country needs is another divisive debate about assisted suicide. We need to make progress in improving palliative and social care, not offering vulnerable people state support to end their lives.’ I share that conviction wholeheartedly.

“This is an opportunity to rethink the whole approach to assisted suicide. The compassionate response to suffering is never to help people end their lives, but to ensure they receive the high-quality care, love and accompaniment they need. Let us pray for all who are seriously ill, for their families and carers, and for those in public office, that they may always uphold the dignity of every human life and work to build a society that truly cares for its most vulnerable members.”

30Jul

Holy Mass of Thursday of the Seventeenth Week of Ordinary Time | 30 July 2026

30 Jul, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Thursday of the Seventeenth Week of Ordinary Time | 30 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

30Jul

Gospel

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

Gospel
Matthew 13:47-53
‘They sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad.’

At that time: Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
‘Have you understood all these things?’ They said to him, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’
And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there.

29Jul

🇻🇦 "MAY BELIEVERS AND PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL NEVER STOP WORKING AS BUILDERS OF PEACE." - Pope Leo XIV

29 Jul, 2026 | Justice & Peace Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

🇻🇦 "MAY BELIEVERS AND PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL NEVER STOP WORKING AS BUILDERS OF PEACE." - Pope Leo XIV

Christians from across Scotland will gather at Faslane this coming Saturday for the annual 'No to Nuclear Weapons' Peace Witness Vigil.

Organised by Justice & Peace Scotland and held in collaboration with the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church, The Iona Community, Quakers in Britain, and Pax Christi Scotland the event brings Christians together to pray for nuclear disarmament around the world as an essential step towards world peace, to protect human life, and to safeguard God's creation.

The Vigil is led by Most Rev. William Nolan, president of Justice & Peace Scotland and Archbishop of Glasgow; Right Rev. Gordon Kennedy, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland; and Most Rev. Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.

In his newly published book, 'Disarmed and Disarming: Peace Is a Gift', Pope Leo calls Christians and all people of good will to reject the logic of violence and become builders of peace. In the same book he writes:

"It is not atomic weapons that generate peace, but disarmament."

As wars continue and investment in nuclear weapons grows, we'll gather to affirm that true peace and security is built not on nuclear deterrence but on dialogue, diplomacy and the upholding of international law.

If you've been thinking about coming along to one of our vigils, we'd invite you to join us this weekend to answer the Holy Father's call to be builders of peace.

🗓️ Saturday 1st August
🕚 11.00am–12.30pm
📍 North Gate, HM Naval Base Clyde (Faslane)

🚌 Free coach travel is available from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

📧 To reserve your seat, email: [email protected]

Please include:
🔹 Your name
🔹 Pick-up point (Edinburgh or Glasgow)
🔹 Number of seats required

🚆If you’re travelling independently, take the train to Helensburgh Central, then the hourly 316 bus to Faslane.

🕊️We look forward to welcoming you to pray and act for peace.

29Jul

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus | 29 July 2026

29 Jul, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus | 29 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356