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

12th August 2026

12 August 2026

Statement from the Bishops of Scotland on the Funeral of Ann Widdecombe

Today, the Requiem Mass of Ann Widdecombe, the former Member of the UK Parliament and Government minister, has taken place at Buckfast Abbey, where she was a regular worshipper.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:

“On behalf of the Bishops of Scotland, I offer our prayerful condolences to Ann’s family, friends and all who mourn her today. We join them in commending Ann’s soul to the loving mercy of God.

“Ann was a woman of sincere Catholic faith, sustained by prayer and the sacraments and was happy for her faith to be known publicly.’

“We pray that Christ welcomes her into the peace of His Kingdom."

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

News from the Commissions and Agencies

May 2026

08May

His Majesty The King has sent a message of congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the first anniversary of his election...

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

His Majesty The King has sent a message of congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the first anniversary of his election, reflecting upon the enduring ties between the United Kingdom and the Holy See. 🇬🇧🇻🇦

08May

This content isn't available right now

08 May, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Where were you on 8th May 2025
when white smoke appeared?

One year ago today, Pope Leo XIV was elected.

Keep him in your prayers today.
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.

08May

Today marks the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate

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

Today marks the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate.

In this past year, he has called us to renew our faith, to witness with courage, and to proclaim the Gospel with clarity in today’s world.

As we give thanks for his leadership, let us keep him in our prayers, that the Lord may continue to guide and strengthen him in his ministry.

Ad multos annos, Holy Father.

08May

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 15:12-17
‘These things I command you, so that you will love one another.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love

07May

Young Catholics (age 16+) are invited to join ACN Scotland at the Camp Out for Hope!

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

Young Catholics (age 16+) are invited to join ACN Scotland at the Camp Out for Hope! This will be a powerful event to show solidarity with our displaced Christian brothers and sisters around the world. Join us at Scotland’s Marian shrine for a unique camping experience, including an all-night prayer vigil, opportunities to learn more about ACN and our work, time to meet and socialise with other young Catholics, and more.

Participants can sign up by clicking here and should bring their own camping equipment and sleeping bags.

For more information, contact [email protected]

07May

St Margaret Pilgrimage 2026

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

07May

New Dawn in Scotland Ministries, in collaboration with St Joseph’s, Kilmarnock, will host a Healing Service on Friday 15 May fro...

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

New Dawn in Scotland Ministries, in collaboration with St Joseph’s, Kilmarnock, will host a Healing Service on Friday 15 May from 7.00pm to 9.30pm in St Joseph’s Church.

The service will be led by Fr Frankie Mulgrew of the Diocese of Salford and will include praise and worship, adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the laying on of hands, and prayer ministry.

All are invited to take part in this time of prayer and encounter with Christ’s healing love.

07May

Today, people across Scotland will head to the polls to vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election

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

Today, people across Scotland will head to the polls to vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election. As Catholics, we are called to approach voting prayerfully and thoughtfully, keeping in mind the dignity of every person and the common good.

Please keep all candidates, voters, and those elected to public office in your prayers today.

07May

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 15:9-11
‘Abide in my love, that your joy may be full.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.’

06May

What is God asking of us today as a Church in Scotland?

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

What is God asking of us today as a Church in Scotland?

Join us for the Festival of Synodality on Saturday 6 June at Glasgow Caledonian University; a day centred on Conversation in the Spirit, where we listen deeply to God, to one another, and to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

This isn’t just another event, it’s an opportunity to:
✨ Reflect on God’s Word
✨ Be heard in a prayerful and respectful space
✨ Discover together how the Holy Spirit is guiding our Church

As Bishop Brian shares, this is an important and exciting moment for our parishes, our dioceses, and the Church across Scotland.

📅 Saturday 6 June
📍 Glasgow Caledonian University

👉 Come and be part of the conversation. Come and listen. Come and discern.

🎟️ Book your place now: bit.ly/synodality26