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

Archive by tag: Bishops' Conference of ScotlandReturn

May 2026

06May

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

Young people from St James’, Coatbridge, recently spent a day in St Andrews as part of their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Primary 7 confirmandi completed their St Carlo Acutis “Highway to Heaven” passports during the visit, marking an important step in their journey of faith.

06May

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 15:1-8
‘Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch, and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.’

05May

The Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh is hosting a Family Picnic and Vigil Mass on Saturday 9 May 2026 at 1:00pm at The Gi...

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

The Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh is hosting a Family Picnic and Vigil Mass on Saturday 9 May 2026 at 1:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB.

The day will include children’s catechesis, talks for adults, a Rosary procession, and Vigil Mass at 4:00pm. It offers an opportunity for families to gather in faith during the month of May, with a focus on Our Lady and the life of the Church.

The programme will be led by Fr Benedict Iwatt of the Marriage and Family Commission, alongside Sr Miriam Ruth Ryan RSM, Director of Catechetics.

Places are going fast so register now for this FREE event at bit.ly/archpicnic26

05May

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

Young people from several parishes, including St Vincent’s in Thornliebank, St John’s in Barrhead, and Corpus Christi in Glasgow, recently came together for a day of faith and friendship.

The programme included catechesis, sport, games, and prayer, offering a chance to grow in faith while building connections with other young Catholics. In this month of May, there was a particular focus on Our Lady and her importance in the life of the Church.

05May

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

05 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.

05May

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 14:27-31a
‘My peace I give to you.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I will come to you.” If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.’

04May

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 14:21-26
‘The Helper, whom the Father will send, he will teach you all things.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.’

03May

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 14:1-12
‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’
Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
‘Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.’

02May

Athanasius of Alexandria lived a life marked by both turmoil and deep commitment to the Church

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

Athanasius of Alexandria lived a life marked by both turmoil and deep commitment to the Church. He became one of the foremost defenders of Christian belief against Arianism, a teaching associated with Arius that denied the full divinity of Jesus. His powerful and persistent writings later earned him recognition as a Doctor of the Church.

Born into a Christian family in Alexandria and educated in classical learning, Athanasius became secretary to Alexander of Alexandria. He was ordained a priest and eventually succeeded him as bishop. Alexander had already opposed the growing influence of Arianism, a struggle Athanasius would inherit and intensify.

As bishop, Athanasius continued this defence of orthodox teaching. Although it initially seemed that Arianism would be swiftly defeated, events unfolded differently. The Council of Tyre led to his exile by Constantine the Great to northern Gaul—one of several exiles he would endure, echoing in some ways the missionary hardships of Paul the Apostle.

After Constantine’s death, his son briefly restored Athanasius to his position, but he was soon removed again by Arian supporters. He appealed to Rome, where Pope Julius I convened a synod to examine the case.

In total, Athanasius was exiled five times because of his unwavering defence of Christ’s divinity. Yet during a period of about ten years, he experienced relative peace, dedicating himself to writing, teaching, and encouraging a form of Christian life inspired by monastic ideals.

Much of his theological and historical work was written in direct opposition to Arianism. Among his spiritual writings, his biography of Anthony the Great became widely influential, helping to spread monasticism throughout the Western Church.

02May

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 14:7-14
‘Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’ Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
‘Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.’