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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

National Family Conference 2026

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]

20th October 2026


20 October 2026

Scottish Theologian Appointed to Vatican’s International Theological Commission

Dr Sara Parvis of the University of Edinburgh has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the International Theological Commission for its new five-year term (2026–2031).

The Commission brings together theologians from around the world to advise the Holy See on important questions of Catholic theology and doctrine.

Born in Aberdeen and raised in Edinburgh, Dr Parvis is an Associate Professor at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Divinity, specialising in early Christianity, Church history and patristic theology.

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

“On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Scotland, I warmly congratulate Sara on her appointment by Pope Leo to this important Commission.

“This appointment is a recognition of her distinguished theological scholarship and of the contribution Scottish scholars continue to make to the life of the universal Church.

“We wish Sara every blessing as she takes up this important responsibility and assure her of our prayers.”

Commenting on her appointment, Dr Parvis said:

“It’s a great honour to be appointed to the International Theological Commission, and I’m very pleased to be bringing a Scottish perspective to the conversations the group will be having over the next few years.”

...ENDS

Notes to Editor

  • Photo of Dr Sara Parvis: Photo of Dr Sara Parvis
  • 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

June 2026
Where do we encounter God most deeply?

In tonight’s video, Archbishop William Nolan reflects on the meaning behind his episcopal motto: “Sibilus Aurae Tenius” translated as “The Sound of Sheer Silence.”

Drawing on the story of the Prophet Elijah on Mount Sinai, Archbishop Nolan reflects on discovering God not in noise, power or spectacle, but in silence.

In a world filled with distraction and constant noise, Archbishop Nolan shares why silence remains essential to prayer, faith and encountering the presence of God.

Watch now as Archbishop Nolan explains the inspiration behind his motto.

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Where do we encounter God most deeply?

In tonight’s video, Archbishop William Nolan reflects on the meaning behind his episcopal motto: “Sibilus Aurae Tenuis", translated as “The Sound of Sheer Silence.”

Drawing on the story of the Prophet Elijah on Mount Sinai, Archbishop Nolan reflects on discovering God not in noise, power or spectacle, but in silence.

In a world filled with distraction and constant noise, Archbishop Nolan shares why silence remains essential to prayer, faith and encountering the presence of God.

Watch now as Archbishop Nolan explains the inspiration behind his motto.

Read More
In his first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the challenge of remaining truly human in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

He warns against a future where technology attempts to replace what lies at the very heart of humanity: love, compassion, sacrifice and authentic human relationships.

The Holy Father reminds us that a society rooted in love, mercy and human dignity can never simply be engineered or automated.

As AI continues to develop at extraordinary speed, the Church calls us to ensure that technology always serves the human person and the common good.

Explore Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, and reflect on his vision for faith, humanity and the future of technology:
https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

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Today’s Time for Reflection at the Scottish Parliament was led by Archbishop Leo Cushley, who spoke about the importance not only of speaking, but of truly listening.

Archbishop Cushley reflected on how easy it can be for voices to be heard, but not truly listened to. He encouraged members of the new Parliament to develop “the art of listening” in the search for the common good.

“Let the Best Idea win — and let’s be listening out for it.”

Please keep all Members of the Scottish Parliament in your prayers as they begin this new parliamentary term and the important work ahead.

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In his monthly reflection, Missio Scotland's National Director, Fr Vincent Lockhart, speaks to us from the Assembly of National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Rome about the importance of the global family that we have in the Church. He even gets some of that global family to wish Scotland well at the upcoming World Cup!

#NDsMonthlyReflection

@followers

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Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Ninth Week of Ordinary Time | 02 June 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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Gospel
Mark 12:13-17
‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’

At that time: They sent to Jesus some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. And they came and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?’ But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, ‘Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.’ And they brought one. And he said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said to him, ‘Caesar’s.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they marvelled at him.

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The words a bishop chooses for his motto often reflect the values, hopes and faith that shape his ministry.

In tonight’s video, Archbishop Leo Cushley reflects on the meaning behind his episcopal motto: “Amor quod praecipis” — “To love what you command.”

Drawn from the liturgy, Archbishop Cushley explains how the phrase became an aspiration for his ministry: to willingly embrace the Lord’s will and to seek to live with faith, hope and charity at the heart of leadership in the Church.

Reflecting on vocation, service and the call to follow God’s will, Archbishop Cushley shares why these words became the guiding thread of his episcopal ministry.

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Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint Justin | 01 June 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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Pope Leo's prayer intention for June 2026

For the values of sports
Let us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.
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