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

October 2026

21Oct

Gospel

21 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 12:39-48
‘Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, Know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’
Peter said, ‘Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?’ And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that servant says to himself, “My master is delayed in coming”, and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.’

20Oct

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

20 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

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.”

20Oct

Gospel

20 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 12:35-38
‘Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service, and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants!’

19Oct

Gospel

19 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 12:13-21
‘The things you have prepared, whose will they be?’

At that time: Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?’ And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of one’s possessions.’ And he told them a parable, saying, ‘The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, “What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?” And he said, “I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ ” But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So is the one who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God.’

18Oct

Gospel

18 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 22:15-21
‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’

At that time: The Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle Jesus in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?’ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’

17Oct

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

17 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in Campsie Glen celebrate the centenary of their founding in 1926. 🎉

Archbishop Cushley was the principal celebrant at a special Mass of thanksgiving, joined by fellow bishops, priests, sisters and friends of the community.

The celebration was an opportunity to give thanks for 100 years of faith, prayer and service, and to look forward with hope to the future of this international religious community, which has a special devotion to Our Lady.

Congratulations to all at Schoenstatt Scotland - Retreat & Pilgrimage Centre on this wonderful milestone! 🙏

17Oct

Photos from Vatican News's post

17 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Pope Leo has been discharged from hospital.

17Oct

This Sunday, 18 October, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday, with the theme “One in Christ – United in M...

17 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

This Sunday, 18 October, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday, with the theme “One in Christ – United in Mission.”

The second collection in parishes across Scotland supports the Church’s missionary work through Missio Scotland. This year’s appeal highlights projects in Albania and Ukraine, helping provide care and education for children, support for homeless people, and warmth and shelter for those affected by war.

Please keep missionaries and the communities they serve in your prayers and, if you are able, give generously to your parish collection. Together, our prayers and generosity help bring Christ’s love to those most in need.

17Oct

Pope Leo XIV's doctors announced on Saturday morning that Pope Leo XIV is fit to be discharged from Gemelli Hospital

17 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Pope Leo XIV's doctors announced on Saturday morning that Pope Leo XIV is fit to be discharged from Gemelli Hospital.

In a statement from the Holy See Press Office, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said the Pope underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray in the morning, which confirm that his clinical condition allows for him to leave hospital.

17Oct

Saint Ignatius of Antioch

17 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Saint Ignatius of Antioch

Born in Syria, Saint Ignatius became a Christian and later served as Bishop of Antioch. Around AD 107, during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Trajan, he refused to deny his faith in Christ. He was condemned to death and taken to Rome.

During this long journey, Ignatius wrote seven letters that remain an important witness to the faith of the early Church. Five were addressed to Christian communities in Asia Minor. In them, he encouraged believers to remain faithful to God, follow the guidance of their bishops and resist false teachings.

Another letter was written to Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, who would also later give his life for the faith. His final letter was addressed to the Christians in Rome. Knowing what awaited him, Ignatius asked them not to intervene to prevent his martyrdom. He wished to offer his life to God and remain faithful to Christ to the end.

Describing himself as the wheat of God, Ignatius expressed his willingness to be ground by the teeth of wild beasts so that he might become the pure bread of Christ. He faced his death in Rome with courage, leaving the Church a lasting example of faith, love and trust in God.