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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

May 2026
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]

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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.

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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.

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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.’

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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

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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.











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Where the poor are concerned, it is not talk that matters. What matters is rolling up our sleeves and putting our faith into practice through a direct involvement, one that cannot be delegated

#MissiosWednesdayWisdom

@followers

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Holy Mass of Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter | 06 May 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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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.’

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