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

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

March 2026

27Mar

Gospel

27 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
John 10:31-42
‘They sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.’

At that time: The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?’ The Jews answered him, ‘It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your Law, “I said, you are gods”? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came — and Scripture cannot be broken — do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, “You are blaspheming,” because I said, “I am the Son of God”? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’ Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.
He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptising at first, and there he remained. And many came to him. And they said, ‘John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ And many believed in him there.

26Mar

Take a few minutes to watch Jenna reciting this year's SCIAF Lent talk

26 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Take a few minutes to watch Jenna reciting this year's SCIAF Lent talk. Thank you!

26Mar

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

26 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The children of St Augustine’s Church Milton led the Stations of the Cross during the week, offering a prayerful and moving reflection on the journey of Christ’s Passion.

Through their narration and beautiful signing, they helped the congregation to enter more deeply into this time of Lenten prayer and reflection, supported by many from the parish community.

26Mar

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

26 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The Diocese of Galloway Youth leaders travelled across the RC Diocese of Galloway last week, visiting schools in East Ayrshire, Troon, Kilwinning and the Three Towns.

Speaking to pupils from P5–P7, they have been sharing details of upcoming events and encouraging young people to get involved in the life of the Church.

A great witness to the ongoing work of youth ministry across the Diocese.
📲 Find out more and register: youth.rcdg.org.uk

26Mar

Gospel

26 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
John 8:51-59
‘Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day.’

At that time: Jesus said to the Jews, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.’ The Jews said to him, ‘Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, “If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.” Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, “He is our God.” But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.’ So the Jews said to him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.’ So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the Temple.

25Mar

What does parish renewal look like for us?

25 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

What does parish renewal look like for us?

Explore this question at the Divine Renovation Open House Scotland, with keynote speaker Fr James Mallon.

📅 Saturday 25 April
📍 Uddingston

Register now: https://divinerenovation.org/calendar/open-house-scotland/

25Mar

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

25 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Last week, a Day of Prayer and Reflection was held alongside a Spring Coffee Morning, raising funds in support of the SCIAF Wee Box Lenten campaign for the people of Ethiopia at St. Vincent de Paul Parish East Kilbride.

Bringing together prayer, reflection and community, the event offered a meaningful way for parishioners to put their Lenten faith into action through generosity and solidarity with those most in need.

25Mar

Holy Mass of the Solemnity of the Annunciation | 25 March 2026

25 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Solemnity of the Annunciation | 25 March 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

25Mar

The Solemnity of the Annunciation centres on one extraordinary truth: God became one of us

25 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The Solemnity of the Annunciation centres on one extraordinary truth: God became one of us. As told in Luke 1:26 to 38, the eternal plan of God is fulfilled as the Son takes on our human nature. The Incarnation is the moment when heaven touches earth in love.

In accepting our humanity, Jesus embraces all creation and freely chooses a path of suffering and self giving love for our salvation. “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Mary holds a unique place in this mystery. Chosen by God from all eternity to be the mother of his Son, she cooperates fully with grace. Her yes makes room for God to act. Everything she is and everything she does is the work of God’s grace within her.

United with her Son in obedience to the Father’s will, Mary becomes the link between heaven and earth. In her humility and trust, she shows what God’s grace can accomplish in a human life.

The Annunciation reminds us that the Incarnation is not only a moment in history. It reveals what God desires for all of us: to receive his love and reflect it in our ordinary lives.

25Mar

Gospel

25 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 1:26-38
‘Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son.’

At that time: The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!’ But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’
And Mary said to the angel, ‘How will this be, since I am a virgin?’ And the angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy — the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.