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

25th October 2026

25 October 2026

Archbishop Cushley welcomes honour for Pope Leo

Archbishop Leo Cushley has welcomed the announcement that Pope Leo XIV has accepted an invitation to become Papal Confrater of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Archbishop Cushley is the Bishop President for Ecumenical Relations of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland.

This honour follows The King’s own appointment as Royal Confrater of the Papal Basilica and Abbey of St Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome during his State Visit to the Vatican in October last year.

Welcoming the announcement, Archbishop Cushley said:

“I warmly welcome the news that His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of Pope Leo as Papal Confrater of the College of St George at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. By this gesture, both His Majesty and the Holy Father have shown their clear wish to promote Christian unity through emphasis on all that we treasure in common, not least our respect and friendship for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.”

...ENDS

Notes for editors

Photo of Bishops’ Conference of Scotland: Photo of Bishops' Conference of Scotland
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]

23rd October 2026

23 October 2026

The UK Budget, to be delivered by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 28 October, will set out the UK Government’s plans for taxation and public spending alongside an independent assessment of the economic and fiscal outlook from the Office for Budget Responsibility. Its decisions will shape the resources available for public services, devolved governments and support for households and communities across the country.

The Catholic Parliamentary Office of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland urges the Chancellor to put human dignity and the common good at the heart of the Budget.

That means tackling poverty in all its forms, protecting people who need care, sustaining families and community services, and reversing international aid cuts. Poverty, inadequate housing and healthcare, family breakdown, unemployment and environmental neglect all undermine the dignity of individuals and the wellbeing of society.

For households struggling with living costs, this must include targeted energy support for those unable to afford adequate heating, alongside sustained investment in affordable housing and warmer homes. The Budget must address the cost-of-living crisis head on and provide the support people need to meet essential costs, keep their homes warm and live with dignity.

The welfare system must also provide adequate support for those in need and practical routes into employment for those able to work.

Alongside these commitments, the Budget must provide sustainable funding settlements that enable devolved governments to support all these key areas.

Our responsibility to those in need also extends beyond our borders. We urge the UK Government to reverse the planned cut in Official Development Assistance from 0.5% to 0.3% of national income by 2027 and work towards restoring 0.7%. This would support low-income countries and protect essential humanitarian and development programmes from further disruption.

The same commitment to human dignity must guide our response to refugees and people seeking asylum. We urge the UK Government to provide safe, legal routes to protection, including resettlement and family reunion, backed by adequate funding. The Budget should also support local authorities and community organisations to welcome people seeking safety and help them rebuild their lives.

Community organisations also play a vital role in supporting people in need. They require fair, sustainable and predictable funding, and their experience must help shape policy.

Finally, care for the environment must go hand in hand with care for those most affected by change. The Chancellor must provide predictable international climate finance for communities in greatest need and protect low-income households from disproportionate costs in the transition to cleaner energy.

..ENDS

Notes for editors

Photo of Bishops’ Conference of Scotland: Photo of Bishops' Conference of Scotland
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]

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

21Mar

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 7:40-52
‘Is the Christ to come from Galilee?’

At that time: When the crowd heard these words of Jesus some of the people said, ‘This really is the Prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Christ.’ But some said, ‘Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?’ So there was a division among the people over him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.
The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, ‘Why did you not bring him?’ The officers answered, ‘No one ever spoke like this man!’ The Pharisees answered them, ‘Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.’ Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, ‘Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?’ They replied, ‘Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.’

20Mar

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 (16–18 March 2026)

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

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 (16–18 March 2026)

The Catholic Bishops of Scotland met at the Schoenstatt Shrine from 16–18 March for their Spring Plenary Meeting. The gathering included discussion, decision-making and updates on a wide range of matters affecting the life and mission of the Church in Scotland.

The bishops received reports and updates from the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office and the Scottish Catholic Education Service. They also considered papers relating to secondary education provision and the work of the Board of Religious Studies.

A number of items relating to liturgy and sacramental practice were discussed, including reports from the national Liturgy Commission, developments in liturgical texts currently being prepared by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL), and pastoral questions surrounding some specific rites.

The bishops also received reports and updates on prison chaplaincy, justice and peace work, ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue, Missio, and the Scottish Catholic Archives.

Safeguarding matters were discussed, alongside reports relating to ministry and formation, including the permanent diaconate and proposals concerning seminary formation and the preparation of candidates for priesthood.

The Church’s developing communications and evangelisation strategy was also a focus, alongside preparations for future synodal initiatives within the Church.

During the meeting, the bishops also celebrated Mass together each day and prayed the Liturgy of the Hours at the Shrine.

20Mar

Holy Mass of Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent | 20 March 2026

20 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent | 20 March 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

20Mar

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀’ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

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

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀’ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has published an Election Briefing Pack ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. This comprehensive resource aims to guide Catholics in Scotland to engage thoughtfully and prayerfully in the democratic process, reflecting on their responsibilities as citizens and disciples of Jesus Christ.

The briefing highlights key principles of Catholic Social Teaching, including human dignity, the common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity, and addresses critical moral issues such as the protection of life, care for the poor, accessible healthcare, environmental stewardship, and the defence of religious freedom. It also provides suggested questions for candidates, encouraging voters to engage with political representatives on topics such as poverty, family, education, and peacebuilding.

The pack includes a pastoral letter from Scotland’s Catholic bishops, urging voters to approach the election with faith-formed consciences and a commitment to justice, compassion, and unity. The bishops emphasise the importance of electing a Parliament with integrity and which prioritises the dignity of the most vulnerable in society.

Additionally, the pack offers practical resources, including a guide to hosting hustings and a link to find local candidates. A special prayer for the election is included, inviting Catholics to seek God’s guidance in their voting decisions.

For more information and resources, visit https://rcpolitics.org/scottish-parliament-election-2026/

20Mar

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
‘They were seeking to arrest him, but his hour had not yet come.’

At that time: Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him.
Now the Jew’s Feast of Booths was at hand. After his brothers and sisters had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private.
Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, ‘Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.’ So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the Temple, ‘You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.’ So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.

19Mar

🕊️PRAYER FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE

19 Mar, 2026 | Justice & Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

🕊️PRAYER FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE

Pope Leo has appealed for a ceasefire and renewed dialogue in the Middle East, reminding the world that true peace can never be built through violence. In a time of deep suffering and uncertainty, we are called to stand in solidarity with all those affected by conflict not only in the Middle East but in every place where war and injustice persist.

As we reflect on his words, “Violence can never lead to the justice, the stability and the peace that peoples are awaiting,” we invite you to join us in prayer for the pursuit of peace. May hearts be softened, leaders be guided by wisdom, and pathways of diplomacy, dialogue, and just peace be opened where there is division.

🙏LET US PRAY:

God of peace and justice,
you created every human person in your image
and called us to live as one family.

We bring before you the people of the Middle East,
especially those living in fear, grief, and uncertainty.
Comfort the wounded, shelter the displaced,
and welcome those who have lost their lives into your mercy.

Soften hearts hardened by anger and hatred.
Inspire leaders to choose dialogue over destruction,
to seek justice over power,
and to work tirelessly for a lasting and just peace.

Strengthen all who build bridges of reconciliation,
who speak truth with courage,
and who refuse to give in to despair.

We pray, too, for all places torn by conflict across the world.
May violence give way to reconciliation,
division to unity,
and fear to hope.

Make each of us an instrument of your peace,
that in our words and actions
we may reflect your love in the world.
Amen.

19Mar

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

The Barra Teens have done it ✅

Raising more than £3,000, five cousins cycled 50km, swam 5.5km and ran 12.5km across Barra and Benbecula in an incredible fundraising challenge in support of the Wee Box appeal for SCIAF Sunday.

19Mar

Holy Mass of the Solemnity of Saint Joesph | 19 March 2026

19 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Solemnity of Saint Joesph | 19 March 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

19Mar

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

The SSVP Mini Vinnies from St Edward’s Primary School hosted a joyful St Patrick’s Day Coffee Morning in their parish this week, raising funds as part of their Lenten activities.

It was a wonderful example of a Catholic school community living out the spirit of Lent, encouraging young people to support others through acts of charity, service and generosity.

A fantastic morning was enjoyed by all and a great witness to faith in action.

19Mar

Saint Joseph was a simple manual worker, descended from the royal house of David, yet chosen by God to be the spouse of the Moth...

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

Saint Joseph was a simple manual worker, descended from the royal house of David, yet chosen by God to be the spouse of the Mother of God. Scripture says little about him, but it gives him a powerful title. He was a just man. This tells us he faithfully protected and guarded the greatest treasures on earth, Jesus and Mary.

One of the most painful moments of his life was discovering that Mary was with child. Yet in that trial his greatness was revealed. Trusting God completely, he became the quiet and trustworthy witness to the mystery of Christ’s birth. After this, he steps gently into the background of the Gospel story.

Tradition holds that he died before Jesus began his public ministry. His death is often described as the most beautiful, in the presence of Jesus and Mary. For centuries he remained hidden and little spoken of, but devotion to him grew especially from the fifteenth century onwards.

Today the Church honours him on 19 March and again on 1 May as patron of workers. He is also the patron of fathers, carpenters, social justice and of the dying.

In Joseph we see holiness lived in quiet faithfulness, humility and trust.