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

November 2026

11Nov

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours | 11 November 2026

11 Nov, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours | 11 November 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

11Nov

Today the Church celebrates Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop, one of the most popular saints of the early Church

11 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today the Church celebrates Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop, one of the most popular saints of the early Church.

Born around 316 to pagan parents, Martin was required to serve in the Roman army as a young man. While still a catechumen, tradition tells that he encountered a poorly clothed beggar and cut his military cloak in two, giving half to the man. That night, Martin dreamed of Christ wearing the cloak he had given away.

After his baptism, Martin eventually left military service and became a disciple of Saint Hilary of Poitiers. Drawn to a life of prayer, he founded a monastic community near Poitiers and later became Bishop of Tours, despite his reluctance to accept the office.

As bishop, Martin continued to live simply and travelled extensively to preach the Gospel. He also opposed the use of violence against those considered heretics, pleading for mercy even when doing so brought him criticism.

Martin died in 397. Unlike many of the most widely venerated saints before him, he was not a martyr, and his popularity helped establish a wider tradition of honouring saints for lives of exceptional holiness and Christian witness.

His famous act of sharing his cloak remains a powerful reminder that in serving those in need, we encounter Christ himself.

🙏 Saint Martin of Tours, pray for us.

11Nov

Gospel

11 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 17:11-19
‘No one was found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner.’

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.’ When he saw them he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, ‘Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ And he said to him, ‘Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.’

10Nov

Could God be calling you to the priesthood?

10 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Could God be calling you to the priesthood?

We recently asked Fr John Carroll, Rector of the Royal Scots College in Salamanca, what he loves about being a priest.

Priests for Scotland will hold a “Come and See” weekend on 5–6 December 2026 for men discerning a possible vocation to the priesthood. If you’d like to find out more, contact your diocesan vocations director.

10Nov

Photos from Missio Scotland's post

10 Nov, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

As the Bishops' Conference of Scotland's chosen charity for Scotland's Catholic primary schools, it's always a joy not only to visit the school communities themselves but also to see how proud they are of their engagement with the #PopesCharity, like Mount Carmel PS in Kilmarnock are here! 🙏✝💙

#MissionaryChildren #childrenhelpingchildren

@followers RC Kilmarnock Parents & Friends of Mount Carmel

10Nov

Archbishop's statement on the Draft Conversion Practices Bill - Catholic Bishops' Conference

10 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Archbishop John Sherrington, Archbishop of Liverpool and Chair of the Department for Social Justice at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has issued a statement expressing serious concerns about the proposed Conversion Practices Bill.

While reaffirming the Catholic Church’s opposition to all forms of abuse, Archbishop Sherrington warns that the proposed legislation could threaten freedom of religion, freedom of expression and the ability of the Church to provide pastoral care.

He calls on politicians to reconsider the Bill and instead focus on enforcing existing protections against abuse and coercion.

Read the full statement here:

The Most Reverend John Sherrington, Archbishop of Liverpool and chair of the Department for Social Justice for the Bishops’ Conference, has issued a statement on the Draft Conversion Practices Bill that has been shared with Parliament to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny: “I would like to express...

10Nov

Archbishop's statement on the Draft Conversion Practices Bill - Catholic Bishops' Conference

10 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

10Nov

Join the national launch of Prisoners Week 2026

10 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Join the national launch of Prisoners Week 2026.

This year’s theme, “Show Mercy”, invites us to recognise the dignity of every person and respond with kindness, understanding and practical support.

📅 Sunday 15 November
📍 Freedom City Church, Cumbernauld, G67 1QR
🕒 Marketplace opens at 3.00pm

The marketplace will showcase the work of charities and support organisations working with people affected by crime and imprisonment.

As Prisoners Week begins, please remember in prayer people in prison, their families and friends, victims of crime, prison staff, chaplains and all who care.

#PrisonersWeek #ShowMercy

10Nov

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint Leo the Great | 10 November 2026

10 Nov, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint Leo the Great | 10 November 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

10Nov

Today the Church celebrates Saint Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church, remembered as one of the most important popes of...

10 Nov, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today the Church celebrates Saint Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church, remembered as one of the most important popes of the early Church.

Elected Pope in 440, Leo worked tirelessly to strengthen the Church and defend the Christian faith during a period of theological controversy and political instability.

One of his greatest contributions came during debates about the identity of Christ. In his famous *Tome of Leo*, he clearly expressed the Church’s teaching that Jesus Christ is one divine Person with two natures, fully human and fully divine. His teaching greatly influenced the Council of Chalcedon in 451.

Leo also became known as a peacemaker. In 452, he famously met Attila the Hun during his invasion of Italy and helped negotiate his withdrawal.

Alongside these public responsibilities, Leo was a devoted pastor and gifted preacher. Many of his sermons survive today, revealing his deep understanding of Scripture and his desire to help ordinary Christians live out their faith.

Saint Leo died in 461. He was later declared a Doctor of the Church and is one of only a small number of popes traditionally given the title “the Great.”

His life reminds us that strong leadership in the Church must always be rooted in faith, prayer and service to Christ.

🙏 Saint Leo the Great, pray for us.