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 May 2026

25 May 2026

First Encyclical of Pope Leo XIV: Magnifica Humanitas

The Bishops of Scotland warmly welcome Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), the first encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, as a timely and insightful contribution to one of the defining questions of our age. As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes human life, this important document calls us to place the dignity of the human person at the heart of every technological advance.

We encourage the faithful, our schools and parish communities to read, study and pray with this landmark text.

To support this, the Office of Communications and Evangelisation will soon publish a parish study guide and other resources for small groups and parish use, helping communities to reflect more deeply on the opportunities and challenges of new technologies and their impact on human life.

Bishop John Keenan
President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

Full text of Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Letter Magnifica Humanitas:
https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn

April 2026

18Apr

🇬🇧Open House Scotland

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

One week to go ⏳

St John the Baptist Church in Uddingston will host a Divine Renovation Open Day on 25 April — a free event open to all.

Fr James Mallon, author of Divine Renovation: Bringing Your Parish from Maintenance to Mission, will be travelling from Canada to take part.

The day will include:

* Real experiences from parishioners running Alpha through the Wellspring initiative
* Insight into building a missionary parish
* Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Toal

📍 St John the Baptist, Uddingston
🕤 9:30am – 5:00pm

This is a chance to see how parish renewal is taking shape in Scotland — and how communities are sharing the love of Christ in practical ways.

All are welcome. Register here:

The St John the Baptist Parish invites you to DR Open House Scotland, featuring Fr. James Mallon as keynote speaker, a chance to get inspired by priests and parishioners as they share stories of transformation. Hear their learnings and dream about the change that could happen in your own parish. If....

18Apr

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 6:16-21
‘They saw Jesus walking on the sea.’

When evening came, the disciples of Jesus went down to the lake, got into a boat, and started across the lake to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The lake became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

17Apr

“Trust in God still…”

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

“Trust in God still…”

Join us this June for a Festival of Synodality — a day of encounter, listening, and renewal in the life of the Church in Scotland.

📅 Saturday 6th June
📍 Glasgow Caledonian University

Book your place today.
http://bit.ly/synodality26

17Apr

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

Moments from Bamenda as Pope Leo XIV gathered with the local community for a Meeting for Peace. 🇨🇲

With thousands coming together in prayer, the Holy Father’s presence was a clear call for reconciliation, unity, and a renewed path forward.

17Apr

Your support for Missio Scotland, and our PMS partners, ensures that children in countries such as Senegal are provided with the...

17 Apr, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Your support for Missio Scotland, and our PMS partners, ensures that children in countries such as Senegal are provided with the highest standard of love and care

#MissiosFridayFacts

@followers

17Apr

In Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV reminded the world that peace is not just a hope, but something we are called to live out each day

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

In Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV reminded the world that peace is not just a hope, but something we are called to live out each day.

Amid conflict and suffering, he urged us to reject division and choose a path rooted in love, justice, and unity because true peace must be lived, not just spoken.

“Let us walk together in love, searching always for peace.”

16Apr

St John the Baptist Church in Uddingston is hosting a Divine Renovation Open Day on 25 April

16 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

St John the Baptist Church in Uddingston is hosting a Divine Renovation Open Day on 25 April. This is a free event.

Father James Mallon, the author of ‘Divine Renovation: Bringing Your Parish from Maintenance to Mission' and the founder of Divine Renovation, is travelling from Canada for the event.

Parishioners from St John the Baptist, who have organised a series of Alpha courses as part of the Wellspring initiative, will share their experience of how the parish is striving to evangelise, to be a missionary church, and to be a beacon of hope for God’s love.

The event, which runs from 9:30pm to 5pm at St John the Baptist, Uddingston will include a Mass celebrated by Bishop Toal.

All are welcome, and you can register at https://divinerenovation.org/calendar/open-house-scotland/

15Apr

Archbishop Richard Moth of Diocese of Westminster, Archbishop John Wilson of Archdiocese of Southwark, and the Bishops' Conferen...

15 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Archbishop Richard Moth of Diocese of Westminster, Archbishop John Wilson of Archdiocese of Southwark, and the Bishops' Conference of Scotland are standing firmly with Pope Leo XIV — highlighting the Church’s call to peace and reconciliation in times of conflict.

Read Edward Pentin’s report: https://ewtn.co.uk/article-church-leaders-worldwide-including-in-the-uk-defend-pope-leo-xiv-after-trump-criticism/

14Apr

Gospel

14 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
John 3:7-15
‘No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.’

At that time: Jesus said to Nicodemus, ‘ Do not marvel that I said to you, “You must be born anew.” The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’
Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.’

13Apr

Gospel

13 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
John 3:1-8
‘Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’

There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, “You must be born anew.” The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’