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

December 2025

18Dec

18 December – O Adonai

18 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

18 December – O Adonai

Today we pray the second O Antiphon, O Adonai, addressing Christ as Lord and Ruler. Just as Moses approached the burning bush on holy ground, we too draw near to the mystery of God made present in the humility of the manger and in the sacrament of the Eucharist. The God who revealed Himself as “I Am” comes close to us.

With the Church, we cry out for His saving power, asking Him to stretch out His mighty arm and redeem His people, both now and at the fulfilment of time.

17Dec

Representatives of the Scottish Catholic Youth Service (SCY) got together in Edinburgh recently to plan faith events, activities...

17 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Representatives of the Scottish Catholic Youth Service (SCY) got together in Edinburgh recently to plan faith events, activities and pilgrimages for the young people of Scotland in 2026 and beyond!

From left:
Fr Gerard Gallagher (Secretary of SCY, Paisley)
Fr Paul Henderson (St Andrews & Edinburgh)
Fr Kevin Rennie (Galloway)
Fr Ryan Black (Paisley)
Sr Angela Marie Russell OP (Aberdeen)
Fyfe Daly (Glasgow)
Charis McCrosson (Dunkeld)
Canon Gerard Tartaglia (Glasgow)
Archbishop Leo Cushley (President of SCY, St Andrews & Edinburgh)

17Dec

17 December – O Sapientia

17 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

17 December – O Sapientia

Today we begin the great O Antiphons, the ancient and beautiful prayers of the Church that have been sung since the early centuries of Christianity.

Over the next seven days, we journey through salvation history, calling upon Christ with the Messianic titles foretold in Scripture. These are days of longing and hope, as the Church remembers humanity’s deep desire for a Redeemer.

We begin with O Wisdom, the eternal Word through whom all things were made, who orders creation with gentleness and power, and whom we await to guide us in truth.

16Dec

Exploring Scottish Catholicism: Education, Philosophy, and Literature

16 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Exploring Scottish Catholicism: Education, Philosophy, and Literature

Discover the rich Catholic tradition in Scotland through this short introductory course developed by the University of Glasgow’s Scottish Catholic Studies Artlab.

The course explores Scottish Catholic education, philosophical tradition, and literature, with opportunities to share ideas and take part in thoughtful discussion.

✨ Free to take when completed within three weeks

Ideal for anyone interested in Catholicism, religious studies, or Scottish history.

👉 Find out more: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/exploring-scottish-catholicism

15Dec

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

15 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

A brief summary of key discussions from last week’s online meeting of the Bishops’ Conference, including synodality, safeguarding, clergy formation, care of creation, and clergy welfare.

14Dec

Bishop Toal's Sunday Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent

14 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishop Toal's Sunday Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent

14Dec

Today’s Gospel (Matthew 11:2–11) brings us a powerful Advent message of hope and reassurance

14 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today’s Gospel (Matthew 11:2–11) brings us a powerful Advent message of hope and reassurance.

From prison, John the Baptist asks Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come?” and Jesus points to the signs of God’s Kingdom already at work; the blind see, the lame walk, and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor.

As we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, we’re reminded that even in moments of doubt or waiting, Christ is truly among us, bringing healing, joy, and new life.

Take a minute to reflect with the Diocese of Paisley’s Gospel in 60 Seconds as we continue our journey towards Christmas.

▶️ Watch, reflect, and share.

13Dec

Welcome to our reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent with Bishop Frank Dougan

13 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Welcome to our reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent with Bishop Frank Dougan. As we continue our journey towards Christmas, Bishop Frank invites us to look honestly at our hearts and consider why we sometimes hesitate to run towards the Lord. If God is truly a God of love, mercy and healing, what is it within us that makes us hold back?

This week’s Gospel reminds us of the signs of Christ’s presence: the blind seeing, the lame walking, the deaf hearing, and the poor receiving hope. Bishop Frank reflects on how these physical healings point to the deeper spiritual healing and forgiveness Christ offers to each one of us.

Using the simple image of a child who joyfully throws themselves into the arms of someone they trust, he encourages us to approach God with the same confidence and freedom. Even the parts of ourselves we fear or hide are not obstacles to His love. God never turns away; He waits patiently for us to turn to Him.

13Dec

Today we celebrate the Memorial of St Lucy (283–304)

13 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today we celebrate the Memorial of St Lucy (283–304).

Born in Syracuse, Sicily, St Lucy was raised in a noble Christian family. After her mother was miraculously healed at the shrine of St Agatha, Lucy dedicated her life to God.

Her generosity and her refusal to marry led to her being denounced during a time of persecution. Tradition tells us that, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, Lucy stood firm through terrible suffering. After torture which included taking out her eyes, a fire was then built around her, but again God protected her. She was finally put to death by the sword.

St Lucy’s name is honoured in the Roman Canon, and she is remembered as a shining witness of courage, purity, and unwavering faith.

St Lucy, pray for us.

11Dec

Be part of the very first Stella Maris Lourdes Pilgrimage!

11 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Be part of the very first Stella Maris Lourdes Pilgrimage!

Monday 25 – Saturday 30 May 2026

Stella Maris warmly invites all serving and retired seafarers, fishers, and their family members or carers to join them for six grace-filled days in Lourdes; a time for prayer and community in the beautiful sanctuary of Our Lady.

This pilgrimage is fully funded, including travel, accommodation, and meals.

If you’d like to register your interest or find out more, please get in touch:

Dcn John Fogarty
📧 [email protected] | 📞 07986 723015

Hugh Ramsay
📧 [email protected] | 📞 07432 654032