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

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn

February 2026

25Feb

Scottish humanitarian charity hits out at “cruel and devastating” cuts | SCIAF

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

The Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF), the official relief and development agency of the Catholic Church in Scotland and a member of the global Caritas family, has expressed serious concern over reductions to the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget.

SCIAF has described the cuts as “cruel and devastating”, warning that they risk impacting some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, including women and girls, children, people with disabilities and those living in conflict-affected regions.

The charity has highlighted the potential consequences for programmes providing food, shelter, clean water and education in fragile contexts across Africa and Asia.

SCIAF works with communities in some of the world’s poorest countries, irrespective of race, religion or background, seeking to end poverty, protect our common home, and support recovery from disaster. It is urging the UK Government to reconsider the reductions and to renew its commitment to global solidarity and justice.

The full SCIAF statement can be read here:

SCIAF has hit out at a decision in 2025 to cut the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget from 0.5% to 0.3% by 2027 – set to be the steepest reduction of any G7 country.

25Feb

We trust in the message of Jesus, that when we share it with the world, it will flourish

25 Feb, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

We trust in the message of Jesus, that when we share it with the world, it will flourish

#MissiosWednesdayWisdom

@followers

25Feb

Gospel

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

Gospel
Luke 11:29-32
‘No sign will be given to this generation except the sign of the Prophet Jonah.’

At that time: When the crowds were increasing, Jesus began to say, ‘This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgement with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgement with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.’

24Feb

Today, Tuesday, 24th February 2026, marks four years since the invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that continues to bring suffering...

24 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today, Tuesday, 24th February 2026, marks four years since the invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that continues to bring suffering, loss and uncertainty to so many.

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), together with the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, has invited people to pause on this anniversary and remember the people of Ukraine in prayer. This echoes the continued appeals of Pope Leo XIV to support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine during this time of trial.

Today, we remember Ukraine and all who continue to long for peace.

24Feb

The Bishops thank the Scottish Catholic Education Service (SCES) and the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office (SCPO) for the c...

24 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The Bishops thank the Scottish Catholic Education Service (SCES) and the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office (SCPO) for the considerable work undertaken to present the Church’s strongly held views on this issue.

We recognise a number of important protections which have been secured. Religious Education remains a central part of the curriculum and will continue to be an entitlement for all pupils. In Catholic schools, Religious Education will remain within the authority of the Bishops’ Conference. The Scottish Government has acknowledged the intrinsic nature of Religious Education and Religious Observance in Catholic schools and, despite these being de-coupled in law, has committed to respecting and continuing both. The Government has also committed to involving SCES in drafting the statutory guidance. Furthermore, the retention of the term “Religious Instruction” in law ensures that the Religious Character of Catholic schools is not reduced solely to classroom learning.

However, we are deeply concerned by the decision to grant Scottish Ministers the power to introduce regulations that would permit young people to withdraw from religious observance without parental involvement. Article 14 of the UNCRC is often quoted selectively, overlooking its clear emphasis on the essential role of parents in a child’s religious upbringing. This narrative risks creating a false divide between children’s rights and parental responsibilities. Any future legislation must uphold the UNCRC’s intention to support families, not diminish their role.

We remain deeply concerned at the official policy of the Scottish Greens to impose a fully secular model of state education – an approach that would strip away Scotland’s denominational schools entirely.

We will work firmly and constructively with the Scottish Government to ensure that Catholic schools continue to be protected in law and safeguarded for the communities they serve.

24Feb

Gospel

24 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 6:7-15
‘Pray then like this.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘When you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then, like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
‘For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’

23Feb

Gospel

23 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 25:31-46
‘He will sit on his glorious throne and he will separate people one from another.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” Then the righteous will answer him, saying, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?” And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.”
‘Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” Then they also will answer, saying, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?” Then he will answer them, saying, “Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.’

22Feb

“Without water it is not possible to live.”

22 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

“Without water it is not possible to live.”

As Pope Leo reminds us, water is not a luxury — it is life itself.

This Lent, SCIAF’s WEE BOX appeal invites us to stand with communities who still walk miles each day for clean, safe water. Your small change can make a life-changing difference.

Find out more and support the appeal: sciaf.org.uk/weebox

22Feb

Join people from across Scotland for the Stations of the Cross each Monday in Lent at 7:45pm

22 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Join people from across Scotland for the Stations of the Cross each Monday in Lent at 7:45pm. Includes a brief reflection from a guest speaker.

Register at bit.ly/stations26

22Feb

Gospel

22 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 4:1-11
Jesus fasts for forty days and is tempted.

At that time: Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
And the tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” ’
Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the Temple and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” ’ Jesus said to him, ‘Again it is written, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” ’
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, ‘All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” ’ Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.