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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

National Family Conference 2026

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

Archive by category: SCPO NewsReturn
February 2024
‘Ill- thought out, confusing, and fundamentally illiberal’ – Aidan O’Neill KC’s devastating verdict on the Scottish Government’s conversion therapy proposals Proposals will criminalise mainstream pastoral work of churches and parental guidance given lovingly and in good faith   Aidan O’Neill KC has slammed proposals by the Scottish Government to ban so-called ‘conversion practices’, saying that they mark a disproportionate intrusion into private and family life and freedom of religion and freedom of expression.   In a 46-page opinion, Mr O’Neill says that no “gap” in the law has been evidenced by Scottish Ministers and has warned of the potential impact...
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Peter Kearney: Buffer Zone Bill will take ‘a sledgehammer to civil liberties’ Earlier this week the Daily Record covered the debate set to take place among MSP’s on whether to have “Buffer Zones” around abortion clinics. A Bill proposed by Green MSP Gillian MacKay would criminalise any action aimed at persuading someone not to access abortion or to consider an alternative, within 200 metres of premises carrying out abortions. It would become illegal, to: act in a way designed to influence decisions, hand out leaflets, hold up banners or placards or pray audibly. Incredibly, praying silently would also be criminalised. ...
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Pope Francis has nominated Fr. Martin Chambers as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld, succeeding Bishop Stephen Robson, who retired due to health reasons.
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January 2024
“Artificial Intelligence and the Wisdom of the Heart” – Pope Francis’ address for the 58th World Day of Social Communications Ahead of the 58th World Day of Social Communications, which will be held on 12 May 2024, Pope Francis released a message on artificial intelligence and the wisdom of the heart. In his message, the Holy Father addresses the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on information, communication, and societal foundations and acknowledges the excitement and disorientation caused by rapid technological innovations, prompting reflections on fundamental questions regarding human nature, uniqueness, and the future of humanity in the era of...
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Pope expresses deep concern about ongoing conflict in Middle East and deplores practice of surrogacy Pope Francis has expressed his deep concern about the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine and deplored the practice of “so-called surrogate motherhood” in his annual ‘State of the World’ address to members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See. The pope opened his address by condemning the October 7 attacks on the Israeli people and renewed his condemnation of “this act and every instance of terrorism and extremism.” The pope also expressed deep sorrow at the death of tens of thousands of...
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Scottish Government launches consultation on ‘banning conversion practices’ The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on banning what it refers to as “conversion practices.” The Catholic church in Scotland has expressed serious concern about the nature and scope of any such legislation, and a spokesperson has said:  “While the Church supports legislation which protects people from physical and verbal abuse a fundamental pillar of any free society is that the state recognises and respects the right of religious bodies and organisations to be free to teach the fulness of their beliefs and to support, through prayer, counsel and other pastoral...
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December 2023
Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Galloway At 12 noon today (22 December 2023) in Rome (11am GMT) it was announced, that Pope Francis had nominated Fr. Frank Dougan as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Galloway. He will succeed Archbishop William Nolan who was Bishop of Galloway from 2014 to 2022 when he became Archbishop of Glasgow, since when it has been administered by Fr. William McFadden.   Reacting to his appointment, Fr. Frank said; “I am humbled and more than a little bit nervous that Pope Francis has asked me to take on this office. I feel...
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New! ‘Catholic Families for Life’ Newsletter The recently established Bishops’ Conference Marriage, Family & Life Office has published the first ever issue of its Catholic Families for Life newsletter.  You can read the newsletter, below. 
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November 2023
Bishops to visit UK Parliament with Moderator Members of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland will visit Westminster this week, on Wednesday 22 November, where they will join the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, in a joint pilgrimage. The Church leaders will meet Scottish MP’s attend Prime Minister’s Questions as well as a reception in the House of Lords, which will focus on International Aid to South Sudan. Archbishop Leo Cushley of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the UK Government and our Westminster MPs to discuss...
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