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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

February 2026
📰Update from the Bishops' Conference on plans for new offices.


The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has been exploring the possibility of bringing together our various agencies and commissions under one roof. The former Martyrs’ School building in Glasgow was identified as a potential solution, and so a project team was charged with outlining viability and costs.

Following the meeting of the Bishops’ Conference in January, the Bishops agreed not to move forward with the Martyrs’ project. The local authority and other stakeholders have been informed.

The decision was ultimately taken on the basis that the costs required to make the building fit for purpose were considered too high.

The Bishops’ Conference is now reviewing options within its existing estate.
Read More



Today, the first Friday of Lent, is dedicated across Scotland to remembering and praying for survivors of abuse.

We do not always know who they are when we gather as a community to pray. Some no longer feel able to come into church with us, and their absence is deeply felt. Abuse within the Church, whether carried out by clergy, religious or lay members, was a betrayal of the sanctuary the Church is called to be. Its effects continue to ripple through families and communities. These are not easy realities to face, yet it is a sacred duty and an act of justice to acknowledge the harm that has been done and to pray humbly for healing, reconciliation and the rebuilding of trust.

May our communities always be a true sanctuary for those who are vulnerable, in danger or in distress.
Read More
Holy Mass of Friday after Ash Wednesday | 20 February 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has been exploring the possibility of bringing together our various agencies and commissions under one roof. The former Martyrs’ School building in Glasgow was identified as a potential solution, and so a project team was charged with outlining viability and costs.

Following the meeting of the Bishops’ Conference in January, the Bishops agreed not to move forward with the Martyrs’ project. The local authority and other stakeholders have been informed.

The decision was ultimately taken on the basis that the costs required to make the building fit for purpose were considered too high.

The Bishops’ Conference is now reviewing options within its existing estate.

Read More
Today, the first Friday of Lent, is dedicated across Scotland to remembering and praying for survivors of abuse.

We do not always know who they are when we gather as a community to pray. Some no longer feel able to come into church with us, and their absence is deeply felt. Abuse within the Church, whether carried out by clergy, religious or lay members, was a betrayal of the sanctuary the Church is called to be. Its effects continue to ripple through families and communities. These are not easy realities to face, yet it is a sacred duty and an act of justice to acknowledge the harm that has been done and to pray humbly for healing, reconciliation and the rebuilding of trust.

May our communities always be a true sanctuary for those who are vulnerable, in danger or in distress.

Read More
Gospel
Matthew 9:14-15
‘When the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast.’

At that time: The disciples of John came to Jesus, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.’

Read More
A national gathering. A moment of renewal. A day led by the Spirit.

Join others from across Scotland at Glasgow Caledonian University on Saturday, 6th June, for a powerful and hope-filled Festival of Synodality.

This is more than a conference. It is an opportunity to experience Conversation in the Spirit firsthand and discover a practical and prayerful way of discerning God’s will together for the future of the Church.

The day will celebrate the fruits already flourishing in the Scottish Church and feature inspiring witnesses to the Synod:
✨ Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ of Down and Connor
✨ Fr David McCallum SJ
✨ Sandra Chaoul

Expect prayer. Inspiration. Real conversation. Time to connect with others from parishes, schools, dioceses and faith organisations across the country.
Lunch is included on the day.

Whether involved in parish life, diocesan leadership, education, ministry or simply seeking to grow deeper in mission, this day is for you.

Tickets £65: http://bit.ly/synodality26

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Gospel
Luke 9:22-25
‘Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’
And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?’

Read More
Lent 2026 begins on Ash Wednesday, 18 February, and leads us through forty days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving as we prepare for the sacred days of Holy Week and the joy of Easter.

These Sundays of Lent mark our journey with Christ from the desert to Jerusalem, from repentance to renewal.

The ashes placed on our foreheads remind us of two essential truths:
“Repent and believe in the Gospel.”
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Both call us to conversion, not out of fear, but out of hope as we fix our eyes on Heaven.

May this Lent be a time of grace, renewal and deeper faith.

Read More
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