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 October 2026

25 October 2026

Archbishop Cushley welcomes honour for Pope Leo

Archbishop Leo Cushley has welcomed the announcement that Pope Leo XIV has accepted an invitation to become Papal Confrater of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Archbishop Cushley is the Bishop President for Ecumenical Relations of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland.

This honour follows The King’s own appointment as Royal Confrater of the Papal Basilica and Abbey of St Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome during his State Visit to the Vatican in October last year.

Welcoming the announcement, Archbishop Cushley said:

“I warmly welcome the news that His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of Pope Leo as Papal Confrater of the College of St George at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. By this gesture, both His Majesty and the Holy Father have shown their clear wish to promote Christian unity through emphasis on all that we treasure in common, not least our respect and friendship for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.”

...ENDS

Notes for editors

Photo of Bishops’ Conference of Scotland: Photo of Bishops' Conference of Scotland
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]

23rd October 2026

23 October 2026

The UK Budget, to be delivered by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 28 October, will set out the UK Government’s plans for taxation and public spending alongside an independent assessment of the economic and fiscal outlook from the Office for Budget Responsibility. Its decisions will shape the resources available for public services, devolved governments and support for households and communities across the country.

The Catholic Parliamentary Office of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland urges the Chancellor to put human dignity and the common good at the heart of the Budget.

That means tackling poverty in all its forms, protecting people who need care, sustaining families and community services, and reversing international aid cuts. Poverty, inadequate housing and healthcare, family breakdown, unemployment and environmental neglect all undermine the dignity of individuals and the wellbeing of society.

For households struggling with living costs, this must include targeted energy support for those unable to afford adequate heating, alongside sustained investment in affordable housing and warmer homes. The Budget must address the cost-of-living crisis head on and provide the support people need to meet essential costs, keep their homes warm and live with dignity.

The welfare system must also provide adequate support for those in need and practical routes into employment for those able to work.

Alongside these commitments, the Budget must provide sustainable funding settlements that enable devolved governments to support all these key areas.

Our responsibility to those in need also extends beyond our borders. We urge the UK Government to reverse the planned cut in Official Development Assistance from 0.5% to 0.3% of national income by 2027 and work towards restoring 0.7%. This would support low-income countries and protect essential humanitarian and development programmes from further disruption.

The same commitment to human dignity must guide our response to refugees and people seeking asylum. We urge the UK Government to provide safe, legal routes to protection, including resettlement and family reunion, backed by adequate funding. The Budget should also support local authorities and community organisations to welcome people seeking safety and help them rebuild their lives.

Community organisations also play a vital role in supporting people in need. They require fair, sustainable and predictable funding, and their experience must help shape policy.

Finally, care for the environment must go hand in hand with care for those most affected by change. The Chancellor must provide predictable international climate finance for communities in greatest need and protect low-income households from disproportionate costs in the transition to cleaner energy.

..ENDS

Notes for editors

Photo of Bishops’ Conference of Scotland: Photo of Bishops' Conference of Scotland
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]

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

February 2026

06Feb

Gospel

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

Gospel
Mark 6:14-29
‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.’

At that time: King Herod heard of Jesus, for his name had become known. Some said, ‘John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.’ But others said, ‘He is Elijah.’ And others said, ‘He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’ But when Herod heard of it, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.’ For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. For when Herodias’s daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.’ And he vowed to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.’ And she went out and said to her mother, ‘For what should I ask?’ And she said, ‘The head of John the Baptist.’ And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

05Feb

Very little is known with certainty about Saint Agatha, other than that she was martyred in Sicily during the persecution of Emp...

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

Very little is known with certainty about Saint Agatha, other than that she was martyred in Sicily during the persecution of Emperor Decius around the year 251. Like other virgin martyrs of the early Church, her witness was marked by courage and steadfast faith.

According to ancient tradition, Agatha was arrested for being a Christian and subjected to severe suffering. Despite attempts to break her resolve, she remained faithful to Christ and was ultimately put to death for her belief.

Saint Agatha is honoured as the patron saint of Catania and Palermo. In the years following her martyrdom, her intercession was credited with protecting the city of Catania during an eruption of Mount Etna. Because of this, she has long been invoked for protection against fire and natural disasters.

Saint Agatha, pray for us.

05Feb

Gospel

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

Gospel
Mark 6:7-13
‘He began to send them out.’

At that time: Jesus called the Twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff — no bread, no bag, no money in their belts — but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. And he said to them, ‘Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.

04Feb

There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them

04 Feb, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them

#MissiosWednesdayWisdom

04Feb

Holy Mass of Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Ordinary Time | 04 February 2026

04 Feb, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Ordinary Time | 04 February 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

04Feb

Gospel

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

Gospel
Mark 6:1-6
‘A prophet is not without honour, except in his home town.’

At that time: Jesus came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, ‘Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. And Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honour, except in his home town and among his relatives and in his own household.’ And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.

03Feb

The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has announced that, on 3 February 2026, a decree will be p...

03 Feb, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has announced that, on 3 February 2026, a decree will be published adding the memoria ad libitum of Saint John Henry Newman to the General Roman Calendar, together with the related liturgical texts.

From 3 February 2026, Saint John Henry Newman will be formally included in the Church’s worldwide liturgical calendar as an optional memorial, to be observed on 9 October. This means that parishes across the universal Church may choose to remember him at Mass on that day, using newly approved prayers and liturgical texts.

Saint John Henry Newman, pray for us.

03Feb

Very little is known about the life of Saint Blaise, yet devotion to him has spread widely throughout the Church

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

Very little is known about the life of Saint Blaise, yet devotion to him has spread widely throughout the Church. His feast has long been observed with great reverence, especially in Eastern Christian traditions, and for centuries the blessing of throats has been associated with his memory.

Saint Blaise was Bishop of Sebastea in Armenia and was martyred around the year 316 during a time of continued persecution in the region. Later accounts describe him as a devoted shepherd who cared deeply for the spiritual and physical wellbeing of his people. Forced to flee the city, he lived for a time in solitude, dedicating himself to prayer.

Tradition tells of his arrest after being discovered by hunters, and of a miracle attributed to him on the way to prison, when a child suffering from a fish bone lodged in his throat was healed through his prayer. This event lies behind the enduring custom of invoking Saint Blaise for protection against illnesses of the throat.

Blaise remained steadfast in his faith, refusing to renounce Christ despite severe suffering. He was eventually put to death for his witness, and is honoured as a martyr of the early Church.

03Feb

Gospel

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

Gospel
Mark 5:21-43
‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’

At that time: When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.’ And he went with him.
And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, ‘If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.’ And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my garments?’ And his disciples said to him, ‘You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, “Who touched me?” ’ And he looked round to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’
While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?’ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’ And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, ‘Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. Taking her by the hand he said to her, ‘Talitha cumi’, which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’ And immediately the girl got up and began walking, for she was twelve years of age, and they were immediately overcome with amazement. And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

02Feb

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

The Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill is about protection and real support.

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland have written to the First Minister of Scotland expressing support for Ash Regan’s Bill, describing it as a vital step in addressing the harm linked to prostitution.

The Bill shifts the focus away from those who are exploited and onto those who create demand — criminalising buyers, not sellers — while repealing outdated offences that penalised vulnerable individuals.

It recognises the reality that many involved in prostitution face serious vulnerabilities, including trauma, abuse, grooming, and increasing risks from online and technology-facilitated exploitation.

Crucially, the Bill also establishes a statutory right to support — including accommodation, healthcare, financial assistance, and counselling — helping people exit prostitution safely and rebuild their lives.

This is about reducing harm, challenging demand, and offering real pathways to freedom and recovery.