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

11th October 2026

11 October 2026

Scotland’s Bishops Lead Prayers for Pope Leo

The Catholic bishops of Scotland have offered their prayers and support for Pope Leo XIV following the announcement today that he is to undergo surgery in the coming days.

Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square at today’s Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo revealed that recent medical examinations had identified a small, localised nodule on his lung. The Holy Father explained that it had been detected at a very early stage and that, following medical advice, he had decided to undergo surgery to remove it.

Speaking on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop John Keenan expressed the bishops’ solidarity with the Holy Father and invited Catholics and people of goodwill across Scotland to remember him in their prayers.

Bishop Keenan said:

“We are conscious of the concern that news of the Holy Father’s health will bring to Catholics and to so many others throughout the world.

“At this time, we wish to express our closeness to Pope Leo and our hope that he will be strengthened and reassured by the prayers and good wishes of so many people who hold him in great affection and esteem.

“On behalf of all the bishops of Scotland, I want to assure the Holy Father of our heartfelt prayers and support.

“We invite Catholics across Scotland, and all people of goodwill, to join us in praying for Pope Leo, for the medical team caring for him, and for a successful operation and a full and speedy recovery.

“May the Lord give him strength and peace in the days ahead.”

...ENDS

Notes for editors

Photo of Pope Leo: Photo of Pope Leo XIV
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]

8th October 2026

8 October 2026

Parental and Pastoral Care Without Fear: A Response to the SNP Conference Motion on Conversion Practices

The Catholic Parliamentary Office shares the determination to protect every person from violence, coercion, and abuse and strongly believes that such conduct should be addressed effectively under the law, and those who have suffered harm should receive compassionate and appropriate support.

At the same time, the motion tabled at SNP Party Conference proposes a prohibition of exceptional breadth, extending across family life, religious settings, healthcare and situations in which an adult has sought assistance voluntarily. Without precise definitions and robust safeguards, such an approach risks treating ordinary conversations, conscientious guidance and supportive care as suspect simply because they engage questions of identity, relationships, faith or personal conduct.

Parents and carers have responsibilities for the welfare of their children, including listening, offering reassurance, setting appropriate boundaries and helping them to reflect carefully on significant decisions. A broadly framed ban could create uncertainty about whether a parent may ask questions, encourage patience, seek professional advice or discuss the family’s moral and religious convictions without fear that such conversations might later be characterised as unlawful.

This uncertainty could weaken trust within the home. Children and young people benefit when they can speak openly with those who know and love them best, without family members feeling compelled either to affirm immediately every stated view or to withdraw from sensitive discussion altogether.

Pastoral ministry is founded on respect for the dignity and freedom of every person. Clergy, chaplains and lay pastoral workers are called to listen without condemnation and to accompany people with sensitivity and discretion. Individuals may seek prayer, spiritual counsel or moral guidance for many reasons. They should remain free to ask for such support, and clergy should remain free to respond honestly and compassionately within the teaching of their faith, provided no abuse, intimidation or coercion is involved.

It is important, for the sake of clarity and legal certainty, that supporters of conversion practices legislation demonstrate which conduct that isn’t already illegal they intend to criminalise by the proposed new law. Moreover, it is vital that any new law contains clear protections for freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of expression, private and family life, and the voluntary giving and receiving of pastoral care.

Anthony Horan

Director

Catholic Parliamentary Office

Bishops' Conference of Scotland

...ENDS

Notes for editors

Photo of Anthony Horan, Director of the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office: Photo of Anthony Horan
The Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office works on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, by engaging with politicians and policymakers on matters central to the life and mission of the Catholic Church.
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

September 2026

04Sep

Gospel

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

Gospel
Luke 5:33-39
‘When the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast.’

At that time: The Pharisees and scribes said to him, ‘The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.’ He also told them a parable: ‘No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, “The old is good.” ’

03Sep

Photos from Diocese of Galloway Youth's post

03 Sep, 2026 | Diocese of Galloway Youth | BCoS Facebook |

We had a fantastic day on Sunday as we enjoyed our Whithorn Youth Pilgrimage as part of the National Pilgrimage to Whithorn.

Young people from across the Diocese gathered in the morning in Newton Stewart for a morning of games and activities, before being joined by Bishop Frank who gave them an introduction to St Ninian and the importance of the pilgrimage journey they were undertaking. He also showed them his Crosier which he invited them to carry down to the beach for Mass. The group then enjoyed a buffet lunch, and, ahead of the weather which was to come, were able to sit in the grounds enjoying one and others company and getting to know their new friends.

After lunch, we headed down to the beach but, due to the weather, stopped in St Martin & St Ninian's Church, Whithorn for our talk from Fr Philip Kitchen who was delighted to share his knowledge about Whithorn and St Ninian with our young people. Due to the rain, we sadly didn't make the beach this year, but enjoyed Mass with Bishop Frank and the Diocese in the church.

Our young people had a fantastic day with the group looking forward to future events: to meet up again, to see their new friends, and to have lots more fun!

Follow us: @rcdgyouth to be the first to know what's on!

03Sep

Holy Mass of Thursday of the Twenty Third Week of Ordinary Time | 10 September 2026

03 Sep, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Thursday of the Twenty Third Week of Ordinary Time | 10 September 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

03Sep

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻: 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱

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

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻: 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱

I note with concern the Scottish Government’s response to a recent parliamentary question on abortion law and access to later-stage abortion services. While the Government has indicated that it has no immediate plans to reform abortion law in 2026–27, it has also reaffirmed its intention to consult on the recommendations of the abortion law review advisory group and to establish a nationally commissioned later-stage abortion service in Scotland.

The advisory group, which excluded prolife voices and which adopted a principle of “non-regression” on abortion provision, lacks both legitimacy and credibility. It has made radical recommendations to the Scottish Government which, if implemented, would effectively permit abortion up to birth for any reason and remove the current requirement for two doctors to approve abortions up to 24 weeks. It is astonishing that the report also recommends that future legislation should make no reference to sex-selective abortion, paving the way for unborn babies to be aborted simply because they are deemed to be the wrong sex.

I recognise the real fear, pressure and hardship that can accompany an unexpected or crisis pregnancy. Women in such circumstances deserve compassion, practical assistance, emotional support and the assurance that neither they nor their children will be abandoned. A truly caring society must respond to vulnerability by offering hope and help, not by making abortion more readily available at later stages of pregnancy.

The establishment of later-stage abortion provision in Scotland, alongside proposals to weaken existing legal safeguards, raises grave moral and social questions. Every unborn child is a unique human life deserving of protection, and every mother should be supported in ways that uphold her dignity and the dignity of her child. I therefore make a direct appeal to all elected representatives who recognise the inherent dignity of every human life, to reject any further liberalisation of abortion provisions in Scotland and to oppose measures that would remove essential safeguards or further weaken protection for unborn children.

I urge the Scottish Government and all MSPs to prioritise policies that expand support for women and families, reduce the pressures that lead to abortion, and foster a culture in which every life is welcomed and protected from conception to natural death. Scotland should aspire to be a nation where compassion means standing with both mother and child.

Bishop John Keenan
President of the National Office for Marriage, Family and Life, Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

03Sep

Today the Church celebrates Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church, remembered as one of the great pastors and t...

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

Today the Church celebrates Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church, remembered as one of the great pastors and teachers of the Western Church.

Born in Rome around 540, Gregory had a successful public career and became Prefect of Rome while still a young man. He eventually left public life, transformed his family home into a monastery and embraced the monastic life he deeply loved.

His quiet life did not last. Gregory was called into the service of the Church, serving as a papal representative in Constantinople before returning to Rome. In 590, he was elected Pope during a particularly difficult period marked by plague, famine and political instability.

As Pope, Gregory combined practical leadership with extraordinary pastoral care. He organised assistance for the poor, helped those suffering from famine and plague, worked to ransom prisoners and sought peace during the Lombard invasions of Italy.

Gregory also had a profound concern for evangelisation. In 596, he sent Saint Augustine of Canterbury and a group of monks from Rome to bring the Gospel to the Anglo-Saxons in England. Their mission would have an enormous influence on the development of Christianity in Britain.

A gifted preacher and writer, Gregory’s Pastoral Rule became one of the most influential works on Christian leadership and the responsibilities of bishops. He also contributed significantly to the Church’s liturgical life, although the extent of his direct involvement in what later became known as “Gregorian chant” remains debated.

Despite holding one of the highest offices in the Church, Gregory understood Christian leadership fundamentally as service. He famously described himself as “servant of the servants of God” – a title still associated with the papacy today.

Saint Gregory died in 604. Alongside Saints Augustine, Ambrose and Jerome, he is traditionally recognised as one of the four great Doctors of the Western Church.

His life reminds us that true Christian leadership is found not in status or power, but in humble service, faithful teaching and care for those entrusted to us.

🙏 Saint Gregory the Great, pray for us.

03Sep

Gospel

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

Gospel
Luke 5:1-11
‘They left everything and followed him.’

At that time: The crowd was pressing in on Jesus to hear the word of God. He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’ And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.’ And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’ For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’ And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

02Sep

We have 89 Caritas pupils who have generously volunteered to steward at our National Pilgrimage Mass on Sunday, if any other sch...

02 Sep, 2026 | Carfin Grotto | BCoS Facebook |

We have 89 Caritas pupils who have generously volunteered to steward at our National Pilgrimage Mass on Sunday, if any other school pupils would be interested then see poster below 👇

02Sep

Holy Mass of Wednesday the Twenty Third Week of Ordinary Time | 09 September 2026

02 Sep, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Wednesday the Twenty Third Week of Ordinary Time | 09 September 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

02Sep

Gospel

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

Gospel
Luke 4:38-44
‘I must preach to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.’

At that time: Jesus arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.
Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.
And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them, ‘I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.’ And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

01Sep

COMING UP ACROSS SCOTLAND

01 Sep, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

COMING UP ACROSS SCOTLAND

▪️𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Saturday, 5 September 2026, 10.00am–3.00pm
Eyre Hall, Archdiocese of Glasgow Offices, Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4JY

The Bishops’ Conference Care of Creation Office invites you to a day of inspiration, reflection, and practical action. Dr Lorna Gold, Executive Director of the Laudato Si’ Movement, will deliver the keynote address, alongside workshops exploring how parishes, schools, and communities can care for our common home.

Register: https://bit.ly/SeasonofCreation26

▪️ 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗳𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼
Sunday, 6 September 2026, Holy Mass at 3.00pm
Carfin Grotto, Carfin

Catholics from across Scotland are invited to gather at Scotland’s National Marian Shrine for the annual National Pilgrimage. This year’s celebration will mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. Archbishop William Nolan will be the principal celebrant and homilist.

▪️𝗦𝗣𝗨𝗖 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗴𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Saturday, 19 September 2026, 10.00am–4.30pm
Destiny Church, 1120 Pollokshaws Road, Shawlands, Glasgow, G41 3QP

Join SPUC for a day of inspiring talks and practical guidance on standing up for unborn children and defending human life. The conference offers an opportunity to connect with others, share ideas, and become better equipped to support the pro-life cause.

Tickets cost £30 and include meals and access to all talks, workshops and seminars.

Book your place: https://spuc.org.uk/event/glasgow-one-day-conference-2026/

▪️𝗩𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲
Sunday 20 September 2026, 12.30pm–5.30pm
St Patrick’s Church, Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1NA

The annual Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage brings people together to pray for her Beatification. Margaret is entombed within the Sacred Heart Chapel at St Patrick’s Church.

The day will include refreshments, a Holy Hour and Benediction, a reflection from Canon Jock Dalrymple, and Holy Mass celebrated by Archbishop Leo Cushley.

Find out more about Venerable Margaret Sinclair: https://www.margaretsinclair.scot/

▪️ 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗯𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮
Thursday, 24 September 2026, 7.00pm
Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral, Motherwell

The Diocese of Motherwell will welcome Archbishop Rino Fisichella to Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral for the celebration of Holy Mass. All are warmly invited to attend this special diocesan celebration.

▪️𝗣𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱: 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗲 𝗗𝗼 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲?
Saturday 3 October 2026, 10.30am–4.00pm
The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB

This event will explore the reality of poverty in Scotland through talks from speakers working on the frontline. Participants will hear what is already being done, discuss how parishes and communities can respond and consider practical ways to do more. It will also offer an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and inspire further action.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poverty-in-scotland-can-we-do-more-tickets-1998209395091?aff=oddtdtcreator

▪️𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗮𝘇𝗮: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀
Thursday 22 October 2026 at 7:00pm
Immaculate Conception Church Hall, 2049 Maryhill Road, Glasgow G20 0AA

SCIAF’s annual Romero Lecture, delivered by peace mediator Oliver McTernan, followed by questions, discussion and refreshments. Admission is free.

Register: https://sciaf.beaconforms.com/form/32f88aa5

▪️𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Saturday 24 October 2026
St Augustine’s Parish Centre, 12 Dundyvan Road, Coatbridge, ML5 1DQ

Catholic families from across Scotland are invited to a special day organised by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Marriage, Family and Life Office. The conference will include talks for adults, catechesis for children and young people, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and a ceilidh to conclude the day.

Book your place: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/4EAU3ueKgU

▪️𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲
Saturday 31 October 2026, arrivals from 9.30am
Conforti Institute, Calder Avenue, Coatbridge, ML5 4JS

Join the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Committee for Interreligious Dialogue for a one-day conference exploring the Church’s commitment to interreligious dialogue and how this can be lived out within our parishes and communities. The day will include talks, discussion, practical guidance, and opportunities for reflection.

The conference is free to attend, and a light lunch will be provided.

Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Ai8qdDPULb