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

Archive by tag: Bishops' Conference of ScotlandReturn

August 2026

21Aug

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲

21 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲

Bishop John Keenan has issued a pastoral letter urging Catholics across Scotland to contact their MPs ahead of the return of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to the House of Commons on Friday 11 September.

The Bill, reintroduced by Lauren Edwards MP, would permit eligible terminally ill adults in England and Wales to receive assistance to end their lives. A similar Bill was defeated in the Scottish Parliament last March.

Although this new legislation would apply only to England and Wales, Bishop Keenan stresses that this remains an important moment for Catholics in Scotland. The outcome at Westminster could have significant consequences north of the border and potentially reignite attempts to legalise assisted suicide in Scotland.

In his letter, Bishop Keenan describes the coming vote as a “grave moment for the protection of human life” and urges Catholics to contact their MPs “without delay” and ask them to oppose the Bill.

Bishop Keenan said:
“Our opposition to assisted suicide is rooted in compassion. Every person, from conception until natural death, possesses an inviolable dignity as one made in the image and likeness of God.”

Warning particularly of the potential consequences for vulnerable people, he added:
“Illness, frailty, disability, dependence or fear must never lead society to conclude that some lives are no longer worth living.”

The Bishop calls instead for greater investment in palliative and hospice care and better support for carers, insisting that “the proper response to suffering is care, presence, skilled palliative medicine and practical support—not the deliberate ending of life.”

Scotland’s Catholic bishops encourage all who stand on the side of life to contact their MP today and without delay, asking them to protect vulnerable people, support better palliative and hospice care, and vote against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

21Aug

Today the Church celebrates Saint Pius X, Pope, remembered especially for his deep devotion to the Eucharist and his encourageme...

21 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today the Church celebrates Saint Pius X, Pope, remembered especially for his deep devotion to the Eucharist and his encouragement of the frequent reception of Holy Communion.

Born Giuseppe Sarto in 1835 into a poor family in northern Italy, he was ordained a priest and served the Church as parish priest, bishop and cardinal before being elected Pope in 1903.

Despite the responsibilities of his office, Pius X remained deeply conscious of his humble beginnings and sought to live with simplicity. His desire was to lead people closer to Christ, taking as his papal motto “To restore all things in Christ.”

One of the most enduring aspects of his pontificate was his promotion of frequent Holy Communion. He also lowered the age at which children could receive their First Holy Communion, encouraging them to come to Jesus in the Eucharist once they had reached the age of reason.

Pius X also worked for the renewal of the Church’s liturgical life, promoted the study of Scripture and reformed Church law and administration.

His final years were overshadowed by growing tensions in Europe. Deeply distressed by the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, he died on 20 August, only weeks after the conflict began.

Pope Pius X was canonised by Pope Pius XII in 1954.

His life reminds us of the importance of simplicity, holiness and, above all, remaining close to Christ in the Eucharist.

🙏 Saint Pius X, pray for us.

21Aug

Gospel

21 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 22:34-40
‘You shall love the Lord your God and your neighbour as yourself.’

At that time: When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’ And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.’

20Aug

Poverty in Scotland – can we do more?

20 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Poverty in Scotland – can we do more?

Join us for a day of speakers, discussion and practical ideas on how our parishes can respond to poverty in Scotland.

📅 Saturday 3 October | Gillis Centre, Edinburgh. Tickets & info: bit.ly/povertyinscotland

20Aug

Today the Church celebrates Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbot and Doctor of the Church, one of the most influential figures in t...

20 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today the Church celebrates Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbot and Doctor of the Church, one of the most influential figures in the Church of the 12th century.

Born in Burgundy in 1090, Bernard entered the monastery of Cîteaux as a young man, accompanied by a remarkable number of relatives and friends whom he had inspired to embrace the monastic life.

Only a few years later, Bernard was sent to establish a new monastery at Clairvaux, the “Valley of Light”, where he became abbot. Under his leadership, Clairvaux flourished and became a centre of the Cistercian renewal, which sought a simpler and more faithful observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict.

Although Bernard longed for the quiet life of prayer and contemplation, his wisdom and influence increasingly drew him into the affairs of the wider Church. He advised popes and bishops, helped resolve disputes and played an important role in ending a serious schism within the Church.

Bernard was also a gifted theologian, Scripture scholar and preacher. At the heart of his spirituality was a profound love for Jesus Christ and a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. His sermons and writings on prayer, humility, love and the spiritual life continue to influence Christians today.

At the request of Pope Eugene III, a former monk of Clairvaux, Bernard preached in support of the Second Crusade. Its eventual failure caused him considerable sorrow and remains a complex and difficult part of his legacy.

Despite his enormous influence across Europe, Bernard remained at heart a monk who desired a life centred upon God.

He died at Clairvaux on 20 August 1153. He was canonised in 1174 and, in 1830, Pope Pius VIII declared him a Doctor of the Church.

Saint Bernard reminds us that a life of contemplation and prayer is not a withdrawal from the needs of the Church and the world, but can become the source of faithful service to both.

🙏 Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, pray for us.

20Aug

Gospel

20 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 22:1-14
‘Invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’

At that time: Jesus again spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people, in parables, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, “Tell those who are invited, ‘See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.’ ” But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, “The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.” And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.
‘But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, “Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?” And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, “Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” For many are called, but few are chosen.’

19Aug

𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

19 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

Scotland’s Catholic bishops have joined other religious leaders in welcoming a new £1 million fund to cover the cost of repairs to listed buildings in Scotland.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Scotland, and Rt. Rev. Gordon Kennedy, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said the money will provide much-needed support to maintain historically significant assets at the heart of community life.

The Scotland Places of Worship Fund will open this autumn to help congregations – from any faith group or denomination – recover VAT costs associated with repair works if they worship in a listed building.

The pilot scheme was developed in response to the closure of the previous UK-wide Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme earlier this year, which sent shockwaves throughout faith communities.

The Scottish Churches Leaders’ Forum and the Scottish Churches Committee urged the UK and Scottish Governments to ensure that listed places of worship are not disproportionately affected by the decision to end the grant scheme in Scotland.

Church members were invited to write to their local elected representatives asking them to lobby the Scottish Government to launch a substitute scheme to ease the financial pressure on congregations.

The money will be made available through the existing Historic Environment Scotland (HES) grants budget and is a standalone scheme.

Bishop Keenan said: “We warmly welcome Historic Environment Scotland's announcement of the Places of Worship Fund pilot for Scotland, which recognises the vital contribution that churches and other places of worship make to Scotland's heritage and community life.”

“The fund will provide much-needed support for the care and conservation of these important buildings, helping to address the loss of the previous UK-wide scheme.”

“We look forward to engaging constructively with Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government as the pilot progresses and to discussions on establishing a permanent, sustainable funding arrangement for the future.”

Commenting on the announcement, the Rt. Rev. Gordon Kennedy said:

“I’m very grateful for the support of HES and the Scottish Government in recognising the importance of places of worship, which are so often cherished by people beyond members of the congregation.”

“We know how difficult it is for communities to lose their place of worship, and support for repairs and maintenance will help keep more places warm, wind and watertight, and it makes it just a wee bit easier for local volunteers to care for these historic assets.”

Religious leaders are encouraging eligible parishes and communities to consider applying when the fund opens for applications later this year. Detailed information can be found at:

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/about-us/news/hes-launches-pilot-fund-to-support-scotlands-historic-places-of-worship/

19Aug

Gospel

19 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 20:1-16
‘Do you begrudge my generosity?’

At that time: Jesus told his disciples this parable, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the market-place, and to them he said, “You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.” So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, “Why do you stand here idle all day?” They said to him, “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them, “You go into the vineyard too.”
‘And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, “Call the labourers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.” And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” But he replied to one of them, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?” So the last will be first, and the first last.’

18Aug

Gospel

18 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 19:23-30
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I tell you solemnly, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Yes, I tell you again, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.’ When the disciples heard this they were astonished. ‘Who can be saved, then?’ they said. Jesus gazed at them. ‘For men’ he told them ‘this is impossible; for God everything is possible.’
Then Peter spoke. ‘What about us?’ he said to him ‘We have left everything and followed you. What are we to have, then?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I tell you solemnly, when all is made new and the Son of Man sits on his throne of glory, you will yourselves sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or land for the sake of my name will be repaid a hundred times over, and also inherit eternal life.

17Aug

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

17 Aug, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗙 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗸𝗲

SCIAF has launched an emergency appeal to support communities affected by the powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia.

The earthquake struck the remote Chocó region, where SCIAF has active projects. At least 224 people have been killed and more than 2,600 injured, while around 1,100 homes are believed to have been destroyed and a further 8,000 damaged.

Health centres, schools and community buildings have also been affected. With communications disrupted and thousands of people still missing, these figures are expected to rise as news reaches authorities from the most remote communities.

SCIAF has worked in Colombia since the 1980s and has immediately released £10,000 from its emergency funds to help local partners respond.

Geraldine Hill, SCIAF’s Programme Officer for Colombia, said: “It’s heart-breaking to see communities in Chocó bear the brunt of this latest earthquake. These communities are already very poor and live surrounded by violence; the earthquake is just the latest challenge to confront them.

“Our local Caritas partners are already there, working tirelessly to provide emergency relief where it’s needed most. Please support this response through SCIAF’s appeal.”

To support SCIAF’s Colombia Earthquake Appeal, please visit sciaf.org.uk/colombia-earthquake or call 0141 354 5555.

Please keep all those affected, those awaiting news of loved ones and the emergency teams responding to this tragedy in your prayers.