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

12th August 2026

12 August 2026

Statement from the Bishops of Scotland on the Funeral of Ann Widdecombe

Today, the Requiem Mass of Ann Widdecombe, the former Member of the UK Parliament and Government minister, has taken place at Buckfast Abbey, where she was a regular worshipper.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:

“On behalf of the Bishops of Scotland, I offer our prayerful condolences to Ann’s family, friends and all who mourn her today. We join them in commending Ann’s soul to the loving mercy of God.

“Ann was a woman of sincere Catholic faith, sustained by prayer and the sacraments and was happy for her faith to be known publicly.’

“We pray that Christ welcomes her into the peace of His Kingdom."

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

News from the Commissions and Agencies

November 2024

30Nov

A spokesperson for Disability Rights UK said: “This decision comes as a profound betrayal to disabled people across the UK, who ...

30 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

A spokesperson for Disability Rights UK said: “This decision comes as a profound betrayal to disabled people across the UK, who continue to struggle to live with dignity in a society that fails to meet even our most basic needs.
“At a time when social care is chronically underfunded, accessible housing is scarce, and many disabled people are unable to afford food, energy, or other essentials, this legislation sends a chilling message: the government prioritises the right to die over the right to live.”

30Nov

Hymn to St Andrew

30 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://youtu.be/1wKhNFhfW0M?si=ZRc0BfZbADK8jXAw

Performed and rehearsed by Motherwell Diocesan Choir, Organist John Pitcathley, Conducted by Des McLean.Use in Papal Mass, Bellahouston Park, Glasgow 2010Mix...

30Nov

https://www.facebook.com/100064625922111/posts/974218434742345/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

30 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.facebook.com/100064625922111/posts/974218434742345/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Happy Feast of St Andrew!

From the 1921 Prayer Book of the College:

When the blessed Andrew came to the place where the cross was made ready, he exclaimed and said:
“O precious cross, for a long time have I desired thee, and, not that thou art made ready for me, my soul is drawn to thee, and I come to thee in peace and gladness; thou also oughtest to welcome me with joy, for I am the disciple of Him who hung on thee.”

We humbly entreat Thy majesty, O Lord:
That as the blessed Apostle Andrew was once a teacher and ruler of Thy Church: so he may be a constant advocate for us before Thee.

St Andrew: pray for us!

29Nov

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

29 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
A bleak day for humanity and especially for our English and Welsh friends, most particularly for the sick, elderly, poor and disabled. I thank everyone who contacted their local MP, which certainly had a positive effect, since the majority of Scottish MPs voted against assisted suicide. We cannot give up but, inspired by the Gospel, continue to build a compassionate and loving society where every human being is cherished.
+Brian

29Nov

Bishop John Keenan has reacted to the UK Parliament's decision to pass Kim Leadbeater's assisted suicide Bill at second reading:

29 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishop John Keenan has reacted to the UK Parliament's decision to pass Kim Leadbeater's assisted suicide Bill at second reading:

"This is a sad day for the sick, the vulnerable and the disabled in society. Today’s vote strikes a blow against the foundational principle of medicine "do no harm". Since parliamentarians have voted to create a category of people that the state will help to commit suicide, doctors will now be invited to help their patients to kill themselves. As we have seen across the world, once enacted these laws are rapidly and dangerously expanded."

29Nov

Bishops Conference meeting with the First Minister

29 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishops Conference meeting with the First Minister | by Scottish Government

Bishops Conference meeting with the First Minister

27Nov

Today as we prepare to celebrate St Andrew’s Day the First Minister John Swinney invited the Catholic Bishops of Scotland to lun...

27 Nov, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today as we prepare to celebrate St Andrew’s Day the First Minister John Swinney invited the Catholic Bishops of Scotland to lunch at Bute House. The Conference thanks the First Minister for his kind invitation and acknowledgment of the contribution of the Catholic Church to Scotland.