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

6th November 2026

06 November 2026

Scottish Bishops Promote ‘Show Mercy’ Theme for Prisoners’ Week 2026

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is encouraging parishes across the country to support Prisoners’ Week Scotland, taking place from 15 - 22 November, under the theme Show Mercy.

The annual initiative invites communities to reflect on the experiences of prisoners, their families, victims of crime and those working within Scotland’s prisons.

This year’s theme highlights the importance of recognising the dignity of every person, including those serving prison sentences.

Deacon Kenny McGeachie, lead Catholic chaplain for the Scottish Prison Service, said:

“This year’s Prisoners’ Week invites us to think more deeply about what it means to show mercy, particularly towards those who are already paying the price for their actions. I would encourage everyone to take part in Prisoners’ Week and reflect on how even a small act of kindness can affirm a person’s human dignity.”

One practical example is the Prisoners’ Week Dignity Fund, supported by the Society of St Vincent de Paul and other groups. The fund helps prisoners who lack financial resources or family support to obtain essential items, including suitable clothing for family funerals and basic necessities.

The Bishops’ Conference is encouraging parishes to make use of the Prisoners’ Week information packs distributed to parishes throughout Scotland, helping communities mark the week through prayer, reflection and practical support.

The public launch of Prisoners’ Week Scotland will take place on Sunday 15 November at Freedom City Church, Cumbernauld, with charity and support-service stalls from 3pm.

The event is open to everyone, and members of the public are warmly encouraged to attend.

Further information is available at www.prisonersweek.org.uk.

...ENDS

Notes to editor

Prisoners’ Week Scotland 2026 takes place from 15–22 November, with the theme Show Mercy. The public launch event will be held on Sunday 15 November at Freedom City Church, Cumbernauld, with charity and support-service stalls from 3pm. Everyone is welcome.
For further information, visit www.prisonersweek.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

June 2026

30Jun

Gospel

30 Jun, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 8:23-27
‘He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea and there was a great calm.’

At that time: When Jesus got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marvelled, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?’

29Jun

Gospel

29 Jun, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 8:18-22
‘Follow me.’

At that time: When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ Another of the disciples said to him, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.’

28Jun

Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal: 28 June 2026

28 Jun, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal: 28 June 2026

28Jun

Saint Peter was originally called Simon, a fisherman from Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee

28 Jun, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Saint Peter was originally called Simon, a fisherman from Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus gave him the name Peter, meaning “Rock”, and chose him to lead the Apostles. Peter was among Christ’s closest followers, witnessing key moments such as the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden. Though he famously denied Jesus during the Passion, he repented and became a humble and courageous leader of the early Church. After Pentecost, he preached boldly, welcomed the first Gentile converts, and eventually travelled to Rome, where he became its first bishop. He was martyred there around 67 AD and is remembered as the first Pope.

Saint Paul, originally known as Saul, was born in Tarsus and raised as a devout Pharisee. A fierce persecutor of Christians, his life changed dramatically when he encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Following his conversion, Paul dedicated himself completely to spreading the Gospel. Through three major missionary journeys, he founded Christian communities across Asia Minor and Europe, bringing the message of Christ to countless people. He wrote many letters to the early churches, which form a significant part of the New Testament. After years of preaching and missionary work, Paul was imprisoned in Rome and was martyred around 67 AD.

Together, Saints Peter and Paul are honoured as the two great pillars of the Church: Peter, the leader of the Apostles, and Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. Their witness, faith, and sacrifice helped establish and spread Christianity throughout the world.

28Jun

Gospel

28 Jun, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 16:13-19
‘You are Peter, and I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.’

At that time: When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.’

27Jun

All are welcome to come together in prayer at Holy Mass for the people of Venezuela on Sunday 5 July at 12 noon in St Leonard's ...

27 Jun, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

All are welcome to come together in prayer at Holy Mass for the people of Venezuela on Sunday 5 July at 12 noon in St Leonard's Church, East Kilbride.

The Mass will be celebrated in Castellano (America Latina) and offers an opportunity to gather in prayer and solidarity with all those affected by the recent earthquake.

Please keep the people of Venezuela and all those impacted by this tragedy in your prayers.

27Jun

Today, Bishop Frank Dougan celebrates the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the Sacred Priesthood

27 Jun, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today, Bishop Frank Dougan celebrates the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the Sacred Priesthood.

A son of the Motherwell Diocese , Bishop Frank was ordained a priest on 27 June 2001 and has faithfully served the Church for the past twenty-five years. Since 2024, he has served as Bishop of RC Diocese of Galloway.

We give thanks to God for his ministry and ask the Lord to continue to bless him as he serves the people of the Diocese of Galloway.

Please keep Bishop Frank in your prayers.

Ad multos annos.

27Jun

Gospel

27 Jun, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Gospel
Matthew 8:5-17
‘Many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’

At that time: When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, ‘Lord, my servant is lying paralysed at home, suffering terribly.’ And he said to him, ‘I will come and heal him.’ But the centurion replied, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, “Go”, and he goes, and to another, “Come”, and he comes, and to my servant, “Do this”, and he does it.’ When Jesus heard this, he marvelled and said to those who followed him, ‘Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ And to the centurion Jesus said, ‘Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.’ And the servant was healed at that very moment.
And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.’

26Jun

This weekend, the Second Collection will be taken up for Peter’s Pence

26 Jun, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

This weekend, the Second Collection will be taken up for Peter’s Pence.

Peter’s Pence is the annual collection that supports the Holy Father in his mission to proclaim the Gospel, promote peace and charity, and assist those in need throughout the world.

Thank you for your generosity and support of Pope Leo's ministry and the work of the Church.

26Jun

Bishop Frank Dougan's 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood

26 Jun, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishop Frank Dougan's 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood