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

21Jun

Gospel

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

Gospel
Matthew 10:26-33
‘Do not fear those who kill the body.’

At that time: Jesus instructed his Apostles: ‘Have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father knowing. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.’

20Jun

We offer our congratulations to Fr Kieran Burt, who was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood for the Diocese of Motherwell by Bisho...

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

We offer our congratulations to Fr Kieran Burt, who was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood for the Diocese of Motherwell by Bishop Joseph Toal yesterday, 19 June, at St Joseph’s Church, Blantyre.

At 25 years old, Fr Kieran is Scotland’s youngest priest. His ordination is a joyful occasion not only for the Diocese of Motherwell, but for the whole Church in Scotland, and a reminder that God continues to call men to dedicate their lives to serving His people.

Please keep Fr Kieran in your prayers as he begins his priestly ministry, and continue to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood throughout Scotland.

May God bless Fr Kieran abundantly as he begins this new chapter of his vocation.

20Jun

Gospel

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

Gospel
Matthew 6:24-34
‘Do not be anxious about tomorrow.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
‘Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
‘Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.’

19Jun

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

Pope Leo XIV has sent his blessing to all those preparing to mark Day for Life 2026.

Reflecting on this year's theme, *The Wonder of the Child in the Womb*, the Holy Father reminds us that every human being is endowed with an infinite dignity "simply by virtue of existing, of having been willed, created and loved by God."

Pope Leo also offers his prayers for parents who have experienced the loss of a child, asking that they may find comfort, peace and support through the life of the Church.

As we prepare for Day for Life this Sunday, 21 June, let us continue to bear witness to the wonder and dignity of every human life.

#DayForLife #DayForLife2026

19Jun

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

On Wednesday, Gerard Holden from the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh was ordained to the Diaconate in Rome.

It is always a source of great joy for the Church when another man steps forward in response to God’s call, offering his life in service to God and His people as he continues his journey towards the priesthood.

As Rev. Gerard begins his diaconal ministry, let us give thanks for his generous ‘yes’ and continue to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood across Scotland.

Please keep Gerard in your prayers as he continues his journey towards ordination to the priesthood.

19Jun

Gospel

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

Gospel
Matthew 6:19-23
‘Where your treasure is, there your heart will be.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!’

18Jun

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆

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

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆

Today news has reached the Diocese of Aberdeen that the Superior General of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, V. Rev. Fr Michael Mary, F.Ss.R., intends to be consecrated as a bishop on 25th July on the island of Papa Stronsay in Orkney. This ordination would be celebrated without a papal mandate, by a group of bishops who deny that Our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV is actually the pope.

Since this consecration is due to take place within the geographical boundaries of the Diocese of Aberdeen, I am obliged to make clear to the faithful of the Diocese that any such episcopal ordination would be unlawful and a grave act of disobedience, separating those taking part from communion with the Catholic Church. No member of the faithful should attend. This action is not "for the good of the Catholic Church" as is falsely claimed.

This development is greatly to be regretted, and we can only pray that those concerned have a change of heart.

+𝗛𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗚𝗶𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗢𝗦𝗕
Bishop of Aberdeen

18Jun

Scotland’s story of faith has been shaped by countless saints, some whose names we know and many whose names are known only to G...

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

Scotland’s story of faith has been shaped by countless saints, some whose names we know and many whose names are known only to God.

This thoughtful reflection from EWTN GB reminds us that the Catholic faith in Scotland is a rich inheritance, passed down through generations of missionaries, martyrs, kings, queens and ordinary believers whose witness continues to inspire us today.

As we continue to reflect on the recently celebrated Feast of All Saints of Scotland, may their courage, faith and perseverance encourage us to live our own call to holiness in the world today.

📖 Read the full article below.

🙏 All you holy saints of Scotland, named and unnamed, pray for us.

Some saints changed history; others lived hidden lives of faith. The Bishops' Conference of Scotland has established a new feast day to honour those who shaped Scotland's faith and inspire those who carry it forward today.

👉 Read more: https://ewtn.co.uk/article-gb-a-feast-day-for-all-saints-of-scotland/

#catholicsaints

18Jun

Gospel

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

Gospel
Matthew 6:7-15
‘Pray then like this.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘When you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then, like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
‘For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’

17Jun

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱

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

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱

In recent weeks, discussions about our diocesan structures have taken place among the clergy, religious and lay faithful in all of Scotland's eight dioceses. Following these local consultations, the bishops devoted significant time at the recent Bishops’ Conference meeting to prayerfully reflecting on the contents of these reports. The Conversation in the Spirit prayer method has proved particularly fruitful in providing rich insight and direction at this stage of our discernment.

What emerged from local reports were encouraging areas of convergence. There is a clear desire to see this process as more than a consideration of administrative structures alone. Rather, it presents an important opportunity to reflect afresh on our mission and vision as the Church in Scotland and on how we can best proclaim the Gospel in our time.

The bishops recognised a strong appreciation for greater collaboration across dioceses, including the sharing of curial resources and expertise, enabling us to support one another more effectively. We also acknowledge strong local identities which are tied to each diocesan community.

Above all, there was a shared conviction that this moment can help renew our commitment to evangelisation and to the Church’s mission of bringing the hope of the Gospel to every corner of our nation.

We thank all those who contributed their voices to this important consultation and for generously sharing feedback as the fruit of sincere Spirit-led prayer.

As bishops, we will continue our reflections in the months ahead, and look forward to hearing further views from all those involved, as we evaluate concrete options to present to the Holy See towards the end of the year. In harmony with the hopes of the Holy See, we look forward to continuing this process as a synodal journey with the active participation of clergy and faithful.

We pray that the Holy Spirit will help us to listen attentively to God’s will and to each other as we move forward together with faith, hope and confidence.

Bishop John Keenan
President, Bishops’ Conference of Scotland