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

03Jun

Gospel

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

Gospel
Mark 12:18-27
‘He is not God of the dead, but of the living.’

At that time: Sadducees came to Jesus, who say that there is no resurrection. And they asked him a question, saying, ‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no offspring. And the second took her, and died, leaving no offspring. And the third likewise. And the seven left no offspring. Last of all the woman also died. In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.’
Jesus said to them, ‘Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”? He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.’

02Jun

Where do we encounter God most deeply?

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

Where do we encounter God most deeply?

In tonight’s video, Archbishop William Nolan reflects on the meaning behind his episcopal motto: “Sibilus Aurae Tenuis", translated as “The Sound of Sheer Silence.”

Drawing on the story of the Prophet Elijah on Mount Sinai, Archbishop Nolan reflects on discovering God not in noise, power or spectacle, but in silence.

In a world filled with distraction and constant noise, Archbishop Nolan shares why silence remains essential to prayer, faith and encountering the presence of God.

Watch now as Archbishop Nolan explains the inspiration behind his motto.

02Jun

Where do we encounter God most deeply?

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

Where do we encounter God most deeply?

In tonight’s video, Archbishop William Nolan reflects on the meaning behind his episcopal motto: “Sibilus Aurae Tenius” translated as “The Sound of Sheer Silence.”

Drawing on the story of the Prophet Elijah on Mount Sinai, Archbishop Nolan reflects on discovering God not in noise, power or spectacle, but in silence.

In a world filled with distraction and constant noise, Archbishop Nolan shares why silence remains essential to prayer, faith and encountering the presence of God.

Watch now as Archbishop Nolan explains the inspiration behind his motto.

02Jun

In his first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the challenge of remaining truly human in an age increasingly shaped by artifi...

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

In his first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the challenge of remaining truly human in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

He warns against a future where technology attempts to replace what lies at the very heart of humanity: love, compassion, sacrifice and authentic human relationships.

The Holy Father reminds us that a society rooted in love, mercy and human dignity can never simply be engineered or automated.

As AI continues to develop at extraordinary speed, the Church calls us to ensure that technology always serves the human person and the common good.

Explore Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, and reflect on his vision for faith, humanity and the future of technology:
https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

02Jun

Today’s Time for Reflection at the Scottish Parliament was led by Archbishop Leo Cushley, who spoke about the importance not onl...

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

Today’s Time for Reflection at the Scottish Parliament was led by Archbishop Leo Cushley, who spoke about the importance not only of speaking, but of truly listening.

Archbishop Cushley reflected on how easy it can be for voices to be heard, but not truly listened to. He encouraged members of the new Parliament to develop “the art of listening” in the search for the common good.

“Let the Best Idea win — and let’s be listening out for it.”

Please keep all Members of the Scottish Parliament in your prayers as they begin this new parliamentary term and the important work ahead.

02Jun

Gospel

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

Gospel
Mark 12:13-17
‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’

At that time: They sent to Jesus some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. And they came and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?’ But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, ‘Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.’ And they brought one. And he said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said to him, ‘Caesar’s.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they marvelled at him.

01Jun

The words a bishop chooses for his motto often reflect the values, hopes and faith that shape his ministry

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

The words a bishop chooses for his motto often reflect the values, hopes and faith that shape his ministry.

In tonight’s video, Archbishop Leo Cushley reflects on the meaning behind his episcopal motto: “Amor quod praecipis” — “To love what you command.”

Drawn from the liturgy, Archbishop Cushley explains how the phrase became an aspiration for his ministry: to willingly embrace the Lord’s will and to seek to live with faith, hope and charity at the heart of leadership in the Church.

Reflecting on vocation, service and the call to follow God’s will, Archbishop Cushley shares why these words became the guiding thread of his episcopal ministry.

01Jun

Saint Justin Martyr never abandoned his search for truth, even after converting to Christianity following years of studying paga...

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

Saint Justin Martyr never abandoned his search for truth, even after converting to Christianity following years of studying pagan philosophy.

As a young man, he was especially drawn to the teachings of Plato. Yet he came to realise that the Christian faith answered the deepest questions about life and existence more fully than the philosophers ever could.

After his conversion, Justin continued to wear the philosopher’s cloak and became one of the first great Christian philosophers. He sought to unite the truths found in Greek philosophy with the fullness of Christian revelation. He believed philosophy served as a guide leading people towards Christ.

Saint Justin Martyr is remembered as one of the great Christian apologists, defending the faith in writing against the misunderstandings and accusations of the pagan world. Two of his famous apologies survive today, addressed to the Roman Emperor and the Roman Senate.

Because of his unwavering faith and witness to Christ, Justin was eventually martyred and beheaded in Rome around the year 165.

01Jun

Gospel

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

Gospel
Mark 12:1-12
‘They took the beloved son and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard.’

At that time: Jesus began to speak to the chief priests and the scribes and the elders in parables. ‘A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the wine press and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” But those tenants said to one another, “This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this Scripture: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes”?’
And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away.

May 2026

31May

Pope Leo's prayer intention for June 2026

31 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Pope Leo's prayer intention for June 2026

For the values of sports
Let us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.