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

May 2026

31May

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection - 31st May 2026

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

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection - 31st May 2026

31May

Behind every episcopal motto is a story of faith, prayer and the hopes a bishop carries into his ministry

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

Behind every episcopal motto is a story of faith, prayer and the hopes a bishop carries into his ministry.

In tonight’s video, Bishop John Keenan reflects on the meaning behind his episcopal motto: “Suscepit servum recordatus misericordiae” — “He looks on his servant, remembering his mercy.”

Taken from the Magnificat, Bishop Keenan shares how the words reflect trust in God’s mercy, devotion to Our Blessed Lady and the humility of serving as a bishop within the wider tradition of the Church.

Speaking honestly about the enormity of episcopal ministry and the comfort found in God’s mercy, Bishop Keenan explains why these words became the foundation of his ministry.

Watch now as Bishop Keenan shares the inspiration behind his motto.

31May

Today we celebrate the mystery of one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

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

Today we celebrate the mystery of one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

'Blest be God the Father,
and the Only Begotten Son of God,
and also the Holy Spirit,
for he has shown us his merciful love'

31May

Gospel

31 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Gospel
Mark 11:27-33
‘By what authority are you doing these things?’

At that time: Jesus and his disciples came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the Temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they said to him, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.’ And they discussed it with one another, saying, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say, “Why then did you not believe him?” But shall we say, “From man”?’ — they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.’

30May

A bishop’s motto often reflects the values and vision that guide his ministry and relationship with the people he serves

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

A bishop’s motto often reflects the values and vision that guide his ministry and relationship with the people he serves.

In tonight’s video, Bishop Joseph Toal reflects on the meaning behind his episcopal motto: “Walk humbly with God.”

Taken from the Prophet Micah, Bishop Toal shares how these words have shaped his ministry, from walking alongside communities in Argyll and the Isles to serving the people of the Diocese of Motherwell today.

Reflecting on faith, humility and the presence of God in both nature and daily life, Bishop Toal explains why this Scripture passage became the guiding thread of his episcopal ministry.

Watch now as Bishop Toal shares the inspiration behind his motto.

30May

Over 2,000 young people from across Scotland gathered yesterday at the SEC Armadillo to receive the Caritas Award, recognising t...

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

Over 2,000 young people from across Scotland gathered yesterday at the SEC Armadillo to receive the Caritas Award, recognising their commitment to faith in action through service in their schools, parishes and local communities.

The Caritas Award encourages young people to live out the Gospel in practical ways, supporting others, growing in faith and becoming witnesses of hope within the world around them.

Yesterday’s celebration was a powerful reminder of the goodness, compassion and faith of young people across Scotland and of the positive impact they are making in the Church and society today.

Congratulations to every young person who received the award. Your witness, kindness and service are an inspiration to us all.

30May

Gospel

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

29May

The words chosen by a bishop at his episcopal consecration often become a guiding thread throughout his ministry

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

The words chosen by a bishop at his episcopal consecration often become a guiding thread throughout his ministry.

In tonight’s video, Bishop Frank Dougan reflects on the meaning behind his episcopal motto: “Quench not the wavering flame.”

Inspired by the suffering servant songs of the Prophet Isaiah and the light of the Easter Vigil, Bishop Frank speaks about the delicate flame of faith, how easily it can be weakened, and the importance of protecting and nurturing it in others.

From one small flame can come a great light.

Watch now as Bishop Frank shares the story and spirituality behind his motto.

29May

Gospel

29 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Gospel
Mark 11:11-26
‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations. Have faith in God.’

With the acclamation of the crowd, Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the Temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ And his disciples heard it.
And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the Temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the Temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the Temple. And he was teaching them and saying to them, ‘Is it not written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations”? But you have made it a den of robbers.’ And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. And when evening came they went out of the city.
As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.’ And Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be taken up and thrown into the sea”, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses’.

28May

Every bishop has a motto

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

Every bishop has a motto. Chosen at the time of their episcopal consecration, these words often reflect the heart of their ministry, spirituality and mission.

In this new series, the Bishops of Scotland share the meaning behind their episcopal mottos.

We begin with Bishop Brian McGee, whose motto is: “Abide in me as I in you.”

Taken from the Gospel of St John at the Last Supper, Bishop Brian reflects on what it means to remain rooted in Christ, to live in communion with Him, and to allow that love to flow outward in service of others.

Watch now as Bishop Brian shares the inspiration behind the words that continue to shape his ministry.