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

20th October 2026

20 October 2026

Scottish Theologian Appointed to Vatican’s International Theological Commission

Dr Sara Parvis of the University of Edinburgh has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the International Theological Commission for its new five-year term (2026–2031).

The Commission brings together theologians from around the world to advise the Holy See on important questions of Catholic theology and doctrine.

Born in Aberdeen and raised in Edinburgh, Dr Parvis is an Associate Professor at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Divinity, specialising in early Christianity, Church history and patristic theology.

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

“On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Scotland, I warmly congratulate Sara on her appointment by Pope Leo to this important Commission.

“This appointment is a recognition of her distinguished theological scholarship and of the contribution Scottish scholars continue to make to the life of the universal Church.

“We wish Sara every blessing as she takes up this important responsibility and assure her of our prayers.”

Commenting on her appointment, Dr Parvis said:

“It’s a great honour to be appointed to the International Theological Commission, and I’m very pleased to be bringing a Scottish perspective to the conversations the group will be having over the next few years.”

...ENDS

Notes to Editor

Photo of Dr Sara Parvis: Photo of Dr Sara Parvis
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]

11th October 2026

11 October 2026

Scotland’s Bishops Lead Prayers for Pope Leo

The Catholic bishops of Scotland have offered their prayers and support for Pope Leo XIV following the announcement today that he is to undergo surgery in the coming days.

Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square at today’s Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo revealed that recent medical examinations had identified a small, localised nodule on his lung. The Holy Father explained that it had been detected at a very early stage and that, following medical advice, he had decided to undergo surgery to remove it.

Speaking on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop John Keenan expressed the bishops’ solidarity with the Holy Father and invited Catholics and people of goodwill across Scotland to remember him in their prayers.

Bishop Keenan said:

“We are conscious of the concern that news of the Holy Father’s health will bring to Catholics and to so many others throughout the world.

“At this time, we wish to express our closeness to Pope Leo and our hope that he will be strengthened and reassured by the prayers and good wishes of so many people who hold him in great affection and esteem.

“On behalf of all the bishops of Scotland, I want to assure the Holy Father of our heartfelt prayers and support.

“We invite Catholics across Scotland, and all people of goodwill, to join us in praying for Pope Leo, for the medical team caring for him, and for a successful operation and a full and speedy recovery.

“May the Lord give him strength and peace in the days ahead.”

...ENDS

Notes for editors

Photo of Pope Leo: Photo of Pope Leo XIV
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

October 2026

06Oct

Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Twenty Seventh Week of Ordinary Time | 06 October 2026

06 Oct, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Twenty Seventh Week of Ordinary Time | 06 October 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

06Oct

Gospel Luke 10:38-42

06 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel Luke 10:38-42
Martha works; Mary listens

Jesus came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord’s feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered: ‘Martha, Martha,’ he said ‘you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.’

05Oct

Holy Mass of Monday of the Twenty Seventh Week of Ordinary Time | 05 October 2026

05 Oct, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Monday of the Twenty Seventh Week of Ordinary Time | 05 October 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

05Oct

Gospel

05 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 10:25-37
‘Who is my neighbour?’

At that time: Behold, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? How do you read it?’ And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.’
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.” Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You go, and do likewise.’

04Oct

COMING UP ACROSS SCOTLAND

04 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

COMING UP ACROSS SCOTLAND

▪️𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆
Saturday 17 October 2026, 9.30am–3.30pm
St Mary’s, 36 Forebank Road, Dundee, DD1 2PB

The Diocese of Dunkeld’s annual Mission Awareness Day will explore Catholic Social Teaching with Lorraine Currie, Chief Executive of SCIAF. Bishop Andrew McKenzie will celebrate Holy Mass at noon. All are welcome.

Find out more: https://www.dunkelddiocese.co.uk/event/mission-awareness/

▪️𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗮𝘇𝗮: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀
Thursday 22 October 2026, 7.00pm
Immaculate Conception Church Hall, 2049 Maryhill Road, Glasgow, G20 0AA

SCIAF’s annual Romero Lecture will be delivered by internationally recognised peace mediator Oliver McTernan. The free evening will honour the legacy of Saint Oscar Romero and include the lecture, questions and refreshments.

Register: https://sciaf.beaconforms.com/form/32f88aa5

▪️𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Saturday 24 October 2026
St Augustine’s Parish Centre, 12 Dundyvan Road, Coatbridge, ML5 1DQ

Families from across Scotland are invited to a special day organised by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Marriage, Family and Life Office. The conference will offer an opportunity to come together in faith and prayer and to celebrate and reflect upon Catholic family life.

Book your place: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/4EAU3ueKgU

▪️𝗦𝗣𝗨𝗖 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
Thursday 29 October 2026, 6.30pm–8.30pm
Beginning at the Mercat Building, Glasgow Cross, and concluding at St Andrew’s Cathedral

SPUC Scotland’s annual Candlelight Procession will bring people together to pray for the protection of unborn life. The Rosary begins at 6.30pm, followed by the procession at 7.00pm and Holy Mass in St Andrew’s Cathedral at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

Find out more: https://archedinburgh.org/event/spuc-candlelight-procession-2/

▪️𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 – 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲
Saturday 31 October 2026, arrivals from 9.30am; programme 10.00am–2.30pm
Conforti Institute, Calder Avenue, Coatbridge, ML5 4JS

Join the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Committee for Interreligious Dialogue for a free conference exploring the Church’s commitment to interreligious dialogue and how it can be lived out in parishes and communities. The day will include talks, practical guidance, questions and discussion. A light lunch will be provided.

Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Ai8qdDPULb

▪️𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Saturday 7 November 2026
Technology & Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 9 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RD

The Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency’s national conference is for clergy, religious, parish safeguarding coordinators, trainers, staff and volunteers with safeguarding responsibilities. The programme will explore practical ways to help make parish life safer, informed by survivors, research and examples from parish communities.

Register: https://form.jotform.com/262421592883362

04Oct

Scottish Laity Network

04 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Scottish Laity Network - November Gathering

The Scottish Laity Network has organised a Gathering to celebrate and give thanks for the fruits of their shared journey and to discern what comes next. The event is on Saturday 7th November at the Conforti Centre, Coatbridge either in person or online.

Please check the SLN website for further information.

The Scottish Laity Network (SLN) seeks to enable Scottish laity to come together as disciples of Jesus through prayer, dialogue and discernment to find 'new ways' of being Church in Scotland in the 21st century.

04Oct

Holy Mass of the Twenty Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time | 04 October 2026

04 Oct, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Twenty Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time | 04 October 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

04Oct

Gospel

04 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 21:33-43
This is the landlord's heir: come, let us kill him

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people, ‘Listen to another parable. There was a man, a landowner, who planted a vineyard; he fenced it round, dug a winepress in it and built a tower; then he leased it to tenants and went abroad. When vintage time drew near he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his servants, thrashed one, killed another and stoned a third. Next he sent some more servants, this time a larger number, and they dealt with them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them. “They will respect my son” he said. But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, “This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him and take over his inheritance.” So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?’ They answered, ‘He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will deliver the produce to him when the season arrives.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the scriptures:
It was the stone rejected by the builders
that became the keystone.
This was the Lord’s doing
and it is wonderful to see?
‘I tell you, then, that the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.’

03Oct

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱

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

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland is deeply concerned by renewed calls to decriminalise abortion in Scotland and to remove existing legal safeguards governing the ending of unborn human life. These proposals would permit abortion up to birth for any reason, including sex-selective abortion.

Every human life possesses inherent dignity and worth; a dignity that does not depend upon age, size, ability, dependency or stage of development. It begins at conception and continues until natural death. A just and compassionate society should recognise and protect the lives of both mother and child, especially when either is vulnerable.

We are deeply disturbed that the Scottish Greens believe abortion should be treated "like any other healthcare procedure". This claim simply does not match the brutal reality of abortion, which is the deliberate ending of an innocent, defenceless human life.

This act can never be regarded as simply another healthcare intervention, nor can it ever be described as "safe". Medicine exists to heal, protect and care for human life. While we recognise that women can face profoundly difficult and distressing circumstances during pregnancy, society's response should be to offer practical support, compassionate care and genuine alternatives rather than measures that further weaken protection for the unborn.

The public debate on abortion often focuses exclusively on autonomy and choice. While personal freedom is important, rights must always be considered alongside responsibilities and the rights of others, including those who are unable to speak for themselves.

We urge the Scottish Government, and all MSPs, to reflect carefully on the ethical, medical and social implications of these proposals. We also call for greater investment in maternity services, perinatal mental health support, family assistance programmes, pregnancy counselling, and practical support for women facing challenging pregnancies.

Scotland should aspire to be a society where no woman feels abandoned during pregnancy and where every human life is welcomed, valued and protected. Rather than removing legal protections for unborn children, we should work together to build a culture of solidarity, care and compassion for both mother and child. There is a better way than abortion.

Bishop John Keenan
President of the Marriage, Family and Life Commission
Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

03Oct

Holy Mass of the Sick | 03 October 2026

03 Oct, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Sick | 03 October 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356