Update March 2026

Update on Implementation of Synodality and Led by the Spirit in our Diocese by Bishop Brian

Diocesan Workshop on Conversation in the Spirit

Pope Leo has decided to annually bring together all the world’s Cardinals to help him discern the Lord’s Will and the way forward for the Church. Conversation in the Spirit will be their method of discernment. I want Argyll and the Isles to be a diocese that discerns. What is more obvious for disciples than to search for God’s Will and then put it into practice? Discernment needs formation. Please join our diocesan Workshop for Conversation in the Spirit on Saturday 21st March 10am-3pm. All are welcome and we really need people from every parish. Please register in advance for this Workshop: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Kl8qed6KSn2hY9Gzy7w64g

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Workshop.

 Diocesan Pastoral Council

The lay members of our first ever Diocesan Pastoral Council met for the second time in late February 2026. The meeting focussed on formation of the Council members, especially the need for prayer, discernment and openness. That everyone was present demonstrated their commitment and enthusiasm. The lay members are Catherine Beaton (Bornish), Vannesa Gauld (Portree), Lorna MacGregor (Roy Bridge), Karen Goodchild (Campbeltown), Katie MacNeil (Castlebay), Carol Anne Morgan (Rothesay), Hazel Kay (Kingussie), Mel Butler (Benbecula), Audrey Forrest (Dunoon), Margaret Sargent (Roy Bridge), Iain MacKinnon (Eriskay), John Neil MacInnes (Oban), Margaret MacMaster (Caol). Priest and deacon members will be elected during the March Clergy Assembly and the first full Pastoral Council Meeting will take place in Oban on Saturday 18th April. I am remain convinced that the communal discernment of God’s will is essential for the renewal of the Church in Scotland.

Diocesan Synodality Core Team

Every diocese is required to have a synodality Core Our own Team was created from the Led by the Spirit Working Group merging with those tasked with guiding our diocese from the Synod of Bishops 2021-24 process. The members are Chris MacCullich (Benbecula), Carole Buse (Taynuilt), John Taylor (Skye), Chris Boles (Ballachulish), Angela Ellis (Arran), Fr Danny Convery (Roy Bridge), Fr Michael Hutson (Benbecula) and Bishop Brian. For the first year the Team is meeting every two months.

The Synodality Core Team is tasked with coordinating synodal practice in the daily life of the diocese and parishes, ensuring development of two discerned diocesan priorities: accountability and a more open church as well as representing the diocese at the Bishops’ Conference Synodal team. So far our Team has discussed various topics such as the Diocesan Workshop on Conversation in the Spirit, the Diocesan Pastoral Council, transparency, Diocesan Commissions, structure of parishes and Parish Finance Committees.

Diocesan Commissions

Following several rounds of consultation spanning several years the diocese discerned 6 priorities: Holiness, Mission, Catechesis, Formation of clergy and laity, transparency and a more open Church. Four separate Commissions are to be created for Holiness, Mission, Catechesis and Formation. Establishing the Commissions has been a bit challenging but progress is being made. The Catechesis Commission is close to being formed while the Holiness Commission is progressing. Work on the remaining groups will begin soon.

Parish Structures

Discerning our parish structures will begin as soon as quinquennial surveys are carried out on every property. This will complete the information we need.