Scotland’s Catholic bishops have made history by appointing Luisa Campbell as the first woman and first layperson to serve as General Secretary of the Bishops Conference of Scotland. The announcement came in November 2025, with Campbell set to start in February 2026, bringing her mix of business leadership and church service to the role.
This move marks a big step for women in church leadership. Campbell replaces Father Gerry Maguiness, who held the post for six years.
Who Is Luisa Campbell
Luisa Campbell grew up in the Diocese of Galloway. She has lived in the Archdiocese of Glasgow and the Diocese of Aberdeen.
She holds masters degrees in engineering and business administration. Her career spanned nearly 40 years in industry.
Campbell rose to chief executive of a Scottish company. She led it for over two decades.
Her work covered leadership, governance, strategy, finance, mergers, acquisitions, and organizational growth. She also served as a trustee for charities and a pension scheme.
In her church life, Campbell has volunteered in youth programs, parish administration, liturgy, evangelization, adult faith formation, and finance. She retired early in 2020 to focus on church work.
Her New Role and Reactions
Campbell expressed excitement about the position. She looks forward to serving the bishops by blending her church and business experience.
Bishop John Keenan of Paisley, who leads the conference, praised her appointment. He noted her loyal service to parishes and dioceses.
Keenan highlighted her contributions in the wider world. He said the bishops are eager to work with her for the church in Scotland.
The bishops thanked Father Maguiness for his effective leadership. He now serves as parish priest in Cambuslang.
This appointment follows a trend of increasing lay involvement in church administration. It aligns with Pope Francis calls for more roles for women and laity.
Why This Matters for the Church
The role of General Secretary involves coordinating the bishops work. This includes policy, administration, and public engagement.
Campbell’s business background could bring fresh ideas to church operations. Experts say this might improve efficiency and outreach.
In Scotland, the Catholic Church faces challenges like declining attendance and secular trends. Her experience might help address these issues.
This is not the first such move globally. Other countries have seen similar appointments.
Here are some key examples:
- Germany appointed Beate Gilles as the first female general secretary in 2021.
- Slovenia named Sister Marija Simenc in 2023.
- These steps show a slow shift toward gender balance in church roles.
The appointment comes amid broader discussions on women in the Catholic Church. Recent surveys show growing support for expanded roles.
A 2025 study on UK clergy revealed one third of Catholic priests are converts from Anglicanism, highlighting diverse backgrounds in leadership.
Background on the Bishops Conference
The Bishops Conference of Scotland includes leaders from eight dioceses. They meet regularly to handle church matters.
The group focuses on education, social justice, and family life. It also represents the church in public debates.
Campbell’s role will support these efforts. She starts as the church prepares for events like the 2025 Jubilee.
| Key Facts About Luisa Campbell | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Masters in Engineering and Business Administration |
| Career Highlight | CEO of Scottish business for 20+ years |
| Church Involvement | Youth work, liturgy, evangelization, finance |
| Start Date | February 2026 |
| Predecessor | Father Gerry Maguiness |
This table shows her strong qualifications. Her dual expertise sets her apart.
Looking Ahead
Campbell’s appointment could inspire more women to take church roles. It reflects changing times in Scotland’s Catholic community.
As she steps in, the church might see new strategies for growth. This includes better use of business practices in nonprofit settings.
The move ties into global church trends. For instance, the US bishops elected new leaders in November 2025, focusing on similar themes.
Readers, what do you think about this historic appointment? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word on social media to keep the conversation going.
