News

Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol


Eco parish November update: Seed bombs and solar tiles

First published 18th November 2021

How our local churches have been answering the call to create a just and sustainable world in the Diocese of Bristol recently


Inside the COP26 “Blue Zone”

First published 18th November 2021

Beth John, a longstanding member of Holy Trinity Hotwells, was selected to take part in the Christian Climate Observers Programme at COP26 in Glasgow. Here, she shares her experience with us.


Remembrance Day 2021

First published 11th November 2021

Bishop Viv and Bishop Lee will be attending remembrance events in Bristol and Swindon on Sunday 14 November


Refurbished church holds confirmations in North Wiltshire

First published 10th November 2021

Bishop Lee confirmed eight people during a service at St Peter & St Paul on 7 November


Remembrance Day 2021: Revd Mark Nam laid wreath on Whitehall commemorating Chinese 'forgotten army'

First published 9th November 2021

The Chinese Labour Corp (CLC) was was a force of 140,000 Chinese workers recruited by the British government in the First World War


'A moment of joy and blessing' - confirmations at Westbury Park

First published 5th November 2021

Bishop Viv confirmed two people during a service on 24 October


Bishop of Bristol supports call for mandatory Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting

First published 26th October 2021

Bishop Viv hopes the Church of England might consider participating in a pilot study


COP 26: A critical moment for protecting God's creation

First published 25th October 2021

Diocesan involvement in COP26 and the fight for climate justice


Bishop of Bristol appoints new Diocesan Secretary and CEO

First published 25th October 2021

The Bishop of Bristol and the Chair of the Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance are delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Leaman as the new Diocesan Secretary and CEO. 


Share your good news of God's saving love this Christmas

First published 21st October 2021

Please tell us how you or your church will connect with the Heart of Christmas this year, and be part of the Church of England's Christmas launch 2021


Eco parish October update: Cop26 and Climate Sunday services

First published 20th October 2021

There is so much happening as we move into autumn, celebrate harvest and prepare for a busy season of environmental action - here is just a taster of some of the goings-on across the diocese.


General Synod Election 2021 results

First published 18th October 2021

New General Synod members have been elected to represent the Diocese of Bristol


Prisons Week: By Revd Tricia Roberts, Chaplain at HMP Bristol

First published 12th October 2021

Revd Tricia Roberts writes about HMP Bristol, and makes suggestions on how to pray for the prison. Resources for Prisons Week are also included.


Lay ministers licensed at Bristol Cathedral

First published 8th October 2021

Read the stories of the LLMs who were licensed this year


Ashton Keynes Primary celebrates 150th anniversary

First published 8th October 2021

The school marked the birthday with an official opening of its new learning hub, which was blessed by the Bishop of Swindon


"A very special day" - confirmations at All Saints Clifton

First published 7th October 2021

Bishop Viv confirmed three people during a service on 3 October


Homeless Sunday, 10 October 2021

First published 6th October 2021

On Homeless Sunday, churches and individuals take time to reflect upon homelessness and the issues surrounding homelessness in the UK.


Harvest Festival live - Holy Trinity Westbury on Trym

First published 27th September 2021

The BBC Radio 4 service included a sermon from Revd Canon Dr Martin Gainsborough and worship led by the church choir


Revd Lydia Morey announced as new interim priest-in-charge of St Peter's Penhill and St Philip's Upper Stratton

First published 21st September 2021

Lydia will be working part time in the parishes and part time as a Japanese and Chinese teacher


Renewed and rejoicing - St Mary's Purton finishes Renewal Project

First published 21st September 2021

Almost 200 people came to the open day celebration of the Grade I-listed medieval church


North Swindon celebrates launch of new church, The Well

First published 21st September 2021

The new plant from Pattern Church, Swindon, welcomed over 150 people to its first service on Sunday 12 September


Anti-Slavery Day Services, Sunday 17 October

First published 21st September 2021

Anti-Slavery Day provides a national opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation.


“The transforming power of Jesus Christ working in a new generation” Bishop of Bristol confirms Christians in Horfield

First published 20th September 2021

Bishop Viv confirmed seven young people during a service at Holy Trinity church in Horfield


Holy Trinity Church Kingswood celebrates 200th anniversary

First published 17th September 2021

"Memories were shared, old friends remembered and community renewed as we had fun together in ways that have not been possible for so long" - Revd Beverley Charles


Local teenage author to share powerful life story at Roofbreakers event

First published 15th September 2021

Jonathan Bryan is a disability activist and the author of highly-acclaimed book, ‘Eye Can Write', which tells his powerful story of communicating through his eyes


Advent and Christmas Resources 2021

First published 15th September 2021

‘At the heart of Christmas' is the Church of England's theme for 2021, and a range of digital and print content has now been released.


New canon begins ministry at Bristol Cathedral

First published 24th August 2021

The Revd Jonnie Parkin was installed as Canon Missioner at Bristol Cathedral on Sunday 22 August 2021 at 3.30pm by the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull


How can your church be more mental health friendly?

First published 22nd August 2021

Mental health first aid courses will be available this autumn across Bristol Diocese


New church to serve North Swindon communities

First published 9th August 2021

The Well will hold its first service in a local school this September


Nominations open for General Synod Elections 2021

First published 30th July 2021

Nominations have opened for General Synod, the Church of England's decision-making and governance body, for its next five-year term 2021-2026.


Eco parish summer update

First published 27th July 2021

As the temperature's been rising this month, so has environmental action across the Diocese. This round up shares the latest news.


Bristol Cathedral seeks moon volunteers

First published 21st July 2021

Volunteer guides are needed for the Museum of the Moon this summer


Bristol Diocese provides emergency relief to Ugandan clergy and their families

First published 21st July 2021

Anglican clergy across Uganda are facing food shortages as a result of ongoing Covid-19 lockdowns


Updated Covid-19 Guidance for Churches

First published 20th July 2021

Following the lifting of the majority of legal Covid-19 restrictions on 19 July, the Church of England has updated and streamlined its guidance and documentation.


Compton Greenfield church celebrates 850th anniversary with tree blessing

First published 20th July 2021

A commemorative service in All Saint's churchyard saw Archdeacon Neil Warwick deliver a homily and the congregation come together in worship.


Bishop of Bristol appoints three new Honorary Canons

First published 19th July 2021

The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that three new canons have been appointed for the College of Canons in the Diocese of Bristol.


Revd Sam Sheppard appointed Priest in Charge of Christ Church Hengrove and St Augustine's Whitchurch

First published 19th July 2021

The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Sam Sheppard has been appointed as Priest in Charge of the parishes of Christ Church Hengrove and St Augustine's Whitchurch.


Getting ready for Living in Love and Faith courses this autumn

First published 15th July 2021

The Diocese of Bristol invites parishes and groups to begin preparation for LLF courses in the autumn


Bishop of Bristol appointed new lead bishop for buildings

First published 14th July 2021

The Bishop of Bristol, Vivienne Faull, and the Bishop of Ramsbury, Andrew Rumsey, will jointly take over the role.


Bishops ordain new deacons and priests at Bristol Cathedral

First published 5th July 2021

The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, ordained 22 candidates as priests and deacons during four services at Bristol Cathedral last weekend.


Bishops ordain new deacons and priests in Bristol Cathedral services this weekend

First published 2nd July 2021

The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, will ordain 22 candidates as priests and deacons during four services over the coming weekend.


Bishop of Swindon joins Cathedrals Cycle Route relay

First published 29th June 2021

To launch the Cathedrals Cycle Route, a cycle relay is taking place this summer between each of the 42 Church of England cathedrals.


Crosslight Swindon launches face to face debt advice appointments

First published 22nd June 2021

A collaboration between Pattern Church and Crosslight Advice, Crosslight Swindon has a vision to restore dignity and renew hope to those in need by alleviating poverty and improving financial capability.


Bishop's Address to the Diocesan Synod

First published 22nd June 2021

The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, addresses the Diocesan Synod in June 2021.


Bristol Diocese starts group for disabled people

First published 18th June 2021

The group will begin meeting in July via Zoom


Talks begin on ways of commemorating the lives of those enslaved by Thomas Daniel

First published 18th June 2021

Following a meeting with Gloria Daniel, the Bishop of Bristol and the Dean of Bristol committed to exploring ways of commemorating the lives of those enslaved by Thomas Daniel in those buildings where there are memorials to him.


Thousand-mile climate relay to pass through Bristol Diocese

First published 17th June 2021

More than 400 people have signed up so far to walk or cycle the Youth Christian Climate Network relay due to travel the UK this summer.


Wild Church established in North Wiltshire Mission Area

First published 17th June 2021

Wild Church enables people to worship and engage with God in a fresh way through creation.


Online support space launched for Chinese-heritage clergy

First published 17th June 2021

The Teahouse aims to amplify minority voices within the Church of England and provide community


Thank You Day aims to bring communities together

First published 1st June 2021

The nation's first ever national Thank You Day is happening on Sunday 4 July, to say thank you to all those in our communities who've helped us through the pandemic.


Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust Celebrates 40th Anniversary

First published 1st June 2021

The Trust is aiming to raise an extra £1,000 for each of its 40 years, including Ride+Stride in September, and is publishing Simon Jenkins' 'Favourite Churches of Gloucestershire and Bristol.'


Nominations open for Diocesan Synod Elections 2021

First published 26th May 2021

We are looking for both clergy and lay members; for interested, engaged people from all different backgrounds and with varied experiences, who want to help us become a better diocese.


South Gloucestershire church leads worldwide celebration of unique invention

First published 20th May 2021

This June, churches around the world will mark the 200th anniversary of the Ellacombe Chimes, invented at St Mary's Church in Bitton


Bishop of Bristol's speech in House of Lords May 2021

First published 18th May 2021

On Monday 17 May in the House of Lords, the Lord Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, made a speech in response to the Queen's speech.


Eco parish May update: art around the themes of faith and climate crisis

First published 17th May 2021

Hazelnut Community Farm awarded £2,000 grant to create mobile art exhibition which reflects theologically on the climate crisis


Diocese of Bristol welcomes new guidance to help address questions of ‘contested heritage'

First published 11th May 2021

The guidance for parishes and cathedrals addresses concerns over memorials with links to slavery and other ‘contested heritage'.


Diocese of Bristol participates in Messy Church research study

First published 6th May 2021

Findings released from national research into non-traditional church gatherings


Living in Love and Faith introductory conferences in May

First published 29th April 2021

The Diocese of Bristol is hosting two online conferences in May to begin its collective engagement with LLF. 


Over 2,200 people join the conversation for Transforming Church. Together

First published 28th April 2021

A huge thank you to everyone in the region who has helped us shape our vision and priorities for the coming years.


Diocese divests from fossil fuel companies

First published 27th April 2021

The Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance is divesting from fossil fuel companies, and commits to its investments remaining free of holdings in coal, oil and gas in future.


Three parishes awarded Culture Recovery Fund grants

First published 27th April 2021

Three parishes in the diocese have been awarded grants as part of the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund.


Post-lockdown boost for St Sampson, Cricklade

First published 22nd April 2021

St Sampson Church, Cricklade, is to share in a funding payout from the National Churches Trust to fund repairs.


From Lament to Action: Archbishops' Anti-Racism Taskforce report

First published 22nd April 2021

The Diocese of Bristol welcomes the Archbishops' Anti-Racism Taskforce's report and supports call for urgent change. 


A statement from the Bishop of Bristol

First published 21st April 2021

The Bishop of Bristol's statement regarding the BBC Panorama programme Is the Church Racist? aired on 19 April 2021.


Faith manifesto launched for Bristol mayoral elections

First published 19th April 2021

Bristol Diocese is part of a multi-faith group that has released a faith manifesto in the lead-up to the Bristol mayoral election this May.


New registrar for Bristol Diocese

First published 19th April 2021

The Bishop of Bristol has appointed Lee Coley as the next Diocesan Registrar and legal advisor to the Bishop and Diocese of Bristol.


Remembering His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh

First published 9th April 2021

A message from the Bishop of Bristol on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip


An Easter message from the Bishop

First published 4th April 2021

This sermon was given by Bishop Viv on Sunday 4 April 2021 at Bristol Cathedral.


Bristol Diocese Maundy Nominations 2021

First published 1st April 2021

The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Rev'd Vivienne Faull, nominated John Bishop and Jean James from the Diocese of Bristol to receive Maundy money at this year's service.


Holy Week 2021: from darkness to light

First published 25th March 2021

Holy Week this year takes us from loss to a new dawn.


Pattern Church opens debt advice centre

First published 24th March 2021

The centre is offering telephone appointments until Covid restrictions ease.


Eco parish March update: wildflowers and electric cars

First published 24th March 2021

Environmental news from parishes in the diocese


New digital platform launched by Parish Giving Scheme

First published 24th March 2021

Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) launches a new online giving platform for churches.


Ten years of the Bristol North West Foodbank

First published 24th March 2021

A message from Foodbank Manager Emma Murray.


Over 1,000 people complete 'Transforming Church. Together' questionnaire

First published 24th March 2021

An update on 'Transforming Church. Together', our open conversation with the region which ends on 16 April 2021.


Bristol Remembers: one year on

First published 16th March 2021

One year since England went into a national lockdown, Bristol takes a moment to remember and reflect, with a new film and shared reflection.


Guide to using new Parish Giving Scheme website

First published 16th March 2021

Summary of steps to take to set up online giving through the Parish Giving Scheme


Edward Jenner and vaccination: then and now - Synod Address

First published 16th March 2021

The Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol delivers an address about vaccination at the Diocese of Bristol Synod, 13 March 2021.


Workshops announced to gather views from everyone in the region

First published 10th March 2021

The diocese is running open workshops during March and April as part of 'Transforming Church. Together'.


International Women's Day in the Diocese of Bristol

First published 8th March 2021

The diocese invites everyone to share their stories of women in the diocese who have inspired them


Next priest-in-charge announced of the Upper Thames Benefice

First published 7th March 2021

The Bishop of Bristol is delighted to announce that the Revd Canon Debbie Dewes will be the next priest-in-charge of the Upper Thames Benefice.


Lunar New Year: A banquet for all

First published 3rd March 2021

Revd Mark Nam reflects on radical Christian hospitality


Eco parish February update: rain gardens and toilet twinning

First published 22nd February 2021

Environmental news from parishes in the diocese


St Luke's Barton Hill expands food provision scheme for Lent

First published 18th February 2021

The goods provided will include craft and cooking activities for children, household items and food


Lent during the pandemic: how churches and Christians are marking lent this year

First published 17th February 2021

A number of churches across the diocese are distributing ‘Lent in a bag' as a way for people to journey through Lent at home.


'Be thankful, choose justice, and look for God's presence' - a homily for Ash Wednesday 2021

First published 17th February 2021

A homily for Ash Wednesday delivered by Revd Simon Taylor


'Let us lose our lives to end the structural sin that is racism' - a sermon for Racial Justice Sunday 2021

First published 15th February 2021

The Revd Canon Dr Martin Gainsborough, Chaplain to the Bishop of Bristol, delivered delivers a sermon on Racial Justice Day 2021


Transforming Church. Together.

First published 3rd February 2021

The Church of England in the region invites everyone to join a conversation about their future.


The Beacon on the Hill celebrates 170th Anniversary of Christ Church Swindon

First published 25th January 2021

The book provides a comprehensive study of how this historic place of worship ties into the growth and development of Swindon itself.


Covid-19 Update: adapting in times of adversity

First published 22nd January 2021

Since the most recent lockdown was announced, some churches have made the difficult decision to close their buildings and offer digital services only until restrictions ease


Lent and Holy Week 2021

First published 21st January 2021

#LiveLent 2021: God's Story, Our Story


Rev'd Steve Wilkinson announced as new Area Dean of North Wiltshire Deanery

First published 21st January 2021

The Bishop of Bristol is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev'd Steve Wilkinson as the new Area Dean of North Wiltshire Deanery.  


New checklist to help bring your church's carbon emissions to net zero

First published 21st January 2021

This 'Practical Path to Net Zero checklist' helps you to create a clear and simple action plan to reduce the carbon footprint of your building.


Five Must-Do Giving Ideas for 2021

First published 19th January 2021

At the start of 2021, here are some ideas to give your parish finances a boost!


Parish Giving Scheme set to launch online platform in March

First published 18th January 2021

This year, the Parish Giving Scheme is making exciting strides in developing the new online giving service that will enable donors to set up regular giving via their website.


Uganda 2020 Appeal raises over £30,000

First published 18th January 2021

We are delighted to announce that the Bishop's Christmas Appeal for Uganda in 2020 raised £33,326 for the Archbishop of Uganda's Emergency Fund.


Rev Runned Challenge raises almost £6,000

First published 14th January 2021

Rev'd Dr Janet Anderson-MacKenzie ran the overall distance of a marathon to raise money for the Lidbrook Group of Churches in Wiltshire, of which she is the Priest in Charge.


Dr Stephanie Hayton appointed as Adviser for Lay Ministry and Warden of Readers.  

First published 14th January 2021

The role of the Adviser for Lay Ministry is to encourage and develop good practice in all kinds of lay ministry in the Diocese of Bristol.


Rev'd Melanie Otto announced as Priest in Charge of St Agnes and St Anne's

First published 11th January 2021

The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Rev'd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Rev'd Melanie Otto will be the new Priest in Charge of the churches of St Agnes and St Anne's.


Cultural Recovery Fund for Heritage: Second Round

First published 7th January 2021

The second round of the government's Cultural Recovery Fund for Heritage launches on 7 January 2021.

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