News

Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol


Bishop of Bristol makes first speech in House of Lords

First published 22nd October 2019

During debate on the Queens Speech on Thursday 17 October, the Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, made her first speech in the House of Lords.


Raising faith

First published 22nd October 2019

Just 50% of children growing up in Christian homes will keep their faith as adults.'Raising Faith Inspire' is an easy-to-run 90minute small group discussion to facilitate parents thinking about how to build faith in their children.


Bishop Viv's Lent book: Saying YES to Life

First published 22nd October 2019

Bishop Viv has chosen Saying Yes to Life by Ruth Valerio as the Diocesan Lent book for 2020. This forms part of a Church of England Lent campaign. Churches are encouraged to use the resources for their Lent courses and the spiritual and practical act


Ugandan Bishops discuss Climate Crisis

First published 16th October 2019

As part of their recent visit to the Diocese, two Ugandan Bishops joined a timely conversation on the climate crisis at Cotham Parish Church.


Growing Faith - what next after Connected 2019?

First published 8th October 2019

At Connected 2019 this year, we focused on the key themes outlined within Growing Faith - a vision set out by the House of Bishops. 


Youth-focused lectionary resource launched

First published 3rd October 2019

One of the glories of the Church of England is its liturgical worship and the patterns, forms and words through which public worship is conducted.


Revd Canon Michael Johnson appointed Acting Dean at Bristol Cathedral

First published 1st October 2019

The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is delighted to announce the appointment of Revd Canon Michael Johnson as the Acting Dean of Bristol Cathedral. It follows the appointment of Very Revd David Hoyle to the Dean of Westminster.


Will Aid 2019

First published 23rd September 2019

The Will Aid 2019 scheme is now live - so book now to get your will written. There are hundreds of Will Aid solicitors taking bookings up and down the country.


Developing Accessibility in the Local Church

First published 23rd September 2019

When we talk about disability and access we often immediately jump to thinking about ramps and accessible toilets. Creating a physically accessible building is of course important but access and inclusion for all involves much more.


Climate Emergency debate at next Diocesan Synod

First published 20th September 2019

The Diocesan Synod meets at the Deanery CE Academy on Saturday 16 November between 9.30am and 3pm. The Synod will be full of discussion and debate.


CAP Sunday - working through debt

First published 20th September 2019

On Sunday 13 October, churches across the Diocese will be hosting CAP Sunday: a special service to invite people to look again at poverty in their community.


Developing Accessibility in the Local Church

First published 18th September 2019

Disability: Access, Inclusion and Participation - Developing Accessibility in the Local ChurchThursday 24 September 7.30pm to 9.00pm at Central (formerly PipnJay).


Free advice for Church treasurers

First published 18th September 2019

Stewardship is offering a free dial-in session is packed with all the latest news and advice, especially for church treasurers. The session, takes place on Wednesday 16 October at 1pm.


Collation and Installation of Neil Warwick as Archdeacon of Bristol

First published 18th September 2019

Ven Neil Warwick was collated and installed as the new Archdeacon of Bristol at a service in Bristol Cathedral earlier this month. Neil, who took up the post in the summer, was joined by colleagues, friends and family.


Parish Officer Training 2019

First published 17th September 2019

Our annual training event for all Churchwardens, PCC Secretaries, PCC Treasurers, Parish Administrators and other such roles is taking place on the morning of Saturday 12 October at Sheldon School, Chippenham. 


Connected conference 2019 - book your place!

First published 17th September 2019

Connected conference 2019. Tuesday 8 October 2019. Connected is a day to equip and encourage ministers, leaders and those who serve in parishes across the Diocese of Bristol.


New LLMs to be licensed this weekend

First published 16th September 2019

This year's LLM Licensing Service takes place at Bristol Cathedral on Saturday 21 September at 10.30am. This is a joyful occasion to which candidates are encouraged to invite their family and friends and members of their local church.


The Orchard

First published 12th September 2019

The story of the Orchard is a gift to small congregations who are seeking to serve God while wondering how to navigate the challenges of diminishing resources. It is designed to be used by small groups and to encourage the growth of faith.


God was nudging me to invite

First published 9th September 2019

As part of the Journey of Invitation remote invitational coaching has been available with Michael Harvey of Unlocking the Growth to help leaders to explore what it means to lead an invitational church.


The Kitchen Table project: Inspiring faith in the home

First published 9th September 2019

Just 50% of children growing up in Christian homes will keep their faith as adults parents and carers are the most important influence on children developing a faith that lasts.


YouVersion Bible App for kids

First published 9th September 2019

YouVersion partnered with OneHope to develop the Bible App for Kids, designing it specifically to engage children with Bible stories on an age-appropriate level. The Bible App for Kids is a free app for Android, Apple, and Kindle devices.


Raising Faith - A livestream event from Care for the Family

First published 9th September 2019

Sign up for the Raising Faith livestream on October 15 from Care for the Family.Join Katharine Hill and Andy Frost from the comfort of your own home as they deliver Raising Faith via livestream.


Deanery Academy welcomes first students

First published 4th September 2019

Pupils have been welcomed to the Deanery Church of England Academy as it opened its door for the first time. The school in Wichelstowe, Swindon, saw 120 Year 7 children arrive for their first lessons on Wednesday morning.


Pattern Church launches afternoon service

First published 30th August 2019

Swindon's Pattern Church is launching a new afternoon service on Sundays. Pattern Church, which launched last December, is adding the 4.30pm service with the aim of attracting young people and those in their 20s.


Grant awarded for research into Messy Churches

First published 30th August 2019

Messy Churches in the Diocese of Bristol are among the congregations to benefit from new research being funded by the Church of England.A grant of 100,000 has been awarded to the Church of Englands Evangelism and Discipleship Team.


Bishop Viv signs open letter on prospect of a 'no-deal' Brexit

First published 28th August 2019

The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, has joined 25 Anglican bishops in signing an open letter on the prospect of a 'no-deal' Brexit and the need for national reconciliation.


Celebrating Bristol NW CAP Debt Centre

First published 22nd August 2019

Celebrating the work of the Bristol NW CAP Debt Centre .


St Johns Parks and Walcot Community Choir

First published 21st August 2019

The parish of Parks and Walcot, Swindon is amongst the 10% most deprived in the country and receives Lowest Income Communities Funding. This has supported them in developing a ministry amongst unchurched women on the estate.


Prayer day at Deanery Academy

First published 20th August 2019

Churches from across the Swindon Deanery joined members of the wider community at the new Deanery CE Academy in Swindon to 'pray in' the school earlier in July.


Marriage registration changes

First published 20th August 2019

The Government plans to introduce a new system of registration for marriages, including church weddings, in England and Wales.


Practical aspects of prayer ministry

First published 20th August 2019

Many churches in the Diocese offer prayer for healing and wholeness for members of their congregation. In some it is offered weekly, some monthly, some occasionally.


Revd Jeremy Andrew announced as Area Dean for Kingswood and South Glos

First published 20th August 2019

The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Jeremy Andrew has been appointed Area Dean of Kingswood and South Glos.


Inspire Youth Pilgrimage

First published 20th August 2019

In May sixteen young people and eight adults from across the Yate and Fromeside Mission Area set off on a 62-mile pilgrimage walking from St Peters Frampton Cotterell to the Cathedral in Sailsbury.


Pop-up prayer space at St Michael's School

First published 16th August 2019

A pop-up Prayer Space was recently created at St Michael's Primary School in Winterbourne by members of St Michael's Church. Jo Strange, Pastoral Family Liaison Minister at the church, looks back on how pupils and staff engaged with it:"This was


Difference. The power of faith in a conflicted world

First published 15th August 2019

Archbishop Justin Welby has a vision for the church to be a reconciling presence in the midst of conflict. Over the last year, he has brought together leading thinkers on reconciliation to create a timely resource that is designed for Christians to e


Bristol Uganda link marks 50 years of friendship with celebration

First published 15th August 2019

This year is the 50th anniversary of the link between the Church of Uganda and the Diocese of Bristol.


Transforming Structural Injustice - Christian responses to poverty

First published 15th August 2019

After ten years of austerity the Life on the Breadline team are exploring Christian responses to poverty. It is the first theological project to explore Christian action on poverty since the global financial crash. 


Kingdom Come: Seeking God's Kingdom in Bristol

First published 15th August 2019

This October, young people from across Bristol will gather together at St Nicholas to seek God at 'Kingdom Come'.


Revd Jeremy Andrew announced as Area Dean for Kingswood and South Glos

First published 14th August 2019

The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Jeremy Andrew has been appointed Area Dean of Kingswood and South Glos.Jeremy has the been vicar in Warmley, Bitton and Syston since 2014 and before that was the vicar of four


Practical aspects of prayer ministry

First published 12th August 2019

Many churches in the Diocese offer prayer for healing and wholeness for members of their congregation. In some it is offered weekly, some monthly, some occasionally. 


Marriage registration changes

First published 12th August 2019

The Government plans to introduce a new system of registration for marriages, including church weddings, in England and Wales. It is anticipated that the new system will replace traditional marriage registers.


Prayer day at Deanery Academy

First published 29th July 2019

Churches from across the Swindon Deanery joined members of the wider community at the new Deanery CE Academy in Swindon to 'pray in' the school earlier in July.The school, which is due to open at the beginning of September, has already been welc


Installation of new canons at Bristol Cathedral

First published 29th July 2019

Revd Dan Tyndall, vicar of St Mary Redcliffe, and Oliver Home, Diocesan Secretary, have been installed as Honorary Canons at Bristol Cathedral.


Bishop Lee celebrates five years cancer-free with sponsored 100-mile bike ride

First published 25th July 2019

Rt Revd Lee Rayfield, Bishop of Swindon, is taking part in a sponsored cycle race next month as he marks five years of being in remission from cancer.


Bishop hears from Extinction Rebellion protesters in Bristol

First published 19th July 2019

The Bishop of Swindon, Rt Revd Lee Rayfield, has been meeting environmental campaigners in Bristol to listen to their views on caring for the planet.


Glastonbury baptism brings message of hope

First published 11th July 2019

God was firmly in the midst of this years Glastonbury Festival. On the main stage Stormzy sang of Grace and, over in the Sanctuary Marquee, 11-month-old Maggie was being baptised in the first infant baptism to be held at the festivals Churches Tent.


Ability Sunday 2019

First published 10th July 2019

Livability is inviting churches to mark out 8 September for Ability Sunday a special day for our communities. Ability Sunday is about running a day of inclusion and participation in your community.


Bidding for Success - securing funding for your church project

First published 9th July 2019

Reports and resources from the day.


Sharing what works

First published 9th July 2019

In September 2017, after much consultation and planning, work got underway on a project to Re-ignite St Andrews in Avonmouth, Bristol.


Uganda Link news

First published 9th July 2019

Uganda Link news


Church & Environment Conference: 14 April 2018

First published 9th July 2019

Diocesan Conference - 14th April 2018


Diocese of Bristol joins Messy Church Discipleship Pilot

First published 5th July 2019

The Diocese of Bristol has been selected by Messy Church UK to take part in an influential pilot project to try out approaches to discipleship in Messy Church. 


Sign up to the Church of England's Digital Charter

First published 4th July 2019

The Church of England is encouraging Christians and churches to sign up to its pledge to make social media and the web a more positive place.


North Wilts Mission Area churches sign covenant

First published 1st July 2019

Members of churches in the North Wilts Mission Area have gathered to celebrate the signing of their covenant. Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield, Bishop of Swindon, spoke at the special service.


Ordinations 2019

First published 28th June 2019

Over the last weekend in June, we will be celebrating the Ordination of 23 people to serve across our Diocese in a variety of contexts. On Saturday, ten candidates will be ordained priest in Bristol Cathedral.


Encouraging Generosity workshops 2019

First published 26th June 2019

The Diocese of Bristol is running a series of workshops across September with a focus on a particular aspect of stewardship, along with an update on Parish Share 2020.


Fresh Expressions: There's an App for that!

First published 26th June 2019

Fresh Expressions are pleased to announce the launch of the new Godsend App.Godsend, which is available to download for free, has been designed as a toolkit to help people to grow new Christian communities with those exploring faith.


Welcoming in the community at St Barnabas Church's Open Day

First published 21st June 2019

Community groups from across North Swindon were invited into St Barnabas Church as part of an open event aimed. Crafts, cakes and a mini train ride were among the treats on offer to the public.


Leaving a Legacy of Faith

First published 20th June 2019

In 2016, almost 800,000 was left in legacies across the Diocese of Bristol, contributing to parish income, financing mission projects, helping to maintain beautiful church buildings and growing faithful communities.


Sign up to Ride+Stride 2019

First published 20th June 2019

Ride+Stride is a sponsored bike ride or walk in which people all over England walk or cycle between churches, exploring and enjoying the countryside from Cornwall to Northumberland.


Diocesan Synod Report - June 2019

First published 20th June 2019

With a Synod that is increasingly engaging enthusiastically and passionately with difficult topics of mission and ministry, members considered how the Church could relate well together.


Very Revd Dr David Hoyle appointed new Dean of Westminster

First published 19th June 2019

Her Majesty The Queen has approved the appointment of Very Revd Dr David Hoyle as the new Dean of Westminster. 


New photo competition could win your church £5,000

First published 13th June 2019

Budding photographers could be in with a chance of winning 5,000 as part of a new competition launched by the UK's leading church insurer.


Connections: Growing Young Leaders

First published 13th June 2019

Church of England Youth Council Sophie Mitchell is keen to see churches invest in helping young people to become leaders.


Kingdom Experimentation

First published 12th June 2019

Experimenting for the Kingdom! Would you be interested in piloting any of the following ideas? Is there one that stands out as being relevant to mission and ministry in your context?


Weekend of Invitation stories

First published 7th June 2019

Share your story of invitation. We would love to hear from you about the invitational events your church hosted during the Weekend of Invitation.


Bristol DAC Awards 2019

First published 7th June 2019

Church building projects across the Diocese have been honoured by the Diocesan Advisory Committee at a special awards ceremony.


Appeal for foster carers from church communities

First published 6th June 2019

Christians in Bristol are being called on to help fill the shortage of foster carers in the city.In 2017-18 over 900 children and young people spent time in care in Bristol.


Hundreds join in with The Noise 2019

First published 6th June 2019

Churches across Bristol partnered with The Noise last month to show their love to the city.


Sharing the gospel through Adventure Church

First published 6th June 2019

Becky Fisher is the Rural Schools and Churches Worker for the eight parishes in the Gauzebrook Group. Here she explains how the countryside around North Wiltshire is helping share about God's kingdom with families:


Celebrating Thy Kingdom Come at Bristol Cathedral

First published 3rd June 2019

Bristol Cathedral was filled with more than 350 people on Sunday night as part of Thy Kingdom Come beacon event. People of all ages and from across denominations came together in unity to encounter Jesus and pray for God's Kingdom to come.


Bishop Viv joins faith communities at Grand Iftar

First published 31st May 2019

The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, has spoken of her determination to see more done to bring communities together as she attended the grand Iftar meal held for the community in Easton, Bristol.She told the crowd of 6,000 people, who had g


Reflections on Archdeacons' Visitations 2019

First published 22nd May 2019

The Archdeacons of Malmesbury and Bristol have had a wonderful couple of weeks, meeting Churchwardens and their clergy around the Diocese.


Become a member of the Diocesan Board of Education

First published 22nd May 2019

The Church of England has a vision for education so that all may have life in all its fullness. The vision describes:educating for wisdom, knowledge and skills.


Chris Russell announced as keynote speaker for Connected 2019

First published 21st May 2019

The speaker for this year's Connected conference has been announced as Revd Chris Russell, Vicar at St Laurence, Reading and Archbishops Adviser for Evangelism and Witness.Chris is the Vicar at St Laurence, where he has been since 2001


Mentors to support churches engaging with schools and colleges

First published 21st May 2019

Thirteen trained Inspire mentors are now available to support churches to explore the ways in which they might engage with, serve and support their local schools or colleges.


Revd Charles Sutton announced as Area Dean for Bristol West

First published 16th May 2019

The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Charles Sutton has been appointed Area Dean of Bristol West.


New Archdeacon of Malmesbury Collation and Installation

First published 8th May 2019

Bristol Cathedral hosted a wonderful celebration at Choral Evensong on Tuesday 7 May 2019 at which the Venerable Christopher Bryan was collated as the Archdeacon of Malmesbury by Bishop Viv and installed as an Honorary Canon of the Cathedral.


Annual Safeguarding Report 2018 published

First published 7th May 2019

The Diocese of Bristol has now published the Safeguarding Annual Report for 2018.


St Nicholas Bristol thanks All Churches Trust

First published 7th May 2019

It has been just over four months since St Nicholas Bristol reopened its doors, following the first phase of refurbishment of a building previously used by Bristol City Council as an archive space.


Archdeacons' Visitations 2019

First published 2nd May 2019

Churchwardens will be gathering this month at seven Visitation services across the Diocese to celebrate and affirm their ministry as they formally take up their offices for another year.


A Prayer for Eastertide

First published 24th April 2019

"Showing the love of Christ to everyone, whoever they are" - Bishop Viv


Free trial of contactless payment device for churches

First published 24th April 2019

GoodBox and Christian Aid are offering churches the opportunity to start offering contactless giving without any cost.The contactless payment provider GoodBox has partnered with Christian Aid for a fundraising initiative, with GoodBox providing


Latest Stewardship and Giving News - May 2019

First published 24th April 2019

Churches, chapels and meeting houses are 'treasure houses' of heritage, history and community.


Fresh prayer stream in Yate and Fromeside

First published 24th April 2019

Yate and Fromeside Mission Area has created a prayer stream over the past months, bringing together eight people from churches across the Mission Area to meet regularly to discuss and implement prayer initiatives.


Revd Canon Dr Simon Taylor returns to Bristol as Director of Ministry Development

First published 21st April 2019

Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is pleased to announce the appointment of Revd Canon Dr Simon Taylor as the new Director of Ministry Development.Simon, who was ordained in Bristol Cathedral in 2002, is returning to the Diocese after seven


Chrism Eucharist 2019

First published 20th April 2019

At this year's Chrism Eucharist, as clergy reaffirmed their vows and the sacred oils were blessed, Bishop Viv spoke of the incarnation of God's word and the incarnation of Good News.


New Keyboard Networker appointed

First published 18th April 2019

Carmen Carrol has been appointed as the new Keyboard Networker with the Keyboard Trust, Churches Together for Greater Bristol and Together 4 Bristol have announced.The Keyboard Trust aims is to promote a culture of racial justice and equality in


Former Bristol church to be taken on by new owner

First published 16th April 2019

Work to restore and give a new use to St Michael on the Mount Without in Bristol will be taken on by Norman Routledge.


Taking SHAPE in Avonside

First published 15th April 2019

Avonside Mission Area has recently completed the Your SHAPE for God's Service sessions produced by the Diocese.


Revd Neil Warwick appointed Archdeacon of Bristol

First published 14th April 2019

Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is delighted to announce the appointment of Revd Neil Warwick as the new Archdeacon of Bristol.


Revd Alison Love announced as Area Dean for North Wilts

First published 12th April 2019

The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Alison Love has been appointed Area Dean of North Wiltshire.


New course to help parishes grow young leaders

First published 10th April 2019

The Diocese of Bristol is committed to engaging with younger generations and to growing leaders of all ages to serve in both the church and the world.


Growing a Dementia Friendly Church Conference

First published 4th April 2019

Dementia Action Week is being celebrated with a day to support churches in continuing their dementia friendly church.


Bishop Viv blesses St Edith's Well during Duke of Kent visit

First published 3rd April 2019

An ancient well dating back to the 10th century has been blessed by the Bishop of Bristol.


Pattern Church receives planning approval

First published 3rd April 2019

In late March 2019, Pattern Church in Swindon received its planning permission from Swindon Borough Council to adapt and convert the old Great Western Railway Pattern Store into a new worship space.


Yate and Fromeside podcast bringing encouragement and hope

First published 1st April 2019

Last Easter, Yate and Fromeside Mission Area started experimenting with podcasting. Nearly one year later it has proven to be a success.


Eco Diocese and Eco Church in the Diocese of Bristol

First published 30th March 2019

Recognising the significant impact of climate change and the part which churches can play in caring for the environment is one of the Five Marks of Mission.


INSPIRE conference: A huge success

First published 28th March 2019

We had an amazing turn-out for our INSPIRE conference in March 2019 with 150 delegates from churches across the Diocese, learning how our churches can be a blessing to schools and colleges.


Creating connections - encouraging progress being made

First published 28th March 2019

To support our diocesan vision and priorities, we have, for the third consecutive year, undertaken a survey to help us understand parish mission and ministry during the year.

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