News

Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol


Bishop Mike becomes Chair of Wycliffe Hall

First published 8th December 2012

Rt Revd Mike Hill has accepted the invitation of the Council of the Oxford theological college, Wycliffe Hall, to become its Chair.


Chancellor rules on Lacock cup

First published 5th December 2012

The Chancellor of the Diocese of Bristol, Revd Justin Gau, has ruled at a Consistory Court held at St Cyriacs Church, Lacock that the parish can sell a piece of silverware known as the Lacock Cup to the British Museum.


MP sees RE makes sense of the world

First published 5th December 2012

The MP for Bristol West, Stephen Williams, visited Bristol Cathedral Choir School in November at the invitation of teachers campaigning for a proper understanding of the value of RE.


Diocese and parishes strengthen links with Uganda

First published 4th December 2012

As Bishop Mike prepares for his next trip to Uganda to attend the enthronement of Bishop Stanley Ntagali as Archbishop of the Province on 16 December 2012.


Diocesan Synod tells Bishops to effect the will of the Church

First published 1st December 2012

The Bristol Diocesan Synod has passed a vote of no confidence in the ability of the General Synod of the Church of England to effect the clear will of the majority of Church members.


Bishop's Letter: Is there any hope for Advent?

First published 28th November 2012

In his message for Advent Bishop Lee highlights the challenge of the season for our discipleship. This is the time of the year I find most challenging to be a follower of Jesus.


This week has been the most difficult I ...

First published 25th November 2012

This week has been the most difficult I think of my ordained life.


Ian Yemm - House of Laity for Bristol Diocese - so what now?

First published 24th November 2012

Well this was quite a week to be a first-timer at the General Synod of the Church of England and the welcome was warm and genuine.


"We are going to need to do a lot of ex...

First published 22nd November 2012

"We are going to need to do a lot of explaining." So said Archbishop Rowan as he helped Synod face up to the implications of Tuesday's vote.


Many of us are still reeling after yeste...

First published 21st November 2012

Many of us are still reeling after yesterdays General Synod vote.


I was just approaching the turn off to S...

First published 20th November 2012

I was just approaching the turn off to Swindon when I heard that the measure to ordain women as bishops had been defeated.


General Synod rejects Women Bishops legislation

First published 20th November 2012

The General Synod has failed to agree legislation that would have enabled women to become bishops in the Church of England.


Revd Janet Marker, 1963-2012

First published 19th November 2012

Revd Janet Marker died last month after a struggle with illness that had been a constant presence though her ordained ministry.


Who would have thought it? Thursday's e...

First published 17th November 2012

Who would have thought it? Thursday's elections for the Police & Crime Commissioners have largely been written off as a 'shambles.'


Re-fuelling rural churches

First published 15th November 2012

The Filling Station, which started in the Diocese of Bristol, is supporting and strengthening local churches in rural areas across the country.


Shoebox theology

First published 13th November 2012

I had the best afternoon for ages today. I was invited down to the Operation Christmas Child collection centre at Christ the Servant church in Stockwood today by my friend and colleague Sue Farrance.


Working together

First published 13th November 2012

The Bristol-Uganda link is committed to working where possible with other partners to maximize the effectiveness of our links.


Church of Uganda welcomes new Archbishop

First published 12th November 2012

8th November 2012. Rev. Canon George Bagamuhunda, the Provincial Secretary for the Church of Uganda, has issued the following statement in response to the appointment of the Rt. Rev. Justin Welby as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.


Bishops delighted at “inspired” choice for Archbishop

First published 9th November 2012

The Bishops of Bristol and Swindon have wholeheartedly welcomed the announcement that Rt Revd Justin Welby will be the next Archbishop of Canterbury.Rt Revd Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, praised Bishop Justin's exceptional experience.


Church support for Scrap Metal Dealers Bill

First published 3rd November 2012

Church of England bishops are calling on MPs to support the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill on 9 November 2012 to curb the epidemic of metal theft that continues to plague churches, war memorials, schools, heritage properties, rail and utility services and even hospitals across the UK.


On November 2nd 1917, 95 years ago today...

First published 2nd November 2012

On November 2nd 1917, 95 years ago today, a piece of history was made which has had a profound impact on world politics ever since.


Ian Tweedie-Smith, Purton

First published 2nd November 2012

Revd Ian Tweedie-Smith was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Purton, west of Swindon, on 17 October 2012.


Howard Jameson, Patchway

First published 2nd November 2012

Revd Howard Jameson is licensed on Wednesday 7 November as Priest-in-Charge of Patchway in north Bristol.Howard writes:


Bishop's Letter; Fit for purpose? Cntd...

First published 28th October 2012

I have always admired those people who make a long-term commitment to living a healthy lifestyle.


Bishop's Letter; Fit for purpose?

First published 28th October 2012

In this months Bishops Letter, Bishop Mike asks how we can apply what we know we need to do in our physical lives to our spiritual lives.


Poetry Emotion

First published 26th October 2012

Poetry Emotion contains a treasure trove of original poems to stimulate a child's observation and deep thinking; to affirm individuality and a sense of belonging; to express a myriad of feelings; and to develop meaningful skills for living.


Primary School Assemblies for Religious Festivals

First published 26th October 2012

Here you will find 37 fun and thoughtful assemblies that celebrate the multi-faith make-up of British schools today.


The prospect of elected Police Commissio...

First published 25th October 2012

The prospect of elected Police Commissioners is not one that fills me with enthusiasm.


Museveni's Prayer

First published 19th October 2012

I wonder how people in the UK would react if David Cameron were to pray a public prayer like this one that President Yoweri Museveni prayed in Namboole as part of the celebrations for 50 years of independence?


Sally Wheeler, Marshfield Benefice

First published 18th October 2012

Revd Sally Wheeler was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Marshfield Benefice on 8 October 2012.Sally writes:


Martin Hancock, Hengrove and Whitchurch

First published 18th October 2012

Revd Martin Hancock was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Christ Church Hengrove and of St Nicholas Whitchurch on 14 and 15 October 2012.


Third of parishes saving money with Parish Buying Scheme

First published 12th October 2012

Parishes throughout the Diocese of Bristol are already saving money by using the Parish Buying Scheme with 65 parishes registered since the service was launched in January.


Further news from Caroline and Sarah in Gulu

First published 11th October 2012

A brief update on our adventures in Uganda...Caroline Yandell and Sarah Thomas are spending 3 weeks in Uganda as part of our Diocesan link.


Stepping out in faith

First published 10th October 2012

Last month saw churches extending an invitation to people in their communities through Back to Church Sunday and as numerous Alpha courses started.


Regular readers will probably have reali...

First published 8th October 2012

Regular readers will probably have realised already that I have very 'low brow' tastes. Not for me the leadership lessons played out in Tolstoy, Shakespeare or Cicero.


Worship on the theme of mental health: a guide for the Church

First published 8th October 2012

The Church of Englands mental health group and Revd Eva McIntyre have teamed up with Time to Change to create a pack for churches, providing ideas and resources for churches to plan worship on the theme of mental health.


I must say I have found it very difficult...

First published 5th October 2012

I must say I have found it very difficult to understand those who call in on radio phone-ins to voice their displeasure at those who have come out and spoken of their abusive experiences in the Jimmy Savile scandal.


Latest news from Caroline and Sarah

First published 3rd October 2012

Caroline Yandell and Sarah Thomas from St Peter's Church, Henleaze are currently spending three weeks in Uganda dividing their time between Mukono and Gulu, half way through their trip they give a brief update.


£17000. That was the cost the patient in...

First published 2nd October 2012

£17000. That was the cost the patient in the bed opposite me had been quoted if he wished to have gone private for his operation.


Bishop's Letter; To sell or not to sell? The messy business of ethical investment

First published 25th September 2012

This month Bishop Lee reflects on the work of the Ethical Investment Advisory Group and the decision to sell shares in News Corporation.


A Community of Brokenness held together in the Hand of God.

First published 24th September 2012

Stories from a working class congregation. This booklet was put together by Joe Hasler to clarify the challenges and strengths of a group of churches and the available leadership in the area.


Harvest ideas for Early Years and Foundation Stage

First published 19th September 2012

A Wet and Windy Harvest for Puddles is a must to support topic work on Harvest celebrations in school or nursery settings.


Climate Change - an alternative view!

First published 17th September 2012

Paul Kerensa, resident comedian with Operation Noah, gives a different take on Climate Change... it makes you think!


Doctor and Lawyer visit Uganda

First published 17th September 2012

Caroline Yandell and Sarah Thomas from Bristol West Deanery are spending three weeks in Uganda building relationships and sharing learning from the 20th September 2012.


Last Sunday I was delighted to join the ...

First published 12th September 2012

Last Sunday I was delighted to join the last morning of the residential weekend which is the start of our new Lay Ministers' Formation Year.


Severnside Churches Celebrate Together

First published 12th September 2012

Old Down Manor opened its doors to the Severnside Churches as they hosted an ecumenical Songs of Praise on 9 September.


Bishop calls to support continued growth

First published 10th September 2012

Halfway through our Diocesan Strategy, our vision of a growing Church is becoming a reality. This month, parishes are being asked to increase their Parish Share giving to support that growth.


Teresa Taylor, Mangotsfield

First published 9th September 2012

Revd Teresa Taylor will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Mangotsfield on Wednesday 19 September.


Linda Fletcher, Park & Walcot

First published 9th September 2012

Revd Linda Fletcher was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Parks and Walcot in Swindon on 16 July 2012.Linda writes:


Sarah Evans, By Brook

First published 9th September 2012

Revd Sarah Evans was licensed as Team Vicar of the By Brook Benefice and Associate Minister of North Wraxall on 12 June 2012.


Bill McDougall, Bradley Stoke

First published 9th September 2012

Revd Bill McDougall was licensed as Priest-in-Charge and Transition Minister of Holy Trinity, Bradley Stoke North on Wednesday 5 September.


New Diocese-sponsored Academy opens in Bristol

First published 6th September 2012

On 2 September, the new Fishponds Church of England Academy in Bristol became the first Academy sponsored by the Diocese, opening its doors for the first year of its new status.


Christian Aid Tax Bus visits College Green

First published 6th September 2012

On Monday 3rd September the Christian Aid Tax Bus stopped off in Bristol.


Apparently, I leak quite badly in meetings...

First published 5th September 2012

Apparently, I leak quite badly in meetings. My new colleague, Becky Waring, is a great observer of human nature and revealed this fact to me after a recent meeting.


Visit to the Diocese of Northern Uganda Gulu

First published 4th September 2012

Keren Lewis visited Gulu in June 2012 as part of the Bristol West Uganda link, she writes: I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit the Diocese of Northern Uganda for 3 days this June.


Bishop Mike supports tax justice campaign

First published 15th August 2012

Bishop Mike joined Bristol's political leaders when they boarded the Tax Justice Bus on Monday 3rd September as it stopped in the city as part of a 53-day tour of the UK and Ireland.


Golden moment for Uganda

First published 13th August 2012

Bristol Uganda Link congratulates Stephen Kiprotich on his outstanding achievement in gaining a Gold medal in the 2012 London Olympic Marathon.


Bishop's Letter: Olympic Dedication

First published 6th August 2012

In this months letter, Bishop Mike reflects on what our Olympic team might have to say to how we approach our church life.


One of the recurring themes of these Oly...

First published 2nd August 2012

One of the recurring themes of these Olympic weeks is the value of being part of a team, being part of a bigger thing than just 'me and my gold medal'.


Bishop's letter: Giving a voice to wonder

First published 28th July 2012

This month Bishop Lee reflects on the significance of awe and wonder in our relationship with God and resisting being conformed by left brain ways of attending to the world.


Young people returning from Uganda with renewed faith

First published 27th July 2012

July 2012 and a group of 13 young people and leaders from St Michael, Stoke Gifford travelled to Mbarara in Uganda as part of the Bristol Uganda Diocesan link.


Creative prayer - 'lectio divina'

First published 25th July 2012

This article from the Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project looks at the practice of 'lectio divina' - a forever fresh way of reading scripture and praying.


New Church of Uganda University in West Ankole

First published 24th July 2012

Plans for a new university which specialises in providing agricultural training are well underway under the leadership of Bishop Yona Katoneene.


Helping young people learn about business and the world

First published 23rd July 2012

Here's a great idea to help young people learn some business skills, support emerging business in the developing world and raise some money for local projects.


Arms Trade Treaty offers hope for a better future in Northern Uganda

First published 19th July 2012

International leaders are currently meeting in New York to try to agree a treaty to regulate the international flow of arms. Rev Willy Akena from Northern Uganda writes movingly of the suffering endured by his people.


Ex-violent gang member shares story of finding freedom. Lydiard Millicent.

First published 17th July 2012

Rob Joy, a 33-year-old former South of England gang member whose violence, crime and drug addiction sent him to prison, will be telling his story and sharing how he found freedom at two free events in Lydiard Millicent this month.


Ugandan visitors light up Bristol West Deanery

First published 16th July 2012

Bristol West Deanery hosted Bishop Johnson Gakumba and two other visitors from the Diocese of Northern Uganda for 18 days in May 2012.


New Micro-Finance initiative in Kitgum

First published 16th July 2012

Five Talentsrecently started a new micro-finance project in Kitgum, North Uganda. Kitgum has been linked to Bristol West Deanery for many years and we have helped to support them through some of the traumas associated with the LRA.


Groups from Bristol visiting Uganda

First published 13th July 2012

Jimmy Rocks, Curate at St Michael's Stoke Gifford, is currently leading a team of young people in Ankole Diocese. They are travelling across the diocese and sharing faith and life in different secondary schools.


Bristol schools competition winners 2012!

First published 28th June 2012

BRISTOL SCHOOLS COMPETITION WINNERS CELEBRATE 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER


Bishop's Letter: Ignorance of the law is no excuse….

First published 25th June 2012

In this month's Bishop's Letter, Bishop Mike asks who should be teaching children right from wrong, what they should be teaching, and what part people of faith have to play.


Models of Partnership

First published 11th June 2012

The attached document provides a brief overview of different ways of working in partnership with other schools to support, amongst other things, sustainability, school improvement and financial stability.


Bishop's letter: Growing the Church ~ From Peru with Love

First published 26th May 2012

This month Bishop Lee describes how the Anglican Church in Peru has been growing and asks what we might learn from them here in the Diocese of Bristol.


Who watches the watchman?

First published 23rd May 2012

Who watches the watchman? This is the motto written on the side of Commander Vimes' truncheon in the Discworld novels written by Terry Pratchett.


Glowing reviews of Uganda Fire 2012

First published 23rd May 2012

The Uganda Fire Choir and Band has been touring the diocese for the last 12 days performing and sharing their faith in in schools and churches.


Persona dolls - Hassan the Muslim and his Mosque

First published 16th May 2012

Persona dolls are a great way to introduce young children to ideas like other religions.


Persona dolls - Malkit the Sikh and his Gurdwara

First published 16th May 2012

Persona dolls are a great way to introduce young children to ideas like other religions.


Persona dolls: Rita the Hindu and her Mandir

First published 16th May 2012

Persona dolls are a great way to introduce young children to ideas like other religions.


Persona dolls - Joe the Jewish boy and his Synagogue

First published 16th May 2012

Persona dolls are a great way to introduce young children to ideas like other religions.


Cafe church in Gloucestershire

First published 14th May 2012

What's so inspiring?....


Outreach in east Bristol

First published 14th May 2012

What's so inspiring? A heart for Jesus and proactive outreach to the local community is delivering growth in attendance, awareness and giving at St. Aidans in east Bristol.


Church and Primary Academy in Westbury-on-Trym

First published 14th May 2012

In Westbury-on-Trym, the parish church and CofE primary school (the first in the diocese to convert to academy status) are working together to provide a distinctively Christian education and ethos for local families.


Yesterday evening I watched 'The Devil ...

First published 2nd May 2012

Yesterday evening I watched 'The Devil wears Prada' - yes, I know I'm a long way behind the rest of the world but I didn't think it would be a film I would enjoy.


Early Years RE - Persona Dolls

First published 29th April 2012

Many teachers speak of the power of having familiar persona dolls in the classroom and the imaginative way in which young children can exercise their curiosity about difference.


Alex Gregory, a year 11 Student from St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School reflects on valuable lesson

First published 27th April 2012

Reflection by Alex Gregory, Year 11, who, along with Georgia Cooke, visited Ikoba February 2012.


Bishop's letter: Redemption and risk

First published 28th March 2012

This month Bishop Lee offers some reflections following his recent accident.Ash Wednesday seems a long time ago.


Bristol Woman to spend 2 years in Mbarara

First published 26th March 2012

Louise Talbot who left the UK for Uganda in March 2012 grew up in Bristol and attended St Alban's, Westbury Park with her parents.


Bishops thank parishes for "playing their part"

First published 26th March 2012

Bishop Mike and Bishop Lee have written to each parish in the Diocese reflecting on what has been achieved for the Kingdom of God in the last year.


The Church School of the Future

First published 25th March 2012

On Friday (23rd March) the Church of England called for church schools to robustly assert their Christian ethos and foundation.


Internet users warned of sex offending risks

First published 25th March 2012

Avid internet users are being warned about the risks and dangers of online surfing in unknown areas.


Hinduism lesson plans for Key Stage 2

First published 23rd March 2012

Download ten lesson plans to coverKS2 Unit 10:What does it mean to belong to a religion? HINDUISM for the Awareness, Mystery and Value agreed syllabus.


Olympics needn't be an Olympic task: advice and resources

First published 22nd March 2012

With the London 2012 fast approaching in July and August, every community will be touched by the Games, and every church can play their part.


Psalm 22.1&7-8; Daily reflections for Lent, Mar 22

First published 22nd March 2012

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?


Key Stage 2 lesson plan: What can we learn from the life and teaching of Jesus?

First published 22nd March 2012

Ten lesson plans to cover KS2 Unit 2: What can we learn from the life and teaching of Jesus? for the Awareness, Mystery and Value scheme of work.


Key Stage 2 lesson plan: How should we live and who can inspire us?

First published 22nd March 2012

Six lesson plans to coverKS2 Unit 9:How should we live and who can inspire us?


Church of Uganda Responds to Kony 2012 Campaign

First published 21st March 2012

Joseph Kony and the LRA left Uganda in 2006 at the beginning of the Juba peace talks and havent been in Uganda for more than five years. Since then, the people of Northern Uganda have been returning to their homes.


Anglican Communion News releases article on Kony Video

First published 16th March 2012

A film detailing atrocities committed by the Northern Uganda rebel leader Joseph Kony has become an Internet sensation, but faith leaders in the region said they fear the production will cause further trauma.


Northern Uganda in the spotlight

First published 15th March 2012

In 2012 Five Talents is investing over 90,000 in a project in Northern Uganda designed to help Ugandans work their way out of poverty through small loans and business advice.


I was chatting with Tim Harle recently, ...

First published 12th March 2012

I was chatting with Tim Harle recently, one of the leaders of the Voyage Leadership Programme, and we were reflecting on how few female writers on leadership there are.


Lent talks address issue of Climate Change

First published 6th March 2012

Rev Andrew Doarks from Bristol South Deanery visited Mbale Diocese in December 2011 and saw for himself the devastating effects of climatic changes on the lives of people in Uganda.

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