News

Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol


Bishop Viv to license our latest Lay Members at Bristol Cathedral tomorrow!

First published 7th October 2022

Tomorrow, Saturday 8 October, several of our lay members will be licensed at Bristol Cathedral by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol. Please read their stories.


Bishop Viv to license our latest Lay Members at Bristol Cathedral tomorrow!

First published 7th October 2022

Tomorrow, Saturday 8 October, several of our lay members will be licensed at Bristol Cathedral by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol. Please read their stories.


Bishop Viv to license our latest Lay Members at Bristol Cathedral tomorrow!

First published 7th October 2022

Tomorrow, Saturday 8 October, several of our lay members will be licensed at Bristol Cathedral by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol. Please read their stories.


Statement from Bishop of Bristol & Executive Summary - Past Case Review 2

First published 6th October 2022

Please read our statement from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol and our Executive Summary for Past Case Review (PCR2).


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.


Special weekend of ordination celebrations for our Priests and Deacons!

First published 4th July 2022

The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol ordained 18 candidates as Priests and Deacons at very moving ordination celebrations at Bristol Cathedral last weekend.


Please continue to pray for those to be ordained this weekend

First published 30th June 2022

The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, will ordain 20 candidates as priests and deacons at Bristol Cathedral over the coming weekend.


Congratulations to Christopher and Wayne who have been ordained

First published 1st October 2022

A huge congratulations to Christopher Hunter and Wayne Callum who were ordained as Priest and Deacon at the stunning Bristol Cathedral by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol on Thursday. Please pray for them .


Practical Guidance for Parishes - How to save money and energy

First published 29th September 2022

Please read this latest guidance on how to save money and energy in your parishes and churches.


Bishop’s address to Synod – 7 September 2022

First published 29th September 2022

Please read Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull's address to Synod on 7 September 2022.


Join us at our special workshop next week!

First published 28th September 2022

Join our special workshop at St Paul's Church in Chippenham and find out how to support people from Hong Kong who are settling in Bristol


Invitation to racial justice events with the Rt Hon. Lord Paul Boateng!

First published 23rd September 2022

Find out more about two events being run by The Rt Hon. Lord Paul Boateng and Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng on 5th October 2022 and book your place now!


Invitation to a Church Development Tool Webinar

First published 23rd September 2022

You are invited to take part in a Church of England webinar next week to find out more about the Church Development Tool which is now open and available for all churches to use via A Church Near You. 


Congratulations to The Revd Canon Dr Andrew Braddock on his new appointment

First published 23rd September 2022

Canon Andrew, 51, is currently the Interim Dean of Gloucester and will take up the role of Dean of Norwich at the end of January.


Congratulations wishes from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol

First published 23rd September 2022

Congratulations to the Bishop of St Albans, Alan Smith, who has been appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury as Convenor of the Lords Spiritual.


Event Cancelled - 'Walk of Witness Bristol City Slave Trail'.

First published 22nd July 2022

This event has been cancelled


A Prayer from the Bishop of Bristol - Proclamation of King Charles III

First published 12th September 2022

Please find below, a prayer from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol on the proclamation of King Charles III.


From Rt Revd Vivienne Faull - The Death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

First published 8th September 2022

It is with deep sadness that I have heard of the death this evening of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.


You're invited to our Environment Workshop at 7pm on Tuesday 11 October 2022

First published 1st September 2022

The UK climate in 2050 is going to look quite different to how it is now. We will be facing hotter summers, more wet winters, more extreme storms and multiple other changes.


11 people will be licensed as Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) in October

First published 31st August 2022

LLMs have been trained and authorised to teach the faith, offer Christian leadership, and enable mission. They live out their faith in communities, churches and workplaces.


Congratulations to Suzanne Grindrod - the new Priest in charge of Draycot

First published 31st August 2022

Congratulations to Suzanne Grindrod who has been appointed as the new Priest in charge of the Draycot Benefice within the North Wiltshire Mission Area.


New resource released for hosting warm spaces 

First published 15th August 2022

The Diocese of Bristol has just released a short resource to help churches to host warm spaces through the coming winter.


New curacy opportunity with the Woodbridge Group of Churches!

First published 26th August 2022

Find out more about our new curacy opportunity with the Woodbridge Group of Churches Now!


Bristol Cathedral's new exhibition, #AllGodsChildren, is now open!

First published 26th August 2022

Why not visit to find out more about the Cathedral’s connections to the transatlantic trade of enslaved people and have your say about what the Cathedral should do next.


Greenways Benefice Profile for 2023 Curacy Opportunity

First published 25th August 2022

An exciting opportunity awaits the right person to serve their curacy in the Greenways Benefice, Chippenham, Wiltshire.


Good luck to everyone receiving their GCSE results today!

First published 25th August 2022

We hope and pray you receive the results you are hoping for from Bishop Viv and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol!


Apply for your FREE contactless device before the 7th September deadline!

First published 24th August 2022

Does your church offer contactless giving yet? If not, now is the time to apply before the deadline of 7th September 2022.


Revd Janet Lee appointed as new link coordinator for the Bristol West Deanery

First published 22nd August 2022

Having grown up in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and been involved with the Bristol Uganda link for several years, Revd Janet Lee has recently been appointed as the new link coordinator for the Bristol West Deanery.


Remembering The Reverend Hilary Blancharde who has sadly died aged 74

First published 18th August 2022

Remembering The Reverend Hilary Blancharde, who was the assistant priest at Holy Trinity Church, Horfield in Bristol and has sadly died after a year’s illness with cancer.


United Church in Longwell Green celebrates 40th anniversary of Local Ecumenical

First published 17th August 2022

The congregation of United Church in Longwell Green will commemorate the coming together of the two churches with a 40th anniversary celebration on Sunday 11th September.


Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Mothers' Union

First published 15th August 2022

Last weekend on 14 August, there was a service to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Mothers' Union at St Philip the Deacon in Stratton.


St Marys & St James Lockleaze named as top community place

First published 1st August 2022

The initial findings report was produced by Royal Mencap Society Community Partners after an engagement project with a questionnaire and 32 ‘Community Conversations'.


Mission and Ministry in a Time of Trauma lecture now available to watch online

First published 29th July 2022

A Zoom conversation on 9 June, led by Rhona Knight and Revd Dr Simon Taylor.


Remembering Roy Hackett OBE, a Civil Rights Pioneer who has sadly died aged 93

First published 5th August 2022

Remembering Roy Hackett OBE, a Civil Rights Pioneer who has sadly died aged 93 by Rashida Hartley, Racial Justice Project Officer


Dr Ruth Valerio announced as keynote speaker for upcoming environment conference

First published 12th August 2022

We are pleased to announce Dr Ruth Valerio as the keynote speaker for our upcoming conference: Creation Restored: Ministry in a time of Climate Crisis


Stunning views for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta!

First published 12th August 2022

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is now well underway with lots of fun for all the family until Sunday so why not check out their website for full details!


Get your tickets to Creation Restored: Ministry in a time of Climate Crisis

First published 14th July 2022

Join us on Saturday 17 September at Pattern Church Swindon for an inspiring and challenging day for all in church leadership - lay, ordained, youth or environmental!


Ali Rowe reflects on her old and new role with the Bristol Uganda link

First published 11th August 2022

Ali Rowe has been involved with the Diocese of Bristol link with Uganda for over 10 years. After acting as the link coordinator for the Bristol West Deanery for several years, she is now leaving the role to become the link coordinator for the Kingswood and South Gloucestershire Deanery.


Rashida Hartley, Racial Justice Officer reflects on ‘Lament to Action' workshop

First published 21st July 2022

Rashida Hartley, Racial Justice Officer for the Bristol Diocese, reflects on ‘Lament to Action' workshop at Sarum College.


Holiday at Home activity day at St Michael's Church in Stoke Gifford

First published 28th July 2022

More than 70 people attended the fun-filled activity day held at St Michael's Centre last week on Thursday 21 July.


New resources released for Christians Against Poverty Sunday 2022

First published 11th August 2022

​​​​​​​New resources have been launched, from debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty, to help churches respond to UK poverty.


Bristol churches featured on BBC article during heatwave

First published 11th August 2022

Last month, St Augustine of Canterbury in Even Swindon and St Paul's Church in Southville were featured on a BBC article, after they kept their buildings open during the July heatwave. 


2022 Bristol Clergy Conference: “Restoring our Soul”

First published 11th August 2022

The Bishop of Bristol, The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is hosting a 3-day conference for licensed clergy in the Diocese of Bristol at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick on 11 to 13 October


Bishop Viv shares good news from the Lambeth Conference

First published 1st August 2022

Bishop Viv shares good news from the Lambeth Conference.


Welcome to Esther Williams, our new Safeguarding Caseworker

First published 8th August 2022

A huge welcome to Esther Williams who has joined us recently as a Safeguarding Caseworker.


We're excited for this year's Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - are you?

First published 4th August 2022

This incredible event which is taking place from 11th to 14th August attracts over 100 hot air balloons and 500,000 visitors over the four days.


A huge well done to Bishop Lee for completing his charity cycle - please keep donating!

First published 3rd August 2022

A huge well done to Bishop Lee for completing his charity cycle - please keep donating!


Congratulations to The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, the next Dean of York

First published 2nd August 2022

Congratulations to The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, the next Dean of York


Bishops of Bristol and South Sudan exchange rings of reconciliation at the Lambeth Conference

First published 2nd August 2022

Bishops of Bristol and South Sudan exchange rings of reconciliation at the Lambeth Conference


Does your church offer contactless giving yet?

First published 14th July 2022

Does your church offer contactless giving yet? If not, now is the time to consider it, as the Diocese of Bristol receives dozens of heavily subsidised contactless devices to pass on to churches across the region.


Bristol Churches City Fund: Funding for St Lukes Barton Hill

First published 25th March 2019

The Bristol Churches City Fund was set up in early 2018 to enable churches and individuals to demonstrate "extreme generosity", over and above their normal giving, in support of projects related to homelessness; refugees; food poverty; and debt support.


Dauntsey Doom Board art lecture now available to watch online

First published 7th July 2022

A lecture given at St James the Great, Dauntsey, Wiltshire, England on 15th June 2022 by Revd Dr Simon Taylor.


Congratulations to Reverend Kat Campion-Spall, who will become Rector Designate of Bristol Harbourside Churches

First published 29th July 2022

Congratulations to Reverend Kat Campion-Spall.


Spear Bristol supports over 40 young people to re-enter work or education since January launch

First published 21st July 2022

Spear Bristol launched in January 2022 and has since supported 43 young people aged 16 - 24 across Bristol.


Mental Health Wellbeing Sunday at Holy Trinity Westbury on Trym

First published 22nd July 2022

On the 19 June, there was a focus across all services and in Sunday Club on Mental Health Wellbeing at Holy Trinity Westbury on Trym.


Welcome to Bristol Amal - it was great to meet you!

First published 1st July 2022

During Refugee Week at the end of June, Little Amal came to Bristol and walked from the Old Vic Theatre to the harbourside, meeting hundreds of people along the way.


Swindon Food Collective officially opens new food distribution centre

First published 8th July 2022

Swindon Food Collective opened a new food distribution centre at St Timothy's, Dorcan Church on 8 July.


Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol enjoys visiting students at Hodgkin House!

First published 5th July 2022

Bishop of Bristol really enjoyed talking to the international students about where they are from and hearing all their exciting stories before they start their studies in Bristol.


Bishop of Swindon gets on his bike to raise as much money as possible to give a special Christmas gift

First published 18th July 2022

Being poorly with covid recently, didn't stop Bishop of Swindon, Dr Lee Rayfield from getting on his bike once again to take on a huge fundraising challenge, cycling some 881 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats.


Deadline approaches for church energy footprint tool

First published 14th July 2022

The Energy Footprint Tool allows all churches around the country to enter their utility bills and find out their "carbon footprint".


2,500 local residents gather for annual Pinehurst Fun Day to celebrate community

First published 21st July 2022

The Pinehurst Fun Day has been running for 20 years but was unfortunately cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. On Saturday 16 July, over 2,500 local residents gathered to celebrate the return of the fun day!


Informative session for Licensed Lay Ministers

First published 20th July 2022

Our Licenced Lay Ministers had a very informative session with John Pearce from Pearce Funeral Services recently about what is not allowed in the coffin at the crematorium.


Y12 student reflects on his experience of supporting his church an Eco Church

First published 14th July 2022

Aidan, a student at a Chippenham secondary school, reflects on his experience of helping his church become an Eco Church.


Appointment of the Church of England's new permanent national director of safeguarding

First published 19th July 2022

Alexander Kubeyinje has been appointed as the Church of England's new permanent national director of safeguarding.


Ice-cream for the hottest day of the year so far!

First published 18th July 2022

How do you cool down on the hottest day of the year so far? Eat delicious ice-cream of course and that's exactly what our Diocesan Support Services staff staff did today thanks to Mr Sav.


“Don't Bank on Plastics!” urge campaigners this Plastic Free July

First published 7th July 2022

This Plastic Free July, Christian charity ECCR is asking individuals to contact their bank about the global plastic crisis.


First Gold Eco Church award in the Diocese

First published 14th July 2022

We are thrilled to celebrate with Hazelnut Community Farm, as they become the first church in the Southwest to receive a Gold Eco Award


General Synod July 2020 report

First published 14th July 2020

Sophie Mitchell, a member of General Synod, reflects on Saturday's Synod, conducted over Zoom!


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.


Congratulations to new Suffragen Bishop of Hull in the Diocese of York

First published 4th July 2022

Congratulations to the Right Reverend Doctor Eleanor Sanderson who has been appointed as Suffragan Bishop of Hull in the Diocese of York


Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sharon's Story

First published 1st July 2022

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sharon's Story


Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Wanda's Story

First published 1st July 2022

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Wanda' Story


Training course for churches offering spiritual care to older people

First published 30th June 2022

BRF is delighted to introduce a groundbreaking course to help churches equip leaders and members for ministry to older people.


Don't forget to enter the Church Architecture Awards!

First published 31st May 2022

Applications are open for the 2022 Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association/National Churches Trust UK Architecture Awards. Awards are for repair and conservation work and for new buildings, re-orderings and extensions.


Huge welcome to our new Vicar at St Mary's Church in Shirehampton

First published 18th June 2022

Revd Alison Sowton will be joining St Mary's Church in Shirehampton as their new vicar and Missioner for Life Events in the Avonside Mission Area.


Congratulations to Jordan Ling for her appointment as Diocesan Advisor for Clergy Wellbeing

First published 27th June 2022

Jordan Ling has recently been appointed as Diocesan Advisor for Clergy Wellbeing after a very successful secondment since March this year.


Welcome to Rashida Hartley who has joined the Diocese and is flying the flag for racial justice

First published 28th June 2022

Rashida Hartley has recently been appointed as Diocesan Racial Justice Officer on a one-year fixed term contract, working 14 hours a week on Thursdays and Fridays. 


A huge congratulations to St John the Baptist Church and residents in Colerne for winning a SILVER AWARD

First published 27th June 2022

A huge congratulations to St John the Baptist Church and residents in Colerne for winning a SILVER AWARD!


Synod Presidential Address by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull

First published 12th June 2022

You are now able to read Bishop of Bristol's Presidential Address at the most recent Diocesan Synod on Saturday 12 June.


Huge congratulations to the winners of our Bristol DAC 2020-2022

First published 10th June 2022

A huge thank you to everyone who attended our Bristol DAC Awards for 2020-2022 at Christ Church Downend on 9 June, and congratulations to winners!


Brand new small group resource gives VIP welcome to those choosing to build a new life in UK

First published 30th June 2022

An interactive six-week course has just been released to help churches welcome new arrivals in the UK from Hong Kong.


Celebrate and Sing - Rural Schools Festival

First published 24th June 2022

If you were visiting Malmesbury Abbey on Thursday 26 May you may have been surprised to encounter the first ever Rural Schools Festival in North Wiltshire!


Encouraging response to Parish Share survey

First published 24th June 2022

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our Parish Share survey!


Swindon Food Collective open two new distribution centres

First published 24th June 2022

The Swindon Food Collective are opening two new distribution centres today, on Friday 24 June 2022 in an effort to take food to those in need in the wider community.


New Exploring Christianity module starting in September

First published 24th June 2022

A course to deepen faith, explore the Christian tradition and equip for ministry.


Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Joshua's Story

First published 30th June 2022

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Joshua's Story


Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Sarah's Story

First published 29th June 2022

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Sarah's Story


Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Nicola's Story

First published 28th June 2022

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Nicola's Story


National Church Awards open

First published 24th June 2022

The first ever National Church Awards to celebrate churches and the people who use and look after them are now open for entries.


Continuing Ministerial Development summer programme continues

First published 24th June 2022

We are now halfway through our Continuing Ministerial Development Summer 2022 Programme, but there are still opportunities to get involved!


Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Caroline's Story

First published 27th June 2022

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Caroline's Story


Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Ruth's Story

First published 26th June 2022

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Ruth's Story


Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Diane's Story

First published 25th June 2022

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Diane's Story


Tickets on sale now for heart warming theatre production at St Matthew's Church!

First published 24th June 2022

Tickets on sale now for heart warming theatre production at St Matthew's Church.


Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Chris's Story

First published 24th June 2022

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Chris's Story


Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Anton's Story

First published 23rd June 2022

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Anton's Story


Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Melanie's Story

First published 23rd June 2022

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Melanie's Story


Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sarah's Story

First published 21st June 2022

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sarah's Story


Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Julie's Story

First published 19th June 2022

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Julie's Story


Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful dads

First published 19th June 2022

Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful dads, we hope you have a lovely day with your precious children.

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