News

Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol


Rebecca Cross talking about Mental Health Awareness Week 2022

First published 13th May 2022

Rebecca Cross from the Diocese of Bristol talking about Mental Health Awareness Week 2022.


New Mothers' Union Bristol president Jacky Fredrickson to be commissioned at St Mary's Yate

First published 11th May 2022

”The Mothers' Union has transformed my life”, says Jacky


Join in for Art Wednesdays in June and July!

First published 3rd May 2022

Everyone is welcome to take part in a series of evening art sessions which are taking place on several Wednesdays in June and July.


Happy Eid Mubarak to our Muslim communities

First published 2nd May 2022

A special Eid message from Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol.


Bristol church representatives come together to debate contested heritage

First published 29th April 2022

Representatives from churches with historical connections to the Transatlantic Slave Trade were invited to a meeting at Bristol Cathedral earlier this week.


Bristol Diverse Doors Open Day takes place next month!

First published 25th April 2022

Bristol Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF) is organising this year's Bristol Diverse Doors Open Day on Sunday 8 May from 9.30am to 5pm


60 chocolate eggs donated to the Bristol North West Food Bank

First published 25th April 2022

Easter eggs donated to Bristol North West Food Bank


Join the launch of the ‘Talking Jesus 2022 Report'

First published 20th April 2022

You're invited to the ‘Talking Jesus 2022' report launch on Thursday 28th April at 2.00pm and 7.30pm to discover the results of ground-breaking research answering what people think of Jesus, Christians, and evangelism in the UK today.


St Augustine's Church, Swindon marks National Day of Reflection with stunning dove artwork

First published 20th April 2022

More than 2000 paper doves are now flying high inside St Augustine's Church, Swindon to mark the recent National Day of Reflection on 23rd March.


Submit your application to the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust NOW!

First published 20th April 2022

The end of April deadline for applications to the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust for repairs and improvement projects is rapidly approaching!


Mousefest raises £1,000 for St Mary's Church in Bitton

First published 20th April 2022

Last month, St Mary's Church in Bitton held a two day exhibition with a difference to raise as much money as possible for their Development Programme.


Holy Week and Easter engagements at Bristol Cathedral

First published 15th April 2022

We have a number of events and engagements taking place at Bristol Cathedral and everyone is very welcome!


Clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers gather for annual Maundy Thursday renewal of vows

First published 15th April 2022

On Thursday 14 April, Clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers gathered for the annual Maundy Thursday renewal of vows at Bristol Cathedral.


Transforming Church update - working groups and draft strategy

First published 28th March 2022

Diocesan Synod votes in favour of the draft strategic plan


"I believe we will see more young people in our churches again" - meet youth leader Lydia Chancellor

First published 21st March 2022

Lydia is the new Youth and Children's Missioner for Yate and Fromeside Mission Area


"Look forward with eagerness to what lies ahead" - Diocesan Synod March 2022

First published 21st March 2022

The Bishop of Bristol's presidential address at Diocesan Synod, held at Holy Trinity Church, Bradley Stoke


Bishop of Bristol speaks about migrant domestic workers in House of Lords immigration bill debate

First published 10th March 2022

On Tuesday 8 March in the House of Lords, the Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, spoke on a proposed amendment to the Nationality and Borders Bill


Local churches to join prayers across Europe for Ukraine

First published 1st March 2022

The Diocese in Europe will be leading prayers for peace in Ukraine on Tuesday 1 March at 6pm


"Since, then, we have such hope; we do not lose heart" - Bishop Viv's sermon at St Monica Trust

First published 28th February 2022

Bishop Viv spoke about finding hope in dark days during a service at the North Bristol retirement village


New plaque in Bristol Cathedral to commemorate first women ordained in the Church of England

First published 23rd February 2022

The plaque will be unveiled at a Eucharist service on 12 March with Bishop Viv marking the anniversary of the ordination


Eco parish February 2022 update: will Bristol be the first Silver-awarded Eco Diocese?

First published 22nd February 2022

Bishop Viv's Eco Church Challenge, environment-focused Lent courses, Big Harvest and more


St Stephen's Southmead to celebrate life and memories of church hall

First published 22nd February 2022

The White Hall has been an enormously important focal point for the community for decades” - Revd Jon Roberts


St Saviour's Coalpit Heath welcomed into Fromeside Benefice

First published 21st February 2022

“This offers us a wonderful opportunity to work together” Revd Malcom Strange


Revd Jordan Ling appointed as Adviser for Clergy Wellbeing

First published 16th February 2022

Jordan will hold the post alongside her role as vicar at King's Way Benefice


Bishop of Bristol speaks in House of Lords debate on immigration bill

First published 15th February 2022

"If we are serious about destroying the business model of modern slavery...we must find ways of incentivising and supporting all victims to come forwards" - Bishop Viv


Bristol church youth group plants trees on BBC Songs of Praise

First published 19th January 2022

"It was a privilege to be a part of the Queen's Green Canopy” - Head of Youth Ministry at Christ Church Downend


Richard Leaman is new Secretary and CEO at Bristol Diocese

First published 19th January 2022

Richard is an experienced charity CEO, having previously led Guide Dogs for the Blind and Tall Ships Youth Trust


Last chance to train LLF facilitators

First published 19th January 2022

Final opportunity for churches to start Living in Love and Faith discussion groups before April deadline


Hazelnut's new project helping Christians respond to climate crisis

First published 19th January 2022

The Potting Shed is a 6-month online course involving discussion sessions and classes taught by experts


"The right to protest is essential for those who feel unheard" - Bishop Viv, House of Lords

First published 18th January 2022

The Bishop of Bristol yesterday participated in a debate about the new police and crime bill


"There is a long history of protest within the church" - Bishop of Bristol

First published 17th January 2022

Bishop Viv comments on the acquittal of climate protester Revd Sue Parfitt


"Uncertainty and loss of control is also the world into which Jesus was born" - Bishop Viv's Christmas message

First published 22nd December 2021

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Bishop of Bristol gave her Christmas message live on BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Wiltshire


"Multi-faith activities are hugely important for mutual friendship and understanding"

First published 22nd December 2021

Bishop Viv and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Clifton visited the Park Row Synagogue earlier this month for the building's 150th anniversary


Revd Sally Robertson appointed as new Area Dean for Swindon

First published 20th December 2021

Sally will take the post over from Revd Trudie Wigley, who has been elected as Chair of Clergy in Bristol Diocesan Synod


Eco parish December update

First published 19th December 2021

This update looks back on some of the environmental achievements of the past year, to inspire us and give us hope for what we can accomplish together in 2022


Churches provide support in UK debt crisis - case study 

First published 14th December 2021

A case study of how our two resourcing churches are providing support to those in need.


O Come All Ye Faithful: A quick guide to carol services in 2021

First published 10th December 2021

As well as a huge choice of churches offering traditional carol services this Christmas, there are many outdoor and varied carol services to choose from across the Diocese of Bristol.


Revd Jacqui Kean appointed as Vicar of St Aldhelm's Bedminster and St Paul's Southville

First published 9th December 2021

The Bishop of Bristol says Jacqui will be a “a great blessing to the communities”


"The Holy Spirit is working in our lives today" - confirmations at Bristol Cathedral

First published 7th December 2021

Bishop Viv confirmed 23 people during a service on 5 December


Christingle with a twist

First published 1st December 2021

The pandemic showed us that there are many creative ways to hold Christingles, and that innovation has continued this year as churches across the diocese hold a variety of celebrations.  


Ordination of Nicola Harris, Chaplain for Housing

First published 23rd November 2021

Mrs Nicola Frances Harris will be ordained as Deacon in Bristol Cathedral on 25 November, to be Assistant Curate at the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity and to be Chaplain for Housing in the diocese.


'Courage, the devil is dead' - Diocesan Synod November 2021

First published 23rd November 2021

The Bishop of Bristol's address from the first in-person Diocesan Synod meeting since the start of the pandemic.


Bishop of Bristol speaks in House of Lords debate on police crime bill

First published 19th November 2021

Last month Bishop Viv contributed to a number of House of Lords debates on topics including the new police crime bill, climate change risk and ethnicity pay gap reporting


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

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