News

Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol


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

First published 11th May 2021

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


Diocese of Bristol participates in Messy Church research study

First published 6th May 2021

Findings released from national research into non-traditional church gatherings


Living in Love and Faith introductory conferences in May

First published 29th April 2021

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


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

First published 28th April 2021

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


Diocese divests from fossil fuel companies

First published 27th April 2021

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


Three parishes awarded Culture Recovery Fund grants

First published 27th April 2021

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


Post-lockdown boost for St Sampson, Cricklade

First published 22nd April 2021

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


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

First published 22nd April 2021

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


A statement from the Bishop of Bristol

First published 21st April 2021

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


Faith manifesto launched for Bristol mayoral elections

First published 19th April 2021

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


New registrar for Bristol Diocese

First published 19th April 2021

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


Remembering His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh

First published 9th April 2021

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


An Easter message from the Bishop

First published 4th April 2021

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


Bristol Diocese Maundy Nominations 2021

First published 1st April 2021

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


Holy Week 2021: from darkness to light

First published 25th March 2021

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


Pattern Church opens debt advice centre

First published 24th March 2021

The centre is offering telephone appointments until Covid restrictions ease.


Eco parish March update: wildflowers and electric cars

First published 24th March 2021

Environmental news from parishes in the diocese


New digital platform launched by Parish Giving Scheme

First published 24th March 2021

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


Ten years of the Bristol North West Foodbank

First published 24th March 2021

A message from Foodbank Manager Emma Murray.


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

First published 24th March 2021

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


Bristol Remembers: one year on

First published 16th March 2021

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


Guide to using new Parish Giving Scheme website

First published 16th March 2021

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


Edward Jenner and vaccination: then and now - Synod Address

First published 16th March 2021

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


Workshops announced to gather views from everyone in the region

First published 10th March 2021

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


International Women's Day in the Diocese of Bristol

First published 8th March 2021

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


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

First published 7th March 2021

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


Lunar New Year: A banquet for all

First published 3rd March 2021

Revd Mark Nam reflects on radical Christian hospitality


Eco parish February update: rain gardens and toilet twinning

First published 22nd February 2021

Environmental news from parishes in the diocese


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

First published 18th February 2021

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


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

First published 17th February 2021

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


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

First published 17th February 2021

A homily for Ash Wednesday delivered by Revd Simon Taylor


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

First published 15th February 2021

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


Transforming Church. Together.

First published 3rd February 2021

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


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

First published 25th January 2021

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


Covid-19 Update: adapting in times of adversity

First published 22nd January 2021

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


Lent and Holy Week 2021

First published 21st January 2021

#LiveLent 2021: God's Story, Our Story


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

First published 21st January 2021

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


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

First published 21st January 2021

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


Five Must-Do Giving Ideas for 2021

First published 19th January 2021

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


Parish Giving Scheme set to launch online platform in March

First published 18th January 2021

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


Uganda 2020 Appeal raises over £30,000

First published 18th January 2021

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


Rev Runned Challenge raises almost £6,000

First published 14th January 2021

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


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

First published 14th January 2021

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


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

First published 11th January 2021

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


Cultural Recovery Fund for Heritage: Second Round

First published 7th January 2021

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


POSTPONED: Re-imagining the church of today and tomorrow

First published 17th December 2020

Please note the workshop ‘Show Up. Speak Out. Stand Against!' has been postponed.


The Joy of the Angels: an accessible online advent service

First published 16th December 2020

An accessible advent service created by Deaf and disabled people and their families, friends and carers from around the Diocese of Bristol is now available to watch online.


Rev'd Mark Nam announced as Minority Ethnic Vocations Champion

First published 16th December 2020

The Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Rev'd Dr Lee Rayfield, is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev'd Mark Nam as the Minority Ethnic Vocations Champion for the Diocese of Bristol.


Birthday Celebration at Pattern Church

First published 16th December 2020

In December 2020, Pattern Church, one of the Diocese of Bristol's Resourcing Churches, celebrated their second birthday.


New Interim Co-Area Deans for City Deanery Announced

First published 16th December 2020

The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Rev'd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Rev'd Lizzie Kesteven and Rev'd David Stephenson will be the Interim Co-Area Deans for the Bristol City Deanery.


Eco-stable at Christ Church Swindon

First published 10th December 2020

An eco-stable has been built in the church yard at the front of Christ Church Swindon, made with wood from discarded fencing panels and local rubbish sites.


Carols for Bristol

First published 3rd December 2020

A city-wide online Carol service made by and for the city of Bristol, premiering on Friday 11 December at 7pm.


Fromeside church appeal raises over £11,500

First published 3rd December 2020

A Christmas appeal from the Together 4 Fromeside churches has raised over £11,500 to support vulnerable families in eight local primary schools. 


Revd Trudie Wigley announced as Area Dean of Swindon

First published 2nd December 2020

The Bishop of Bristol is pleased to announce that Revd Trudie Wigley has been appointed Area Dean of Swindon.


Diocesan Synod November 2020 Update

First published 26th November 2020

Diocesan Synod met on 14 November 2020 to review the impact of Creating connections, approve the 2021 budget and prepare for the future.


Advent and Christmas 2020

First published 26th November 2020

Christmas services are going to be looking different this year, but there is still comfort and joy to be found.


Remembrance pebbles: A path to commemoration

First published 25th November 2020

This years' Remembrance Day looked different across Bristol Diocese, and one parish decided to line the path to their church with painted pebbles.


Update on the 2020 Uganda Appeal

First published 24th November 2020

The appeal has so far raised almost £10,000 for Ugandan clergy. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far.


Mental health initiatives across the diocese addressing an increasing need

First published 24th November 2020

Over the course of this year of lockdowns, mental health needs have increased. Across the Diocese, churches have come together to provide resources and to address this need.


Finding comfort and joy in a strange land: Online Advent retreat by Bristol Diocese and Bristol Cathedral

First published 24th November 2020

The Diocese of Bristol and Bristol Cathedral are running an online Advent retreat on Saturday, 28 November 2020, starting at 10am. The theme is “I look from afar: Where and how do we find comfort and joy in a strange land?”


Bristol Diocese wins prestigious Eco Diocese award

First published 19th November 2020

The Diocese of Bristol is excited to announce that it has been awarded  two awards as an Eco Diocese— Silver for its operations, and Bronze in recognition of its wider engagement— from the national environmental charity A Rocha.


Race, ministry and me

First published 12th November 2020

The Revd Aggy Palairet, curate at St Mary Redcliffe Church, writes about her experiences of race and ministry.


Living in Love and Faith resources published

First published 10th November 2020

The Church of England has published a landmark set of resources drawing together the Bible, theology, science and history.


Transforming Church: Discovering how to be a better church for everyone

First published 9th November 2020

The Diocese of Bristol is about to embark on a twelve-month review of our vision and priorities, seeking what Christ is calling us to be and to do in the coming years.


Cathedral bell rings call to prayer during lockdown

First published 5th November 2020

From today, Thursday 5 November, Bristol Cathedral will ring a bell at 6pm every evening as a call to prayer for the city.


Transforming church. A message from the Bishop of Bristol.

First published 4th November 2020

The Bishop of Bristol announced a new focus of work for the upcoming months, to shape the future of the Diocese of Bristol.


Diocesan Synod Nov 2020 Papers

First published 3rd November 2020

Papers for the Diocesan Synod meeting to be held on Zoom on 14 November 2020


Churchwarden events in November 2020

First published 21st October 2020

News and event booking links for churchwarden events in November 2020


Race, ministry and me

First published 20th October 2020

The Revd Anjali Kanagaratnam writes about her experiences of race and ministry.


Introducing our new lay ministers

First published 19th October 2020

Seven new lay ministers were licensed in Bristol Cathedral on Saturday 17 October.


Introducing our new priests

First published 16th October 2020

The Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, ordained 13 new priests over four services in Bristol Cathedral on Saturday 10 October.


Chaplain for the Arts supports creatives in new ways during the pandemic

First published 16th October 2020

Artists and creatives from Bristol and surrounding areas have been meeting virtually since April to share their experiences of lockdown.


Diocese of Bristol to license seven new Lay Ministers

First published 15th October 2020

On 17 October, the Diocese of Bristol is licensing seven new Licensed Lay Ministers in a socially distanced service at Bristol Cathedral.


Stats for Mission 2020; because people count

First published 14th October 2020

Celebrating the ministry of the church in 2020.


LecDeck goes digital!

First published 14th October 2020

New app launched to encourage young people to explore the Bible in new ways.


Education Newsletter October 2020

First published 13th October 2020

Education Newsletter October 2020


St. Andrew's, Castle Combe receives lifeline grant

First published 12th October 2020

Almost 450 heritage organisations in England, including St. Andrew's Church have been awarded cash from the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage.


Introducing our new deacons and Assistant Curate

First published 12th October 2020

The Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, ordained 10 new deacons over four services in Bristol Cathedral on Sunday 11 October.


Diocese of Bristol to ordain 23 people in a weekend of celebration

First published 8th October 2020

During eight services in Bristol Cathedral over the coming weekend, the Bishop of Bristol and the Bishop of Swindon will ordain 23 candidates as priests and deacons.


Uganda 2020 Appeal

First published 6th October 2020

The Bishops are appealing for help to support clergy families in Uganda 2020 with food and vital supplies this Christmas.


Soon to be vicar successfully crowdfunds for ordination stole in remembrance of father

First published 6th October 2020

Mark Nam, Assistant-Curate at St. Anne's in Oldland and United Church in Longwell Green, will be ordained as a Deacon on Sunday 11th October in Bristol Cathedral.


Installation of the Revd Canon Dr Mandy Ford as Dean of Bristol marks a first for the Church of England

First published 24th September 2020

On Saturday 3 October at 3.30pm, the Revd Dr Mandy Ford will be instituted and installed as the 43rd Dean of Bristol.


South Bristol church offers support to local food bank

First published 24th September 2020

St Martin's Church, Knowle is now running the food bank set up by Knowle Park Primary school at the start of lockdown.


New church building in Swindon welcomes live worship for the first time

First published 23rd September 2020

Pattern Church celebrated their first live worship services in the building on Sunday 20 September 2020.


Village raises £250 for local church with a lockdown veg box initiative

First published 23rd September 2020

During lockdown, residents in Slaughterford started a village vegetable box, raising money for St Nicholas Church, after teaming together to create thriving allotments.


BAME Clergy in Bristol Diocese - Who are they?

First published 22nd September 2020

You are probably aware that there are a number of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (“BAME”) clergy in Bristol Diocese. If, however, I was to ask you to identify some of them, you might struggle.


New church building in Swindon opens for live worship on Sunday

First published 18th September 2020

Pattern Church is a new church in the historic Great Western Railways Pattern Store building in the centre of Swindon.


‘Deconstructed' environment conference online this October

First published 17th September 2020

The planned Church Action in a Climate Emergency conference fell into the beginning of lockdown. But now it's moving online as a ‘deconstructed' conference throughout late October & early November. 


Churches celebrating the Season of Creation

First published 17th September 2020

We are now over half way through the Season of Creation, and many churches have planned services focusing on God's creation and our shared environment.


Bishop Viv's week in the House of Lords

First published 4th September 2020

Parliament returned from recess this week and met on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 September.


Re-imagining the church of today and tomorrow: In conversation with Ben Lindsay

First published 26th August 2020

Ben Lindsay, author of We Need To Talk About Race comes to the Cathedral in October for a series of workshops with church leaders in the Diocese of Bristol.


Mothers Union Wave of Prayer 7 - 9 September 2020

First published 26th August 2020

This September, the Bristol Mothers Union (MU) is inviting members of the Diocese of Bristol to join them in three days of prayer.


Ride+Stride given go ahead for Saturday 12 September 2020

First published 26th August 2020

Over 40 churches in the Diocese of Bristol are excited to join with 90 churches in Salisbury in this years Wiltshire Ride+Stride.


Holy Trinity, Stapleton to share in funding payout from the National Churches Trust

First published 26th August 2020

Holy Trinity, Stapleton was been awarded a £15,000 National Churches Trust Cornerstone Grant to help fund roof repairs in their Grade II listed building.


Revd Kat Campion-Spall announced as Dean of Women's Ministry

First published 25th August 2020

The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to appoint Revd Kat Campion-Spall as Dean of Women's Ministry.


Revd Mary Gubbins announced as SSM Team Vicar in the Greater Corsham and Lacock Team

First published 23rd August 2020

The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Mary Gubbins has been appointed to the post of part-time SSM (Self-Supporting Minister) Team Vicar in the Greater Corsham and Lacock Team.


Mini Festival, Friendly Stage, to take place in Bristol churches during August Bank Holiday Weekend

First published 21st August 2020

The ‘Friendly Stage Mini Festival' is a miniature Greenbelt-like event over three days, on the theme of ‘A Better World is Possible'.


Could you or someone you know represent the Diocese at General Synod?

First published 19th August 2020

There is an opportunity for someone to represent the Diocese in the General Synod for one year.


Learning through the Pandemic

First published 17th August 2020

Diocese of Bristol learning event for clergy and church leadership.


Church buildings might be open but church is happening outside

First published 17th August 2020

Across the region, churches have been holding services outside in a variety of places.

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