News - Diocese of Bristol

Bishop Viv seeks amendments to Levelling-Up Legislation

First published 25th May 2023

Speaking in the House of Lords this week, Bishop Viv sought to clarify a grey area of law allowing great access to local grants for all churches.

New Priest in Charge appointed for St Gregory the Great, Horfield

First published 19th May 2023

The Bishop of Bristol is delighted to announce that Fr. Jones Mutemwakwenda has been appointed as the Priest in Charge of St Gregory the Great, Horfield in City Deanery.

Get involved in climate action through your church!

First published 16th May 2023

Humanity is facing one of the most serious issues of our time: climate change. There is a threat to all forms of life on our planet and the poorest countries are the most likely to suffer. It is a matter of justice.

Looking back at the Coronation: bringing the community together

First published 15th May 2023

There were over 100 Coronation-themed events within this Diocese over the last two weeks: here is a taste of what was happening around the parishes.

New Bristol Bishop's Chaplain announced

First published 4th May 2023

The Revd Lucy Cleland has been announced as the new Bishop’s Chaplain for Bristol this week. She will take up the post in August, once she has finished her current role.

Licensed Lay Minister receives prestigious Lord Mayor’s Medal

First published 26th April 2023

Stockwood-based Licensed Lay Minister (LLM), Sue Farrance, has received the Lord Mayor’s Medal for her 10 years of service to the Operation Christmas Child project.

Bristol-based youth employment charity sees massive success

First published 25th April 2023

Earlier this month, we were invited to watch 11 young people present their speeches as part of their graduation from the SPEAR Bristol Foundation.

Bishop of Bristol supports campaigners attending ‘The Big One’ climate protest

First published 19th April 2023

This weekend members of churches from Bristol Diocese are travelling to London to take part in a 4-day climate protest.

Bishop Lee gives moving farewell prayer at Cathedral Chrism Service

First published 14th April 2023

On Maundy Thursday, a Chrism Eucharist service was held at Bristol Cathedral. The Cathedral welcomed over a hundred people including licensed lay ministers, priests, diocesan staff and members of the public.

Beloved Churchwarden and Chaplain given Maundy money by His Majesty

First published 12th April 2023

Margaret Morgan (right) and David Topp from the Diocese of Bristol received Maundy Coins from HM King Charles III last Thursday as part of the Maundy Service at York Minster.

Remarkable young cartoonist meets Bishop Viv

First published 5th April 2023

Bishop Viv and David Stephenson, Bishop's Chaplain, met with creative young people last Sunday as part of St Michael's Highworth's Palm Sunday celebrations.

Female innovator’s grave restored and blessed

First published 31st March 2023

Sarah Guppy was an extraordinary woman. Born in 1770 into a wealthy family, she was the first woman in the world to take out a patent for building a bridge.

The Human Library

First published 27th March 2023

As part of our Diocesan vision to drive significant cultural and structural change on issues of racial justice, Racial Justice Project Officer Rashida Hartley is organising a Human Library event at St Mary Redcliffe.

The Mission and Ministry Support Team

First published 27th March 2023

A newly formed team is now in place to continue its support to ministers in all stages of their ministry in the light of our Transforming Church.Together strategy.

Bishops comment on recent legislation passed by the Ugandan Parliament

First published 24th March 2023

The Bishops of Bristol and Swindon expressed shock and deep concern on hearing of legislation passed by the Ugandan Parliament introducing capital and life imprisonment sentences for homosexual acts.

Address to the Synod

First published 22nd March 2023

Read Bishop Viv's Presidential Address to the Diocesan Synod

Swindon churches launch Mission Project

First published 21st March 2023

Three churches in Swindon are embarking on an exciting campaign to increase the part the Church plays in people’s lives in the town.

All Saints’ Clifton pick-up three awards

First published 16th March 2023

All Saints’ church Clifton has won three prestigious awards in quick succession.

Six million donation for Malmesbury CofE Primary School

First published 2nd March 2023

Malmesbury Primary School has received a donation of six million pounds from the James Dyson Foundation.

Adviser for Parish Discipleship and Evangelism

First published 23rd February 2023

The Revd Chris Dobson has been appointed to the new role of Adviser for Parish Discipleship and Evangelism.

Bristol’s Minority Ethnic Vocation Champion meets national leader

First published 21st February 2023

The Church of England’s Racial Justice Director, Revd Guy Hewitt met members of the Teahouse at the ‘Chinese and British’ exhibition at The British Library in London recently.

Beloved Community

First published 21st February 2023

A place at the table for everyone. A one-day conference at Bristol Cathedral

Bishop's Chaplain

First published 13th February 2023

Revd David Stephenson will be seconded from his parish ministry to work as Chaplain to the Bishop of Bristol

Turkey/Syria Earthquake - Donate today

First published 13th February 2023

The devastating earthquakes which hit Turkey and Syria, killing thousand, still dominate the news.

Bishop Lee announces his retirement

First published 13th February 2023

After 18 years service the Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield Bishop of Swindon will retire on Sunday 30 April 2023.

Bishop Martin consecrated

First published 7th February 2023

Bishop Martin ordained and consecrated as Bishop of Kingston at Canterbury Cathedral

Meeting the King marks a special birthday

First published 6th February 2023

The Revd Mark Nam birthday is crowned by a conversation with the new King

Living in Love and Faith

First published 2nd February 2023

Personal Reflections from Bishop Lee on the College of Bishops’ recommendations to General Synod

New chair of Diocesan Safeguarding Steering Group

First published 31st January 2023

David Niven has been appointed as the next Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Steering Group.

General Synod representation

First published 30th January 2023

The Revd Canon Alice Kemp is Bristol's new General Synod representative.

Eight million stitches expressing God's love

First published 27th January 2023

Threads through Creation is an extraordinary, uplifting art exhibition on show at Bath Abbey,

Lacock welcomes The Queen Consort

First published 26th January 2023

Lacock was proud to welcome Her Majesty The Queen Consort to the village. She visited St Cyriac’s church to plant a commemorative tree...

Bishop of Bristol's statement on the proposal regarding same-sex relationships

First published 20th January 2023

Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull's full statement on the proposal to the General Synod regarding same-sex relationships

Bristol minister leads national church service marking Chinese New Year

First published 18th January 2023

The Revd Mark Nam, the Diocesan Minority Ethnic Vocations Champion, will lead the Church of England’s national online service this weekend (Sunday 22 Jan) marking Chinese New Year.

Bishop teams up with Swindon Town FC

First published 13th January 2023

Following a 1,000 mile bike ride, the Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Revd Lee Rayfield is being supported by Swindon Town FC in raising funds for local families struggling with the rising cost of living.

New Rector - St John's Parks & St Andrew's Walcot Swindon

First published 12th January 2023

The Revd Patrick (Patch) Webb appointed Rector of St John’s Parks and St Andrew’s, Walcot, Swindon

Looking down the backs of north Wiltshire’s spiritual sofas

First published 9th January 2023

Jessica Price was appointed Youth Mission Enabler for the North Wiltshire Mission Area (NWMA) on 1st May 2022

Bishop Viv's Christmas message

First published 26th December 2022

Appearing on BBC Radio Bristol, Bishop Viv offered a short Christmas message yesterday.

Watch: Funding for Transforming Church. Together passes first milestone

First published 21st December 2022

The diocesan strategy, Transforming Church. Together has been affirmed by the National Church.

Bristol’s Bishop’s Chaplain appointed new Bishop of Kingston

First published 15th December 2022

The Revd Canon Dr Martin Gainsborough, Chaplain to the Bishop of Bristol, has been appointed as the next Bishop of Kingston in the Diocese of Southwark.

Warm spaces open as polar blast strikes

First published 7th December 2022

Christ Church, Downend opens its warm hub cafe every Thursday

National Chinese and British exhibition with Bristol links

First published 28th November 2022

Comprising handwritten letters, photographs and oral histories, the new British Library Exhibition, “Chinese and British” has links to Bristol.

Presidential Address - November Synod

First published 22nd November 2022

Bishop Viv's presidential address to Diocesan Synod

Gender-based violence action day

First published 21st November 2022

The Mothers’ Union in Bristol is inviting everyone to join them for a day of action against gender based violence around the world.

Global Praise

First published 18th November 2022

An exciting Intercultural Worship Workshop takes place this weekend.

Community support vital for church sustainability

First published 16th November 2022

The tiny village of Littleton Drew, north-west of Chippenham, is a great example of how active engagement with the wider community offers the Church a lifeline.

New super green school for Frenchay

First published 11th November 2022

The new Frenchay CofE Primary School in Bristol opened recently, setting new high environmental standards.

Chippenham Church awarded listed status

First published 9th November 2022

St Peter’s church Chippenham has been awarded Grade II listed status by Historic England.

Listen to Zoe, our Licensed Lay Member on 6 November!

First published 27th October 2022

Zoe Stroud, one of our Licensed Lay Members in Fishponds (Kingsway Benefice) has been invited to be a regular contributor on the Sunday breakfast programme for her local radio station where they will delve deeper into faith.

Welcome Charlie - our new Youth Missioner for Yate and Fromeside

First published 27th October 2022

We are delighted to welcome Charlie who has joined us recently as our new Youth Missioner focusing on Yate and Fromeside.

Welcome to our new Licensed Lay Members!

First published 26th October 2022

Earlier this month, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol admitted ten new Licensed Lay Ministers, and welcomed Frank to the diocese from Bath and Wells.

Launch of Concord Church on the North fringe of Bristol

First published 26th October 2022

A new church was launched on the North fringe of Bristol recently. Concord Church was planted from St Nicholas Bristol, with a vision to serve the new housing developments in the home of the Concorde aeroplane on Filton airfield and the wider North Bristol area.

Read Johnson's story as part of Prisons Week 2022 earlier this month

First published 25th October 2022

Earlier this month, we marked Prisons Week 2022 with a special prayer from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol. Now we are delighted to share Johnson's story who is a prisoner at HMP Bristol.

Bishop Viv celebrates birthday with children from Willow Park CE Primary School

First published 21st October 2022

Willow Park CE Primary School opened last September following the amalgamation of St Michael on the Mount CE and St Georges CE Primary schools.

£400 cash injection for Breast Cancer Awareness thanks to diocese colleagues!

First published 21st October 2022

Thank you to all our colleagues in Diocesan Support Services for supporting ‘Wear it Pink Day' as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Congratulations & welcome to Dr Helen-Ann Hartley - the new Bishop of Newcastle

First published 21st October 2022

Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol would like to congratulate Dr Helen-Ann Hartley - the new Bishop of Newcastle.

Revd Alison Sowton is inducted and installed at St Mary's, Shirehampton

First published 21st October 2022

Revd Alison Sowton was inducted and installed by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol at St Mary’s, Shirehampton last night.

Come and join our team - new opportunities available!

First published 21st October 2022

We have three exciting new roles within our Diocesan Support Services Team so why not check out the website and apply now?

Diocese team fly out to Uganda to build global links

First published 19th October 2022

A team of 14 colleagues from across the Diocese flew out from London Heathrow on 14 October to visit our friends in different Diocese in the north of Uganda.

Join us at our intercultural worship workshop this November!

First published 19th October 2022

Book your tickets now for our intercultural worship workshop next month which in an interactive workshop exploring the rationale for intercultural worship and a chance to learn and be inspired by some worship music from around the world,

Response on Anti-Slavery Day from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol

First published 18th October 2022

Slavery is still here; we mustn’t forget it - “Today, we must again proclaim freedom, shocking the complacent and complicit, and giving hope to the enslaved.”

Congratulations and welcome to Dr John Perumbalath - the new Bishop of Liverpool

First published 18th October 2022

Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol would like to congratulate Dr John Perumbalath - the new Bishop of Liverpool.

Please support Hazelnut Community Farm with their Harvest Appeal

First published 18th October 2022

Hazelnut Community Farm have launched their Harvest Appeal this week. Please give generously and support them today!

B&A church will be cooking 300 hot meals a week this winter but need your help!

First published 13th October 2022

B&A Church are responding to the cost-of-living crisis this winter by cooking 300 hot meals a week to deliver to Warm Spaces across the city but need your help too!

Congratulations and welcome to Canon Stephen Race - the new Bishop of Beverley

First published 13th October 2022

Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol would like to congratulate Canon Stephen Race - the new Bishop of Beverley.

Prayer from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol to mark Prisons Week 2022

First published 13th October 2022

For nearly 50 years, Prisons Week has encouraged Christians to pray for all those affected by crime and imprisonment and Bishop Viv wanted to share this short prayer to mark the occasion,

Reflections from a wonderful Clergy Conference!

First published 13th October 2022

As our three-day Clergy Conference comes to a close today, it is important to take some time to reflect on the last three fantastic days.

Three-day Clergy Conference well underway in Swanwick!

First published 12th October 2022

Great start to our clergy conference. Sunshine, smiles and worship in the Chapel as Bishop Viv invited us to be re-called, rested and renewed in the presence of our Shepherd and Host, Jesus yesterday.