News


Podcast: interview with Bishop Mike

First published 11th May 2015

There is an issue with the morality of all pornography but while there is pornography for so-called consenting adults, don't be fooled into thinking that children will not access it online.


Bishop Lee swaps washing feet for washing dishes

First published 31st March 2015

Its a great way to show that Christians are not afraid of getting their hands dirty in the service of others and demonstrating what loving your neighbour really means.


Bishop's Letter: Science, faith and the resurrection of Jesus

First published 2nd April 2015

Bishop Lee describes the place the resurrection holds for him as a scientist and disciple of Jesus.


Bishop Lee's Chrism Eucharist sermon

First published 25th April 2014

On Maundy Thursday (17th April), Bishop Lee spoke at the Chrism Eucharist in Bristol Cathedral.


Buckets in the rain?

First published 26th November 2014

It was very recently reported that cathedral congregations are on the up and that mid-week services have doubled in a decade.


Le Tour de Lee - Day 9 Church Stretton to Gloucester (73 miles)

First published 15th July 2014

No time to post yesterday evening as it was a day of transition.


Bishop's Letter: Closed doors, open doors...

First published 5th December 2014

She laid him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:7 (NIV) I think this is my 38th Christmas as an ordained person!


A quiet but historic day

First published 19th December 2014

The announcement earlier this week of the appointment of Rev'd Libby Lane as Bishop of Stockport is wonderful news for the Church of England and for our wider society.


The challenge of being humble

First published 5th January 2015

One of the phrases that comes up reasonably regularly in the bible is The Word of the Lord came to... followed by the name of a person.


A tribute to Carol Stone

First published 6th January 2015

She was both loved and valued by her ordained colleagues, but equally was loved by the people she served within and beyond the Church.


Bishop's Letter: Addressing the deficit

First published 28th January 2015

With Lent in view, this month Bishop Lee turns the spotlight on our vocation to discipleship.A year ago I heard Paula Gooder speak on the subject of discipleship.


Bishop Lee in the hot seat

First published 4th September 2014

Bishop Lee will chair his first Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) meeting at the start of October, leading on the Dioceses work in schools and with young people in churches.


What we reap, we will sow…

First published 21st October 2014

The Bishop of Blackburn, Julian Henderson, a contemporary of mine at Ridley Hall, made the national news recently by seeking to define some reality for his diocese.


Mobilising our Front-Line

First published 12th January 2017

In his address to Diocesan Synod in December, Matthew Frost asked us what one thing we might do as a diocese to best equip Christians to be disciples in every sphere of life, not just in church life.


Bishop Lee backs Swindon's calls for climate justice

First published 15th October 2014

Swindoncampaigners are taking part in Christian Aids nationwideHunger For Justice action this month as they urge local MPs to act against the injustice of climate change.


Bishop's Address - 20th September 2014

First published 15th October 2014

Anyone who was involved in any way with the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury over the past weekend, cannot but help to have been encouraged and inspired by his energy.


Edward Colston, slavery and moral ambiguities

First published 11th November 2014

On Monday I spoke at the annual Charter Day service in Bristol Cathedral to a gathering of young aspiring people.


David John Banfield 1933-2014

First published 7th October 2014

David Banfield started life in the south-west and his life ended there following a distinguished career in the Church of England in a variety of different contexts.


Bishop Lee swaps robes for lycra

First published 17th June 2014

From Friday 4 July, Bishop Lee will be straddling the saddle of his bike for the next fortnight as he begins a mammoth cycle ride from John O'Groats to Land's End.


Le Tour de Lee: Day -2 (heading up north)

First published 4th July 2014

Having taken two hours yesterday to assemble and fit the roof bars and bike carriers, this morning Mike and I loaded the car and set off for the Grand Depart on Sunday.


Le Tour de Lee Day -1 (getting closer)

First published 5th July 2014

As I write today we have just had our afternoon break in the lee of Ben Nevis. No time for a closer look, let alone climbing GBs highest mountain, as we are still 120 miles from our destination.


Le Tour de Lee Day 1 - John O'Groats to Brora (64 miles)

First published 6th July 2014

Mike Palmer and I were boarded in Brora overnight so we had to travel an hour and half to the off at John O Groats.


Le Tour de Lee Day 2 - Brora to Aviemore (90 miles)

First published 7th July 2014

Three category 3 climbs, two category 4's and one category 5. This may all be meaningless to you but not to my legs!


Le Tour de Lee Day 3 - Aviemore to Perth (91 miles)

First published 8th July 2014

We have been well looked after by the staff in the Hotels and Guest Houses we have stayed in, with the breakfasts a key feature.


Le Tour de Lee - Day 5 Uphall to Moffat (60 miles)

First published 10th July 2014

Today's narrative has to centre around Simon...On our journey we have seen a number of other cyclists coming in the opposite direction.


Le Tour de Lee - Day 6 Moffat to Shap (76 miles)

First published 11th July 2014

As the days go on, the Tour de Lee is beginning to resemble its more illustrious cousin in two interesting ways.


Le Tour de Lee - Day 8 Wigan to Church Stretton (82 miles)

First published 13th July 2014

Sabbath post - arrived safely and in good time.


Le Tour de Lee - Day 10 Gloucester to Glastonbury (91 miles)

First published 16th July 2014

This was a day of the musketeers! Some 70 miles of the total were ridden in a relay of fellow cyclists from across the Diocese, with wonderful contributions from the stars of the Malmesbury Abbey kitchen.


Le Tour de Lee - Day 11 Glastonbury to Okehampton (84 miles)

First published 17th July 2014

Today's central character unfortunately has no name but was our rescuer when the signposting, the map and the Garmin SatNav conspired to confuse.


Le Tour de Lee - Day 12 Okehampton to Truro (72 miles)

First published 18th July 2014

Today as I followed the signage from Bodmin to St Austell I recalled my father-in-law's words about 'Cornish miles'.


Le Tour de Lee - Day 13 Truro to Land's End (43 miles)

First published 19th July 2014

At around 2pm Mike and I arrived at Land's End to a rapturous applause.


Bishop Lee arrives in Land's End

First published 21st July 2014

The Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield successfully completed his epic bike ride from John O'Groats to Land's End.


Bishop Lee backs Brighter Futures radiotherapy appeal

First published 20th August 2015

Bishop Lee is encouraging cyclists to saddle up for bike rides through Wiltshire in aid of Brighter Futures' 2.9m Radiotherapy Appeal.


Bishop's Letter: Just Ask!

First published 4th June 2014

With the Archbishop of Canterbury due to visit the Diocese of Bristol, Bishop Lee reminds us of Justin Welby's priorities and the opportunities his visit creates.


The Vote on Women Bishops - About Time Too!

First published 14th July 2014

On Monday 14 July, the General Synod of the Church of England gave its final approval to legislation paving the way for women Bishops.


Humility and Hope for 2017

First published 5th January 2017

Bishop Lee reflects on why taking the risk of mending a broken relationship can be a sign of hope for the future.


Bishop's Letter; Earthing Christmas

First published 29th November 2013

As we approach the festivities of Christmas, Bishop Lee reflects on holding together hope and warning in the coming of the Christ child.


Bishop Mike's Diocesan Synod address

First published 9th December 2013

In his address to Diocesan Synod on 7th December, Bishop Mike urged support for Foodbanks and spoke on measures to improve the operation of the Welfare System.


Everyone a witness

First published 6th January 2014

As we begin a year committed to proclaiming the Good News, Bishop Mike explores what it means to live out our common calling as witnesses to the life of Christ and what might be stopping us.


Reaching a significant point

First published 10th January 2014

After a last dose of chemotherapy on Louise's birthday (11 December) I technically completed my fourth and final Course on Christmas Day.


Bishop Lee jumps for justice

First published 12th May 2014

This Sunday the Bishop of Swindon, Rt Revd Lee Rayfield went over the edge to end poverty with Christian Aid as he took part in an abseil at St Sampson's Church in Cricklade.


Bishop's Letter: Stepping out

First published 2nd April 2014

This month Bishop Lee shares more of his journey and invites us to step out in faith.


Bishop Mike's Easter letter; 'What if…?'

First published 16th April 2014

I heard recently about a genre of literature about which I had never heard before: non-factual history.


The Shocking Truth

First published 1st May 2014

Radio 4 this morning carried a story which strongly implied a culture of sexual harassment and bullying in the 'Westminster Village.'


Being an evangelist when the going gets tough

First published 20th May 2014

Becoming aware of my own mortality has proved to be a gift and caused me to perceive life through a more richly coloured lens; each day on earth has become more precious, and living it well more significant.


Bishop's Letter; ‘Them', ‘Us', and what it means to be the Local Church

First published 1st July 2013

This month Bishop Lee reflects on the Church of England's understanding of what it means to be the local Church.


Bishop Lee diagnosed with cancer

First published 2nd September 2013

Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield, the Bishop of Swindon, has been diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system and will receive treatment in the months ahead.


Bishop's Letter; Who are we?

First published 24th July 2013

Should the Church support liberal social and ethical reforms?


Bishop Lee: Health, paradox and gift

First published 2nd September 2013

On return from his holiday Bishop Lee received the news that he has Hodgkin Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.


Update from Bishop Lee

First published 6th September 2013

I confess I wasnt looking forward to my first doses of chemotherapy but the session went very well.


The pile driver

First published 10th September 2013

Sitting on the balcony, most of the time I find it very easy to filter out the sounds of the motorway and the construction of the new housing.


17th September: Update from Bishop Lee

First published 17th September 2013

I am now 14 days into my first course of chemotherapy and it has been something of a roller-coaster.


Bishop Lee blessed by the good doctors Mayo and Kermode

First published 20th September 2013

Checkout today's BBC R5 Live Movie Review


If you want to Go fast, Go alone. If you want to go far, Go together.

First published 18th October 2013

I continue to be staggered and overwhelmed by the messages, cards and letters that are coming our way.


Bishop Lee talks about his fight against cancer

First published 4th November 2013

Bishop Lee has appeared on ITV West talking on his experience fighting cancer.


Bishop Mike's Christmas Message

First published 20th December 2016

Unforgiveness and Bitterness. As I write, the Pope has just pulled down the curtain on his year of mercy.


Update from Bishop Lee

First published 26th September 2013

I confess I wasn't looking forward to my first doses of chemotherapy but the session went very well.


Bishops donate to charity instead of sending cards

First published 16th December 2016

The Bishop of Bristol has opted to give money to charity rather than sending Christmas cards to clergy this year.


Bishop's Letter; Are we good news?

First published 19th October 2013

Bishop Mike encourages us to build our confidence in sharing our faith.The only purpose of the Church is to go out to tell the world the good news about Jesus Christ.


Is this plan radical enough?

First published 19th September 2015

Watch here Here is Bishop Mike's inaugural address given at the first meeting of the new Diocesan Synod on Saturday 19 September.


Of sleep and kind truth

First published 1st October 2013

As I have mentioned elsewhere, chemotherapy has had a massive impact on my sleep patterns. Knowing this was on the cards Liz decamped to the spare room the evening I had my first dose.


Grief & Loss: Post Script

First published 10th November 2013

This article is an addendum to Bishop Lee's letter on grief and loss found here. In the EHS Daily Office there were a number of reflections that stood out and to which I found myself frequently returning.


Finding a way to worship

First published 7th October 2013

Normally we pencil in Monday and Tuesday in the week after chemotherapy as fragile days and avoid any diary commitments.


Pope Francis I

First published 14th March 2013

I am delighted to hear of the election of Pope Francis I.


The Diagnostic Trap

First published 29th March 2013

This past week in the media, I think following a press release from NICE, ( the National Institute of Clinical Excellence), the term conduct disorder has found its way into the public space.


Bishop's Letter; Finding Home

First published 23rd April 2013

This month Bishop Lee reminds us of the thousands of children who have little experience of a loving home and asks how the gospel can help us engage with such a challenge.


Christian Aid Week - video of the 'Bishops on Bikes' tour

First published 14th May 2013

Bishop Ed Condry (Bishop of Ramsbury) and Bishop Lee Rayfield (Bishop of Swindon) cycled a gruelling 180 miles around Wiltshire in 2 days in April 2013, stopping off in 16 Christian Aid groups along the way.


‘This, then, is how you should pray…'

First published 21st May 2013

Prayer draws us more closely into relationship with God, has an impact on the world and energises our Christian lives.


Woolwich. Jesus Christ stood for unity and love. So do we.

First published 25th May 2013

Bishop Mike HillWe wish to express our deep condolences to the family of Drummer Lee Rigby.


The Syria Conundrum

First published 14th June 2013

News coming in overnight is that the American administration now confirms, what we have had circumstantial evidence of for a while, that the Syrian Government has used chemical weapons on its own people.


Thank you

First published 26th June 2013

I was so grateful to everyone that came to the service on Saturday evening at Bristol Cathedral to mark the 10th anniversary of my time as Bishop of Bristol.


Bishop's Letter: In the Lord's service(s)?

First published 20th February 2016

Show me the way your weekend services are going and Ill tell you how your church is going Thus spake Bill Hybels at a recent coaching seminar.


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.


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.'


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.


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.


Many of us are still reeling after yeste...

First published 21st November 2012

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


"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.


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.


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.


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.


Last day in Gulu. Tomorrow we are off to...

First published 12th January 2013

Last day in Gulu. Tomorrow we are off to visit one of the legacies of the days of war in N. Uganda the huge displacement camp at Amuru.


Retirement of Pope Benedict XVI

First published 11th February 2013

Bishop Mike has issued the following statement following the announcement that Pope Benedict will retire at the end of February.


Bishops on bicycles

First published 20th February 2013

Bishop Lee will cycle 172 milesin two days forChristian Aid on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 April.


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.


Cautious Progress

First published 8th February 2013

The House of Bishops met yesterday for a day dedicated to trying to unlock the impasse created by November's vote on women bishops.


Christianity 365?

First published 26th February 2013

Reading in the Times sports pages in the light of England's Rugby Union victory over the French side I saw that on the wall of the England team's training camp was the simple slogan, 'England 365'.


Bishop's Letter: Into the looking glass

First published 31st July 2014

Bishop Mike asks if we apply the ways we learn best, to the ways we could seek to spread the Gospel message.


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.


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.


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.


£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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


Bishop's letter: Changing seasons through Lent

First published 6th February 2012

This month Bishop Lee invites us to embrace Lent as a time for necessary endings so we can truly experience God's new beginnings.


Happy Who-mas?

First published 12th November 2013

Three in five people polled say that Christmas is mainly for children. Its a sad fact therefore that 36% of children between ages 5 and 7 dont know whose birthday were celebrating on 25 December.

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