Here you can find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol.
News and updates
Revd Trudie Wigley announced as Area Dean of Swindon
First published 2nd December 2020The 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 2020Diocesan 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 2020Christmas 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 2020This 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 2020The 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 2020Over 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 2020The 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?â€
Bristol Diocese wins prestigious Eco Diocese award
First published 19th November 2020The 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 2020The 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 2020The 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 2020The 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 2020From 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 2020The 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 2020Papers for the Diocesan Synod meeting to be held on Zoom on 14 November 2020
Churchwarden events in November 2020
First published 21st October 2020News and event booking links for churchwarden events in November 2020
Race, ministry and me
First published 20th October 2020The Revd Anjali Kanagaratnam writes about her experiences of race and ministry.
Introducing our new lay ministers
First published 19th October 2020Seven new lay ministers were licensed in Bristol Cathedral on Saturday 17 October.
Introducing our new priests
First published 16th October 2020The 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 2020Artists 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 2020On 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 2020Celebrating the ministry of the church in 2020.
LecDeck goes digital!
First published 14th October 2020New app launched to encourage young people to explore the Bible in new ways.
Education Newsletter October 2020
First published 13th October 2020Education Newsletter October 2020
St. Andrew's, Castle Combe receives lifeline grant
First published 12th October 2020Almost 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 2020The 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 2020During 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 2020The 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 2020Mark 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 2020On 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 2020St 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 2020Pattern 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 2020During 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 2020You are probably aware that there are a number of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (“BAMEâ€) 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 2020Pattern 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 2020The 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 2020We 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 2020Parliament 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 2020Ben 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 2020This 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 2020Over 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 2020Holy 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 2020The 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 2020The 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 2020The ‘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 2020There is an opportunity for someone to represent the Diocese in the General Synod for one year.
Learning through the Pandemic
First published 17th August 2020Diocese of Bristol learning event for clergy and church leadership.
Church buildings might be open but church is happening outside
First published 17th August 2020Across the region, churches have been holding services outside in a variety of places.
Worms and worship at St Mary's
First published 10th August 2020St Mary's Marshfield is working towards an Eco Church award, as they thoughtfully extend their Christian stewardship activities to care for the planet and for each other.
Bringing wildness to the suburbs
First published 10th August 2020While the church has been closed during the coronavirus lockdown, members of St Peter's Henleaze have taken the opportunity to transform their church grounds into a more welcoming environment for wildlife and neighbours alike.
Revd Canon Dr Rod Symmons announced as Interim Minister for the Bradley Stoke Parish
First published 31st July 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Canon Dr Rod Symmons has been appointed as Interim Minister for the Bradley Stoke Parish.
Bishop of Bristol appointed in national safeguarding role
First published 30th July 2020It was announced yesterday that the Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull has been appointed a deputy lead bishop for safeguarding.
Local church hosts special drive-in service for worshippers, in Sainsbury's car park
First published 29th July 2020St Michael's Church, Stoke Gifford, teamed up with Sainsbury's East Filton, to put on a drive-in church service on Sunday 26 July.
Season of Creation - September 2020
First published 28th July 2020This September marks the Season of Creation. A wonderful opportunity for us all to pay special attention to the responsibility of humanity for the earth and for all that lives upon it.
Caring for the environment during this time of distancing
First published 28th July 2020The coronavirus outbreak has changed daily life for us all. This article gives 5 top tips to help us consider our environmental impact at this time.
Local Minister's community garden featured on BBC Gardener's World
First published 27th July 2020On Friday 24 July, a film clip of the Rev Hazel Trapnell's garden was featured on BBC Gardeners World.
Churches in Avonside come together for a virtual afternoon tea and prayer
First published 24th July 2020On 12 July, members from local churches hosted a virtual afternoon tea and prayer event.
Bishop of Bristol asks question in the House of Lords
First published 17th July 2020Yesterday in the House of Lords, the Lord Bishop of Bristol asked the government what assessment they have made of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human trafficking.
Bishop of Bristol Appoints New Advisor on Racial Justice
First published 16th July 2020The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull has appointed Revd Dr Catherine Okoronkwo to the position of Bishop's Advisor on Racial Justice.
New free Relationship, Sex and Health Education materials launched
First published 16th July 2020Goodness and Mercy, the new website and resources aimed primarily at Church of England Schools, is launching this week.
The Church and the Diocese beyond 2020
First published 15th July 2020An address from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol and Oliver Home, Diocesan Secretary
Bishop Viv's Address to Diocesan Synod Tuesday 14 July
First published 15th July 2020Last night, Bishop Viv addressed Diocesan Synod, reflecting on the last three months in lockdown.
Revd Steve Dyson announced as Associate Vicar in the Kingswood and Hanham Team Ministry
First published 15th July 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Steve Dyson has been appointed as Associate Vicar in the Kingswood and Hanham Team Ministry.
Bishop Lee; Seeing more clearly
First published 15th July 2020Bishop Lee discusses how journaling can enable us to reflect on our past and guide our future.
General Synod July 2020 report
First published 14th July 2020Sophie Mitchell, a member of General Synod, reflects on Saturday's Synod, conducted over Zoom!
Two local couples among the first to marry
First published 10th July 2020On Saturday 4 July two couples in the Diocese of Bristol were among the first couples to celebrate their wedding day since lockdown.
Bishop Lee; Running on fumes
First published 9th July 2020Bishop Lee reflects on how God has been at work during the lockdown.
Licensing of ordinands as Lay Workers
First published 8th July 2020The Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, licensened ten ordinands as Lay Workers on Sunday 5 July.
Bishop of Bristol to license ten soon-to-be-vicars
First published 3rd July 2020The Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, will license ten ordinands this Sunday 5 July, via Zoom.
Bishop Lee; The complexity of the season
First published 30th June 2020Bishop Lee reflects on the impact that his cycling accident had on his wellbeing.
Soulscaping
First published 26th June 2020SoulScaping is an art led practise that enables you to hone three incredible God Given gifts.
Church online in the next phase - advice and considerations
First published 24th June 2020Church online has presented us with a number of new opportunities, and some technological challenges.
Racial justice and the work to be done.
First published 23rd June 2020A message from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, about racial justice and the work to be done.
Bishop Lee; How long O Lord
First published 23rd June 2020In my last piece - Sacred Space - I said I would write more about the significance of an app and the radio in journeying through a prolonged confinement.
Bishop Lee; Sacred Space
First published 23rd June 2020I am not sure whether finding or going to your personal ‘happy place' was referred to often before the Lockdown, but I have certainly become more conscious of it in recent days.
Radical Pressence: A conversations course from Green Christian
First published 22nd June 2020Green Christian have launched a new discipleship resource to help Christians consider the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the world from a fresh perspective.
It's Your Move 2020
First published 22nd June 2020It's Your Move is a hugely impactful book brimming with advice, activities and real-life testimonies produced by Scripture Union. Over 1.6 million children moving to secondary school have received It's Your Move, supporting them through that move.
Considering the next phase of online church - An online event
First published 19th June 2020As Lockdown eases we begin look to a future where churches services will once again be able to take place, in one form or another, within our church buildings.
Braydon Brook Zoom Pet Service
First published 18th June 2020On Saturday 6 June, Braydon Brook Benefice had its first ever Zoom Pet Service. The idea was formed, posters created, zoom invites sent.
Avonmouth church community expands its emergency food parcel service and outreach work
First published 18th June 2020In Avonmouth, a local church group has been awarded £125,000 in community grants for an aspirational woodworking workshop “Space4Makers†and a store room to expand its Foodbank and HomeBank service.
‘The Time is Now' virtual lobby on Tuesday 30 June.
First published 16th June 2020Will you join thousands across the UK and speak to your MP on Tuesday 30 June as part of the first ever 'virtual lobby' created by the Climate Coalition.
STATEMENT FROM THE BISHOP OF BRISTOL, BRISTOL CATHEDRAL, ST MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH AND THE DIOCESE OF BRISTOL
First published 16th June 2020Work was carried out yesterday to remove a number of prominent references to Edward Colston in the windows of Bristol Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe Church.
Prayers during the pandemic. Led by the Bishop of Bristol.
First published 15th June 2020Individuals and churches can now be led in prayer by Bishop Viv as we continue to respond to the challenges our society faces. Recorded at Diocesan Synod, June 2020.
Revd Adam Beaumont announced as new rector of Gauzebrook
First published 14th June 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Rev'd Adam Beaumont has been appointed as Rector of Gauzebrook.
Virtual Fun Days and Prayer Spaces
First published 12th June 2020Social distancing options for fun days and community prayer spaces.
A personal response to #BlackLivesMatter
First published 11th June 2020A personal response to #BlackLivesMatter by Revd Dr Catherine Okoronkwo.
Statement from the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol
First published 11th June 2020Statement from the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol in response to the #BlackLivesMatter protests in Bristol.
One man's walk reaches a whole community
First published 5th June 2020Rev Malcolm Strange goes on a prayer walk around Fromeside
Faith at Home
First published 3rd June 2020Faith at Home is a national campaign that builds on the work of Growing Faith and Everyday Faith to support the faith development and pastoral care of children and young people.
NEW DEAN OF BRISTOL ANNOUNCED
First published 3rd June 2020Her Majesty The Queen has approved the appointment of Canon Dr Mandy Ford as the new Dean of Bristol.
Big take up for innovative new giving options
First published 28th May 2020As lockdown continues and church services continue take place online, new services to support parishes in continuing to encourage generosity are having a significant and positive impact.
Under-fives key to significant church growth
First published 22nd May 2020New research shows that young families with children under five could be a vital element for church growth.
Diocesan Synod Report - March 2020
First published 25th March 2020Synod report from March 2020
Faith without walls.
First published 20th May 2020To support 'Life groups' in his benefice, Revd Mark Terry has produced 10 sessions titled 'Faith without walls'.
Mission Areas explained....A Video
First published 18th December 2019An introduction to Mission Areas featuring the Yate and Fromeside Mission Area.
Despite the effects of the pandemic Musician and Composer finds a new connection with God.
First published 15th May 2020For such a time as this, Roger has successfully built on the contribution of our rich liturgy.
Finding our way as a diocese in the time of Covid-19
First published 14th May 2020Bishop Viv explores what impact Covid 19 might have on the diocese, the church and the future. This was originally written for a Bishop's Council meeting on Thursday 7 May.
Bishop of Swindon back in the saddle and raising money for Christian Aid
First published 12th May 2020On Sunday 10 May, the Bishop of Swindon began a 120 mile cycle ride that he will complete over this Christian Aid Week 10 - 16 May 2020.
Thy Kingdom Come - Online in 2020!
First published 12th May 2020Due to Covid-19 Thy Kingdom Come is going to look slightly different this year, but we are still uniting, across the globe to pray 'Thy Kingdom Come'
What is your church's energy footprint?
First published 12th May 2020If you've wondered what the size of your church's energy footprint might be, help is now at hand. The Church of England has launched a new, simple tool to measure the amount of carbon produced annually by heating and lighting your church buildings.
Sue Gent announced as Adviser for Ordinands and Vocations (Diocesan Director of Ordinands)
First published 12th May 2020The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce the appointment of the Revd Sue Gent.
