News

Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


Stats for Mission 2020; because people count

First published 14th October 2020

Celebrating the ministry of the church in 2020.


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.


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.


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?”


Race, ministry and me

First published 20th October 2020

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


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.


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.


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


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.


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.


‘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. 


LecDeck goes digital!

First published 14th October 2020

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


Churchwarden events in November 2020

First published 21st October 2020

News and event booking links for churchwarden events in November 2020


New course to help parishes grow young leaders

First published 10th April 2019

The Diocese of Bristol is committed to engaging with younger generations and to growing leaders of all ages to serve in both the church and the world.


Introducing our new lay ministers

First published 19th October 2020

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


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 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.


"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.


Many of us are still reeling after yeste...

First published 21st November 2012

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


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.


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.


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.'


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.


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.


Persona dolls - Elizabeth the Christian and her Church

First published 6th March 2013

Persona dolls are a great way to introduce young children to ideas like other religions.


Ways into prayer

First published 7th June 2013

As Bishop Lee has written, prayer is fundamental to Christian discipleship but the ways Christians actually engage with God in prayer may be as varied as the people themselves.


Message from The Dean

First published 29th January 2013

There are different ways of measuring what it is like to live in a recession.


Soundwell lights up for Candlemas

First published 6th February 2013

Over 500 people took part in a community lantern procession organised by members of St Stephen's Church in Soundwell to celebrate the feast of Candlemas on Saturday 2nd February.


The Venerable Kenneth James Clark 1922-2013

First published 5th February 2013

The Venerable Kenneth James Clark MA DSC 1922-2013, Archdeacon of Swindon 1982-1992


Swindon churches engage

First published 25th January 2013

Bishop Lee has celebrated the results of a survey which demonstrates the extensive engagement of Christians in Swindon with children and young people.


Expert solutions for heating churches

First published 14th January 2013

Keeping an historic church warm for community use while conserving its heritage features and minimising the environmental impact is a real challenge, especially at a time of rising energy prices.


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.


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.


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.


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.


Ian Yemm - House of Laity for Bristol Diocese - so what now?

First published 24th November 2012

Well this was quite a week to be a first-timer at the General Synod of the Church of England and the welcome was warm and genuine.


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.


People with memory problems helped by church cafe

First published 21st July 2017

People with memory problems in Bristol are being invited to a monthly cafe at Holy Trinity Church, Hotwells each month.


General Synod rejects Women Bishops legislation

First published 20th November 2012

The General Synod has failed to agree legislation that would have enabled women to become bishops in the Church of England.


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.


Statement regarding St Mary Redcliffe Primary School

First published 29th November 2016

It is clear from this Ofsted report that there are areas of weakness at St Mary Redcliffe Primary School.


Updates from Uganda

First published 14th January 2013

A team from Bristol has just returned from Uganda following the second Christ Centred Leadership Conference for Ugandan Bishops and their leadership teams, which is organised by the Diocese of Bristol in partnership with the Church of Uganda.


Competition to find innovative community projects in churches

First published 18th November 2016

The National Churches Trust and the Marsh Christian Trust are inviting entries for the Marsh Awards for Innovative Church Projects.


Growth: a good problem to have

First published 11th February 2013

St Michaels Church in Stoke Gifford is launching a £5.8m project to build a new multi-purpose church and community centre in the parish, following sustained growth in the church over the last decade.


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.


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.


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.


Home School Values

First published 7th February 2013

A fantastic new resource, Home Schools Values helps schools communicate their Christian values to their parents or guardians and communities.


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'.


MP sees RE makes sense of the world

First published 5th December 2012

The MP for Bristol West, Stephen Williams, visited Bristol Cathedral Choir School in November at the invitation of teachers campaigning for a proper understanding of the value of RE.


Facing death without fear, David Stevens' story

First published 5th March 2013

As part of our life stories series, we talked with with David Stevens about how his faith has enabled him to face death without fear following a diagnosis with cancer.


Revd Janet Marker, 1963-2012

First published 19th November 2012

Revd Janet Marker died last month after a struggle with illness that had been a constant presence though her ordained ministry.


Re-fuelling rural churches

First published 15th November 2012

The Filling Station, which started in the Diocese of Bristol, is supporting and strengthening local churches in rural areas across the country.


Creating a culture of invitiation

First published 19th May 2017

Logo for Season of Invitation showing drawn icons of envelope, church and heart. Three out of four Christians know who they would invite to church if they were prompted to do so.


From suicide to salvation, Steve and Sue's story

First published 28th February 2013

In local churches thoughout the Diocese of Bristol, people's lives are being changed by the power of God.


Meet the CEMES workers 2017

First published 24th October 2017

The Church of England Ministry Experience Scheme (CEMES) offers year-long placements in churches around the country for young adults aged under 30.


Creative prayer - 'lectio divina'

First published 25th July 2012

This article from the Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project looks at the practice of 'lectio divina' - a forever fresh way of reading scripture and praying.


Bristol schools competition winners 2012!

First published 28th June 2012

BRISTOL SCHOOLS COMPETITION WINNERS CELEBRATE 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER


Models of Partnership

First published 11th June 2012

The attached document provides a brief overview of different ways of working in partnership with other schools to support, amongst other things, sustainability, school improvement and financial stability.


Glowing reviews of Uganda Fire 2012

First published 23rd May 2012

The Uganda Fire Choir and Band has been touring the diocese for the last 12 days performing and sharing their faith in in schools and churches.


Persona dolls - Hassan the Muslim and his Mosque

First published 16th May 2012

Persona dolls are a great way to introduce young children to ideas like other religions.


Persona dolls - Malkit the Sikh and his Gurdwara

First published 16th May 2012

Persona dolls are a great way to introduce young children to ideas like other religions.


Persona dolls: Rita the Hindu and her Mandir

First published 16th May 2012

Persona dolls are a great way to introduce young children to ideas like other religions.


Persona dolls - Joe the Jewish boy and his Synagogue

First published 16th May 2012

Persona dolls are a great way to introduce young children to ideas like other religions.


Cafe church in Gloucestershire

First published 14th May 2012

What's so inspiring?....


Outreach in east Bristol

First published 14th May 2012

What's so inspiring? A heart for Jesus and proactive outreach to the local community is delivering growth in attendance, awareness and giving at St. Aidans in east Bristol.


Church and Primary Academy in Westbury-on-Trym

First published 14th May 2012

In Westbury-on-Trym, the parish church and CofE primary school (the first in the diocese to convert to academy status) are working together to provide a distinctively Christian education and ethos for local families.


Early Years RE - Persona Dolls

First published 29th April 2012

Many teachers speak of the power of having familiar persona dolls in the classroom and the imaginative way in which young children can exercise their curiosity about difference.


The Church School of the Future

First published 25th March 2012

On Friday (23rd March) the Church of England called for church schools to robustly assert their Christian ethos and foundation.


Hinduism lesson plans for Key Stage 2

First published 23rd March 2012

Download ten lesson plans to coverKS2 Unit 10:What does it mean to belong to a religion? HINDUISM for the Awareness, Mystery and Value agreed syllabus.


Yesterday evening I watched 'The Devil ...

First published 2nd May 2012

Yesterday evening I watched 'The Devil wears Prada' - yes, I know I'm a long way behind the rest of the world but I didn't think it would be a film I would enjoy.


Last Sunday I was delighted to join the ...

First published 12th September 2012

Last Sunday I was delighted to join the last morning of the residential weekend which is the start of our new Lay Ministers' Formation Year.


Howard Jameson, Patchway

First published 2nd November 2012

Revd Howard Jameson is licensed on Wednesday 7 November as Priest-in-Charge of Patchway in north Bristol.Howard writes:


Teresa Taylor, Mangotsfield

First published 9th September 2012

Revd Teresa Taylor will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Mangotsfield on Wednesday 19 September.


Sally Wheeler, Marshfield Benefice

First published 18th October 2012

Revd Sally Wheeler was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Marshfield Benefice on 8 October 2012.Sally writes:


Harvest ideas for Early Years and Foundation Stage

First published 19th September 2012

A Wet and Windy Harvest for Puddles is a must to support topic work on Harvest celebrations in school or nursery settings.


Apparently, I leak quite badly in meetings...

First published 5th September 2012

Apparently, I leak quite badly in meetings. My new colleague, Becky Waring, is a great observer of human nature and revealed this fact to me after a recent meeting.


Linda Fletcher, Park & Walcot

First published 9th September 2012

Revd Linda Fletcher was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Parks and Walcot in Swindon on 16 July 2012.Linda writes:


Sarah Evans, By Brook

First published 9th September 2012

Revd Sarah Evans was licensed as Team Vicar of the By Brook Benefice and Associate Minister of North Wraxall on 12 June 2012.


New Diocese-sponsored Academy opens in Bristol

First published 6th September 2012

On 2 September, the new Fishponds Church of England Academy in Bristol became the first Academy sponsored by the Diocese, opening its doors for the first year of its new status.


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'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.


Ex-violent gang member shares story of finding freedom. Lydiard Millicent.

First published 17th July 2012

Rob Joy, a 33-year-old former South of England gang member whose violence, crime and drug addiction sent him to prison, will be telling his story and sharing how he found freedom at two free events in Lydiard Millicent this month.


Aggy Palairet : God's calling

First published 21st March 2017

Hello Im Aggy; I am a mum of 2, currently a member in the Lee Abbey Knowle West small missional community and working part time for the NHS as a Clinical Data Team Co-ordinator.


Shoebox theology

First published 13th November 2012

I had the best afternoon for ages today. I was invited down to the Operation Christmas Child collection centre at Christ the Servant church in Stockwood today by my friend and colleague Sue Farrance.


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.


Ian Tweedie-Smith, Purton

First published 2nd November 2012

Revd Ian Tweedie-Smith was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Purton, west of Swindon, on 17 October 2012.


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.

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