Here you can find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol.
News and updates
Statement on the election of Pope Leo XIV
First published 9th May 2025Following the election of Pope Leo XIV on Thursday 8 May, Bishops of Bristol and Swindon offer a warm welcome and heartfelt prayers for his ministry ahead.
Churches to mark 80th Anniversary of VE Day
First published 6th May 2025Churches across England will participate in a series of commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on Thursday, 8th May 2025.
Three Crowns News: A Fresh Way to Share Your Stories
First published 30th April 2025We're delighted to launch Three Crowns News, a brand new quarterly parish news-sheet from the Diocese of Bristol, designed to celebrate the life, faith, and everyday witness of our churches and communities.
Mission in a Strange New World
First published 28th April 2025Where are we? Where are we heading? Understanding and Responding to a Post-Christendom/Christian Culture
The Rt Revd Neil Warwick confirmed as Acting Bishop of Bristol
First published 25th April 2025The Diocese of Bristol is delighted to announce the appointment of the Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Suffragan Bishop of Swindon, as Acting Diocesan Bishop of this diocese with effect from 2 September 2025.
Earth Day – How the Diocese of Bristol is responding to the environmental crisis
First published 22nd April 2025Earth Day – How the Diocese of Bristol is responding to the environmental crisis
Statement on the death of Pope Francis
First published 21st April 2025Following the news of Pope Francis' death on this Easter Morning, aged 88, Bishops of Bristol and Swindon paid tribute to him with the following statement.
Gaza: House of Bishops statement on attack on Al Ahli Hospital
First published 16th April 2025Church of England's House of Bishops issues statement speaking of sharing "grief, sorrow and outrage" with Palestinian brothers and sisters over Palm Sunday attack on Anglican-run hospital.
Holy Week Devotional: Two Processions
First published 15th April 2025This Holy Week Devotional, based on the Palm Sunday sermon by Bishop Neil, invites us to reflect on the contrasting paths of power and peace and to follow Christ through the key moments leading to his death and resurrection.
Open letter from women of faith on Assisted Dying
First published 7th April 2025Bishop Viv joins women leaders across faiths to voice safeguarding concerns over the current legislation for Assisted Dying.
Modern Slavery Act ‘must keep pace with changes’, Bishop Viv tells Lords
First published 3rd April 2025On Friday, 28 March, Bishop Viv spoke in the House of Lords during the debate on the report from the Modern Slavery Act 2015 Committee - The Modern Slavery Act 2015: becoming world-leading again.
Bishop Viv's Diocesan Synod Presidential Address, 22 March 2025
First published 24th March 2025Bishop Viv reflected on Lent, the proposal to introduce a festival of God the Creator and commemorated the 21 Coptic Martyrs.
Fraudulent letters targeting charities
First published 21st March 2025The Charity Commission has issued a warning about fraudsters targeting charities with fake letters. We urge all PCCs to remain vigilent.
Bishop Viv speaks in the House of Lords on the Campus Antisemitism in Britain
First published 14th March 2025On Wednesday, 12 March, Bishop Viv raised an oral question in the House of Lords during the debate on the Campus Antisemitism in Britain 2022–2024 report, focusing on collaborative work of multifaith chaplaincies with university authorities.
Bishop Viv speaks in the House of Lords on the UK Poverty 2025 report
First published 11th March 2025On Monday, 10 March, Bishop Viv raised an oral question in the House of Lords during the debate on the UK Poverty 2025 report, focusing particularly on in-work poverty.
Sir Robert Buckland KBE appointed Third Church Estates Commissioner
First published 6th March 2025The Diocese of Bristol is delighted by the appointment of Sir Robert Buckland KBE as the next Third Church Estates Commissioner.
Bishop Bosco to be commissioned as Ecumenical Canon at Bristol Cathedral
First published 5th March 2025The Diocese of Bristol is delighted to announce that the Rt Revd Bosco MacDonald, Bishop of Clifton, will be commissioned as an Honorary Ecumenical Canon during a service at Bristol Cathedral on 9 March 2025.
Learning Assistant and Police Officer licensed in Frenchay and Stapleton
First published 25th February 2025The Diocese of Bristol is delighted to share that the Revd Ruth Harding and the Revd Anton Campbell were licensed as Associate Priest in the benefice of Frenchay and Stapleton and as Interim Priest at Frenchay respectively.
Three New Area Deans Commissioned in the Diocese of Bristol
First published 19th February 2025The Diocese of Bristol is delighted to share that the Revd Kat Campion-Spall, the Revd Marc Terry and the Revd Sarah Hancox were commissioned as Area Deans for Bristol City, Chippenham and Bristol South respectively.
Belonging and Togetherness: Grand Iftar at Bristol Cathedral
First published 18th February 2025Bristol Cathedral, Muslims4Bristol and Bridges for Communities are delighted to be working together to bring a Grand Iftar to Bristol City Centre for the third year in a row.
Bishop’s Message on General Synod Safeguarding Changes
First published 13th February 2025A message from the Bishop of Bristol regarding the Future of Safeguarding in the Church of England.
Take part in the consultation for the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury
First published 7th February 2025The Church of England’s nomination process for the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury is now open until 28 March 2025.
Bishop of Bristol announces her retirement
First published 6th February 2025The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, by kind permission of the King, will retire as Bishop of Bristol on 1 September 2025. The Archbishop of York granted Bishop Viv permission to remain in office after her 70th birthday in May, to ordain new Deacons and Priests in the summer.
New Honorary Canons installed at Bristol Cathedral
First published 28th January 2025The Diocese of Bristol is delighted to announce that Claire Garrett, Charles Wyld, Revd David Moore, Revd Dr Simon Taylor, Revd Richard McKay, Revd Dr Marcus Torchon and Rt Revd Raymond Veira will be installed as new Honorary Cathedral Canons during a service at Bristol Cathedral on 2 February 2025.
Marking Holocaust Memorial Day - 2025
First published 24th January 2025On 27 January 2025, Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) will mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, as we remember the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust.
Comment on the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme announcement
First published 22nd January 2025The Bishop of Bristol, Viv Faull, and the Bishop of Ramsbury, Andrew Rumsey, who are the Church of England's joint lead bishops on church buildings, have issued the following comment in response to the written statement today from Sir Chris Bryant, Heritage Minister, on the Listed Places of Worship grants scheme:
Improved connection with Diocesan Support through new telephone and CRM systems
First published 20th January 2025Parishes can now enjoy a smoother and more efficient calling experience, as a result of the recent transition to a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) telephone system at Hillside House.
Revd Sally Robertson re-appointed as Area Dean for Swindon
First published 9th January 2025The Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Bishop of Swindon is pleased to announce that the Revd Sally Robertson was re-appointed as the Area Dean for Swindon within the Archdeaconry of Malmesbury.
Bishop Viv's Christmas Sermon 2024
First published 24th December 2024The following sermon was delivered by the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, at Bristol Cathedral on 24 December 2024
Our Rhythm of Life programme has launched - join today
First published 7th January 2025Join our Rhythm of Life today
Archbishop of York's Epiphany letter to clergy and lay ministers
First published 6th January 2025Archbishop Stephen has written to all clergy and lay ministers in the Church of England today, on the Feast of Epiphany.
Rhythm of Life launching soon
First published 3rd January 2025Update on Rhythm of Life
A Christmas message from the Bishops of Bristol and Swindon
First published 24th December 2024As we celebrate Christmas, the Right Reverend Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol and the Right Reverend Neil Warwick, Bishop of Swindon, reflect on the year that has passed and their hopes for this Christmas season.
Bishop Viv's statement regarding BBC Radio 4 File on Four - David Tudor
First published 17th December 2024A statement from the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, regarding the BBC Radio 4 File on Four - David Tudor documentary
Bishop Viv speaks in the House of Lords on Communities during Periods of Change
First published 9th December 2024Bishop Viv addressed the House of Lords on Friday 6 December as part of the debate on Social Cohesion and Community during Periods of Change.
Statement regarding the fire at St Michael's Primary School
First published 9th December 2024The Diocese of Bristol is aware that on Sunday 8 December at approximately 9.30pm, a fire broke out at St Michael’s Primary School in Stoke Gifford. We are deeply grateful to Avon Fire and Rescue Service for their prompt response in extinguishing the fire and ensuring that no one was injured.
Current issue on our website
First published 9th December 2024Current issue on our website with accordions/drop-down menus
10th Anniversary - Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders against Modern Slavery
First published 2nd December 2024Ten years ago, Catholic, Anglican, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish and Orthodox religious leaders gathered to sign the Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders Against Modern Slavery, a public statement of their commitment to work together in spiritual and practical action to eradicate modern slavery and restore dignity and freedom to its victims.
Bishop Viv's Diocesan Synod Presidential Address, 23 November 2024
First published 2nd December 2024Bishop Viv spoke about the importance of safe churches to ministry and reflected on the Anglican Communion Safe Church Commission conference and the Makin Report.
Useful information on Budget National Insurance changes
First published 21st November 2024Useful information from Diocesan Finance on Budget National Insurance changes coming into effect from April 2025
Marking Safeguarding Sunday 2024
First published 15th November 2024On 17 November, churches across the Diocese of Bristol will mark Safeguarding Sunday, a day to reflect on safeguarding’s importance, remember survivors of abuse, and recommit to creating safe and welcoming communities.
Bishop Viv's statement on the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury
First published 13th November 2024A statement from the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, on the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury
Statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury
First published 12th November 2024Read the statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury regarding his resignation
Bishop Viv shares her response to the Makin Report
First published 8th November 2024The independent review by Keith Makin into how the Church of England handled allegations of serious abuse by the late John Smyth has been published. The Diocese of Bristol acknowledges the profound distress these findings may have, especially for survivors of abuse.
A Circular Food Initiative Making a Big Impact
First published 5th November 2024BS3 Jammin’ at St Paul’s Church, Southville, Bristol, is a community event transforming surplus food into preserves and dishes to reduce waste and boost food security.
Mental Health and Belonging in our Churches - 2024 Conference
First published 30th October 2024All are welcome to our Mental Health and Belonging in our Churches Conference happening on Saturday 16th of November at Holy Trinity Church in Bradley Stoke, Bristol!
Celebrating 50 Years of Ministry: Margaret Williams, a Pioneer for Women
First published 22nd October 2024Margaret Williams of Christ Church Swindon is commemorated an extraordinary milestone - 50 years of Licensed Lay Ministry.
Revd Jae Chandler announced as Priest in Charge, St Mary the Virgin, Henbury.
First published 22nd October 2024The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, licensed the Revd Jae Chandler as the Priest in Charge of Henbury at a service in St Mary the Virgin Church on 21 October 2024.
Anti-Slavery Day 2024
First published 18th October 2024On Anti-Slavery Day 2024, the Bristol Diocese stands in solidarity with the 50 million men, women, and children trapped in modern slavery.
Revd's Paul and Rachel Barrett announced as new Chaplains to the Mothers' Union
First published 17th October 2024Revd Paul Barrett, and Revd Rachel Barrett announced as the new Diocesan Chaplains to the Mothers’ Union
Revd Wanda Kay Morris announced as Associate Minister
First published 15th October 2024Revd Wanda Kay Morris announced as Associate Minister (SSM), Benefices of Yate and Fromeside, and Officiating Chaplain to the Military, MOD Corsham.
Anna Chaplaincy launches
First published 11th October 2024We are launching Anna Chaplaincy - helping you equip your church for the effective ministry and spiritual well-being of older people
Our Trail of Remembrance launches
First published 9th October 2024Trail of Remembrance: Uncovering Bristol’s Connection to Transatlantic Chattel Slavery
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New memorial honouring John Isaac to be unveiled at Bristol Cathedral
First published 8th October 2024Bristol Cathedral will unveil a new memorial honouring John Isaac, a man born into slavery, marking a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing the legacy of slavery and institutional racism within the Church.
Bishop Viv ordains Revd Catriona Rawlins deacon for Hanham & Kingswood Benefice
First published 2nd October 2024On 1 October, during a Eucharist at Bristol Cathedral the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, ordained Revd Catriona Rawlins deacon for the Benefice of Hanham and Kingswood.
Revd Canon Rebecca Stevens announced as Adviser for Ordinands and Vocations
First published 30th September 2024The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol and the Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Bishop of Swindon are delighted to announce that the Revd Canon Rebecca Stevens has been appointed as the next Adviser for Ordinands and Vocations, fulfilling the role of the Diocesan Director of Ordinands
New Archdeacon of Bristol Collation and Installation
First published 6th September 2024Bristol Cathedral hosted a wonderful celebration at Choral Evensong on Sunday 1st September 2024 at which the Venerable Becky Waring was collated as the Archdeacon of Malmesbury by Bishop Viv and installed as an Honorary Canon of the Cathedral by the Dean, the Very Revd Mandy Ford.
Join us for Creating Pathways into Faith
First published 2nd September 2024Join us for the last event in our Growing Faith. Together series - Creating Pathways into Faith on 14 September 2024
Nominations open for election to Diocesan Committees
First published 5th August 2024Nominations are now open for election to Diocesan committees, including the Vacancy in See Committee.
Join us for our Church Teams Day - 28 September 2024
First published 16th August 2024Join us for our Church Teams Day - 28 September 2024
Support available in relation to Blackburn Cathedral safeguarding case
First published 13th August 2024We are aware how distressing this news may be to worshippers and support is available to you via our Safeguarding team.
Revd James Cannan announced as the new Vicar of St James Mangotsfield
First published 12th August 2024The Diocese of Bristol is delighted to announce that Revd James Cannan has been appointed as the next Vicar of St James Mangotsfield.
Interfaith statement regarding the extremist actions in Bristol
First published 8th August 2024Representatives of diverse faith and belief communities, as well as secular organisations from across Bristol came together at Bristol Cathedral on 8 August to deliver a statement recent extremist activities that took place in Bristol and across the country.
St Mary Redcliffe statement regarding the recent extremist actions
First published 6th August 2024The Diocese of Bristol is shocked and saddened by the violence and harassment that took place in Bristol and the rest of the UK over the last few days. We strongly condemn the actions of extremist groups on 3rd August at Castle Park and outside the Mercure Hotel, near St Mary Redcliffe.
Bishop Viv awarded Honorary Degree by UWE Bristol
First published 24th July 2024The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by UWE Bristol in recognition of her service to faith communities in Bristol and her pioneering work within the church promoting roles for women.
Bishop Viv speaks at the House of Lords on Modern Slavery and Labour Laws
First published 23rd July 2024Bishop Viv addressed the House of Lords regarding modern slavery and labour laws as part of the King's Speech Debate on Monday 22 July.
The Church of England launches new app
First published 19th July 2024The Everyday Faith app brings you daily reflection content for the whole year to inspire, equip and encourage you in your faith.
Diocese and Cathedral commended in Independent Safeguarding Audit
First published 15th July 2024The Diocese of Bristol and Bristol Cathedral have been recognised for their exemplary safeguarding practices following an intensive audit conducted by the INEQE Safeguarding Group.
St Mary's, Leigh Woods will open its doors to light candles for victims
First published 12th July 2024St Mary's, Leigh Woods will open its doors on Sunday to light candles for Bristol Suspension Bridge victims.
Bishop Viv ordains new deacons and priests at Bristol Cathedral
First published 2nd July 2024Over the weekend, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, ordained 10 candidates Priest and 8 Deacon at Bristol Cathedral.
2024 Petertide Ordinands Prayer List
First published 27th June 2024Prayers for those being ordained Deacon and Priest between 29 June and 1 July 2024.
The Revd Becky Waring announced as the next Archdeacon of Bristol
First published 24th June 2024The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is delighted to announce that the Revd Becky Waring has been appointed as the next Archdeacon of Bristol.
Bishop Viv's Diocesan Synod Presidential Address, 15 June 2024
First published 17th June 2024Bishop Viv spoke about highlights that 2023 has been the third year in a row that the Church of England has seen an increase in average weekly service attendance.
Eco volunteers help to raise profile of St Leonard's, Stanton Fitzwarren
First published 14th June 2024Retired couple John and Darylin Frances joined the the rural church in North Wiltshire a few years ago, and since then have transformed the local community for the better.
Lunchtime concerts at Bristol city churches
First published 13th June 2024Upcoming lunchtime recitals at St Stephens, Bristol Cathedral, St Paul's Clifton and St Mary Redcliffe
New Residentiary Canon and Vice Dean of Bristol Cathedral announced
First published 10th June 2024The Bishop of Bristol and the Dean and Chapter of Bristol Cathedral are delighted to announce that the Revd Neil Patterson as the next Canon Residentiary and Vice Dean of Bristol Cathedral.
Athelstan Pilgrim Way to be opened on 30th June
First published 6th June 2024A new group of walking and cycling routes to be opened linking churches in North Wiltshire
St Paul’s Cathedral announces the appointment of new Canon Steward
First published 4th June 2024The Revd Dr Catherine Okoronkwo has been appointed by His Majesty the King as Residentiary Canon and Steward of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Revd Patches Chabala announced as the new Vicar of St John’s Haydon Wick
First published 3rd June 2024The Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Bishop of Swindon, is delighted to announce that Revd Patches Chabala has been appointed as the next Vicar of St John’s Haydon Wick.
Archdeacons Visitations
First published 10th May 2024Churchwardens will be gathering at two in-person Visitation services across the Diocese this year, to celebrate and affirm their ministry as they formally take up their offices for another year.
Independent survey to explore attitudes towards the C of E in the Diocese
First published 20th May 2024Meaningful Measures, an independent research company, is conducting a comprehensive survey aimed at understanding people’s views of the Church of England within the local community, and the use of local church spaces.
The Energy Footprint Tool is now live
First published 20th May 2024Work out your church’s carbon footprint to help care for God’s creation. The Church of England’s Energy Footprint Tool is now open for churches to enter fuel and power use from 2023.
Growing Faith Together - We're in this together
First published 17th May 2024On Saturday July 14th we have our next in the series of our Growing Faith Together discipleship days at St Paul’s Chippenham.
Bishop Viv speaks at the House of Lords on Modern Slavery Referral Mechanism
First published 16th May 2024Bishop Viv asked an Oral Question in the House of Lords about the waiting times under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 National Referral Mechanism on 13 May 2024.
Statement regarding Revd Sue Parfitt
First published 15th May 2024A statement regarding the incident on Friday 10 May 2024 involving Revd Sue Parfitt
Interfaith RE Day for South Gloucestershire Schools
First published 1st January 2024We have now run two Interfaith RE days online for South Gloucestershire schools, in association with the local SACREs.
Annual RE Conference 2024: Let's talk about race
First published 31st January 2024The Annual Diocese of Bristol Religious Conference 2024 was held in January with the title 'Let's talk about race - the power of RE to make a change'
New Dean of Women’s Ministry announced
First published 10th May 2024The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is delighted to announce that Revd Canon Alice Kemp has been appointed as the next Dean of Women’s Ministry.
Congratulations to the winners of 2024 Bristol DAC Awards
First published 10th May 2024Each year the Diocesan Advisory Committee recognises a number of projects via its awards scheme. This year five parishes received DAC Awards for projects that have been done to an exceptional standard of workmanship, or where the projects have been key to their growth and mission.
Hazelnut Community Farm Launches New Network of Eco-Congregations
First published 8th May 2024Bristol-based Hazelnut Community are launching the Hazelnut Community Network: a national web of Christian eco-congregations.
Statement regarding the car incident at St Andrew's Church, Castle Combe
First published 7th May 2024The Diocese of Bristol is aware that on Tuesday 7 May, an incident took place in Castle Combe, Wiltshire in which a person was struck by a car. Additionally, the incident resulted in some damage to the grounds of St Andrew’s Church, Castle Combe.
Nominations open for Diocesan Synod Elections 2024
First published 22nd April 2024Nominations for Diocesan Synod Elections are now open and will close on 13 May. Learn more about how you can put your name forward to be part of the next Diocesan Synod.
Join us for Everyday Faith
First published 25th April 2024Join us on 11th May at Pattern Church for Everday Faith - the second event in our Growing Faith. Together series
Celebrating Black Literature in Honour of Stephen Lawrence
First published 22nd April 2024A list of book and poem recommendations by Black authors, and advice on how to be an ally.
Bishop Viv's Easter Morning Sermon
First published 31st March 2024The following sermon was delivered by the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol at Bristol Cathedral on Easter Morning, Sunday 31 March.
Diocesan Chrism Eucharist Sermon
First published 28th March 2024Priests, deacons and licensed lay ministers came together from across the diocese to join the Bishops, Archdeacons and the Dean at Bristol Cathedral to renew their vows made at their ordinations and remember the ministry to which they've been called.
Bishop Viv's Diocesan Synod Presidential Address, 16 March 2024
First published 25th March 2024Bishop Viv spoke about the central role of church buildings to worship and the importance of their preservation.
Diocesan Sustainability Team takes part in Net Zero Carbon Connect Conference
First published 14th March 2024Amy Dartington, Environment and Sustainability Manager, and Kit Connell, Sustainability Outreach Officer from Diocese of Bristol attended the event and Amy gave a presentation on the successes and challenges encountered by the team so far.
Bishop Viv's Op-Ed on modern slavery amendment to the Rwanda Bill
First published 8th March 2024The Rwanda Bill risks the safety of those caught up in modern slavery, say Vivienne Faull and Eleanor Lyons
Six new Honorary Canons installed at Bristol Cathedral
First published 28th February 2024The Diocese of Bristol is delighted to announce that Richard Bacon, Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC MP, Revd Capt Clive Deverell, Revd Paul Langham, Catherine Price LLM and Liz Townend have been installed as new Honorary Cathedral Canons during services at Bristol Cathedral
