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News and updates
Congratulations to Christopher and Wayne who have been ordained
First published 1st October 2022A huge congratulations to Christopher Hunter and Wayne Callum who were ordained as Priest and Deacon at the stunning Bristol Cathedral by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol on Thursday. Please pray for them .
Bishop’s address to Synod – 7 September 2022
First published 29th September 2022Please read Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull's address to Synod on 7 September 2022.
Practical Guidance for Parishes - How to save money and energy
First published 29th September 2022Please read this latest guidance on how to save money and energy in your parishes and churches.
Join us at our special workshop next week!
First published 28th September 2022Join our special workshop at St Paul's Church in Chippenham and find out how to support people from Hong Kong who are settling in Bristol
Invitation to racial justice events with the Rt Hon. Lord Paul Boateng!
First published 23rd September 2022Find out more about two events being run by The Rt Hon. Lord Paul Boateng and Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng on 5th October 2022 and book your place now!
Invitation to a Church Development Tool Webinar
First published 23rd September 2022You are invited to take part in a Church of England webinar next week to find out more about the Church Development Tool which is now open and available for all churches to use via A Church Near You.
Congratulations to The Revd Canon Dr Andrew Braddock on his new appointment
First published 23rd September 2022Canon Andrew, 51, is currently the Interim Dean of Gloucester and will take up the role of Dean of Norwich at the end of January.
Congratulations wishes from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol
First published 23rd September 2022Congratulations to the Bishop of St Albans, Alan Smith, who has been appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury as Convenor of the Lords Spiritual.
A Prayer from the Bishop of Bristol - Proclamation of King Charles III
First published 12th September 2022Please find below, a prayer from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol on the proclamation of King Charles III.
From Rt Revd Vivienne Faull - The Death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
First published 8th September 2022It is with deep sadness that I have heard of the death this evening of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
You're invited to our Environment Workshop at 7pm on Tuesday 11 October 2022
First published 1st September 2022The UK climate in 2050 is going to look quite different to how it is now. We will be facing hotter summers, more wet winters, more extreme storms and multiple other changes.
Congratulations to Suzanne Grindrod - the new Priest in charge of Draycot
First published 31st August 2022Congratulations to Suzanne Grindrod who has been appointed as the new Priest in charge of the Draycot Benefice within the North Wiltshire Mission Area.
11 people will be licensed as Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) in October
First published 31st August 2022LLMs have been trained and authorised to teach the faith, offer Christian leadership, and enable mission. They live out their faith in communities, churches and workplaces.
Bristol Cathedral's new exhibition, #AllGodsChildren, is now open!
First published 26th August 2022Why not visit to find out more about the Cathedral’s connections to the transatlantic trade of enslaved people and have your say about what the Cathedral should do next.
New curacy opportunity with the Woodbridge Group of Churches!
First published 26th August 2022Find out more about our new curacy opportunity with the Woodbridge Group of Churches Now!
Good luck to everyone receiving their GCSE results today!
First published 25th August 2022We hope and pray you receive the results you are hoping for from Bishop Viv and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol!
Greenways Benefice Profile for 2023 Curacy Opportunity
First published 25th August 2022An exciting opportunity awaits the right person to serve their curacy in the Greenways Benefice, Chippenham, Wiltshire.
Apply for your FREE contactless device before the 7th September deadline!
First published 24th August 2022Does your church offer contactless giving yet? If not, now is the time to apply before the deadline of 7th September 2022.
Revd Janet Lee appointed as new link coordinator for the Bristol West Deanery
First published 22nd August 2022Having grown up in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and been involved with the Bristol Uganda link for several years, Revd Janet Lee has recently been appointed as the new link coordinator for the Bristol West Deanery.
Remembering The Reverend Hilary Blancharde who has sadly died aged 74
First published 18th August 2022Remembering The Reverend Hilary Blancharde, who was the assistant priest at Holy Trinity Church, Horfield in Bristol and has sadly died after a year’s illness with cancer.
United Church in Longwell Green celebrates 40th anniversary of Local Ecumenical
First published 17th August 2022The congregation of United Church in Longwell Green will commemorate the coming together of the two churches with a 40th anniversary celebration on Sunday 11th September.
Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Mothers' Union
First published 15th August 2022Last weekend on 14 August, there was a service to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Mothers' Union at St Philip the Deacon in Stratton.
New resource released for hosting warm spaces
First published 15th August 2022The Diocese of Bristol has just released a short resource to help churches to host warm spaces through the coming winter.
Stunning views for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta!
First published 12th August 2022Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is now well underway with lots of fun for all the family until Sunday so why not check out their website for full details!
Dr Ruth Valerio announced as keynote speaker for upcoming environment conference
First published 12th August 2022We are pleased to announce Dr Ruth Valerio as the keynote speaker for our upcoming conference: Creation Restored: Ministry in a time of Climate Crisis
2022 Bristol Clergy Conference: “Restoring our Soul”
First published 11th August 2022The Bishop of Bristol, The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is hosting a 3-day conference for licensed clergy in the Diocese of Bristol at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick on 11 to 13 October
Ali Rowe reflects on her old and new role with the Bristol Uganda link
First published 11th August 2022Ali Rowe has been involved with the Diocese of Bristol link with Uganda for over 10 years. After acting as the link coordinator for the Bristol West Deanery for several years, she is now leaving the role to become the link coordinator for the Kingswood and South Gloucestershire Deanery.
New resources released for Christians Against Poverty Sunday 2022
First published 11th August 2022New resources have been launched, from debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty, to help churches respond to UK poverty.
Bristol churches featured on BBC article during heatwave
First published 11th August 2022Last month, St Augustine of Canterbury in Even Swindon and St Paul's Church in Southville were featured on a BBC article, after they kept their buildings open during the July heatwave.
Welcome to Esther Williams, our new Safeguarding Caseworker
First published 8th August 2022A huge welcome to Esther Williams who has joined us recently as a Safeguarding Caseworker.
Remembering Roy Hackett OBE, a Civil Rights Pioneer who has sadly died aged 93
First published 5th August 2022Remembering Roy Hackett OBE, a Civil Rights Pioneer who has sadly died aged 93 by Rashida Hartley, Racial Justice Project Officer
We're excited for this year's Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - are you?
First published 4th August 2022This incredible event which is taking place from 11th to 14th August attracts over 100 hot air balloons and 500,000 visitors over the four days.
A huge well done to Bishop Lee for completing his charity cycle - please keep donating!
First published 3rd August 2022A huge well done to Bishop Lee for completing his charity cycle - please keep donating!
Congratulations to The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, the next Dean of York
First published 2nd August 2022Congratulations to The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, the next Dean of York
Come and join our team now - NEW roles available!
First published 2nd August 2022We have several new exciting roles within our Diocesan Support Services Team - apply now!
Bishops of Bristol and South Sudan exchange rings of reconciliation at the Lambeth Conference
First published 2nd August 2022Bishops of Bristol and South Sudan exchange rings of reconciliation at the Lambeth Conference
St Marys & St James Lockleaze named as top community place
First published 1st August 2022The initial findings report was produced by Royal Mencap Society Community Partners after an engagement project with a questionnaire and 32 ‘Community Conversations'.
Bishop Viv shares good news from the Lambeth Conference
First published 1st August 2022Bishop Viv shares good news from the Lambeth Conference.
Congratulations to Reverend Kat Campion-Spall, who will become Rector Designate of Bristol Harbourside Churches
First published 29th July 2022Congratulations to Reverend Kat Campion-Spall.
Mission and Ministry in a Time of Trauma lecture now available to watch online
First published 29th July 2022A Zoom conversation on 9 June, led by Rhona Knight and Revd Dr Simon Taylor.
Holiday at Home activity day at St Michael's Church in Stoke Gifford
First published 28th July 2022More than 70 people attended the fun-filled activity day held at St Michael's Centre last week on Thursday 21 July.
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Mental Health Wellbeing Sunday at Holy Trinity Westbury on Trym
First published 22nd July 2022On the 19 June, there was a focus across all services and in Sunday Club on Mental Health Wellbeing at Holy Trinity Westbury on Trym.
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Event Cancelled - 'Walk of Witness Bristol City Slave Trail'.
First published 22nd July 2022This event has been cancelled
2,500 local residents gather for annual Pinehurst Fun Day to celebrate community
First published 21st July 2022The Pinehurst Fun Day has been running for 20 years but was unfortunately cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. On Saturday 16 July, over 2,500 local residents gathered to celebrate the return of the fun day!
Spear Bristol supports over 40 young people to re-enter work or education since January launch
First published 21st July 2022Spear Bristol launched in January 2022 and has since supported 43 young people aged 16 - 24 across Bristol.
Rashida Hartley, Racial Justice Officer reflects on ‘Lament to Action' workshop
First published 21st July 2022Rashida Hartley, Racial Justice Officer for the Bristol Diocese, reflects on ‘Lament to Action' workshop at Sarum College.
Informative session for Licensed Lay Ministers
First published 20th July 2022Our Licenced Lay Ministers had a very informative session with John Pearce from Pearce Funeral Services recently about what is not allowed in the coffin at the crematorium.
Appointment of the Church of England's new permanent national director of safeguarding
First published 19th July 2022Alexander Kubeyinje has been appointed as the Church of England's new permanent national director of safeguarding.
Ice-cream for the hottest day of the year so far!
First published 18th July 2022How do you cool down on the hottest day of the year so far? Eat delicious ice-cream of course and that's exactly what our Diocesan Support Services staff staff did today thanks to Mr Sav.
Bishop of Swindon gets on his bike to raise as much money as possible to give a special Christmas gift
First published 18th July 2022Being poorly with covid recently, didn't stop Bishop of Swindon, Dr Lee Rayfield from getting on his bike once again to take on a huge fundraising challenge, cycling some 881 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats.
Deadline approaches for church energy footprint tool
First published 14th July 2022The Energy Footprint Tool allows all churches around the country to enter their utility bills and find out their "carbon footprint".
First Gold Eco Church award in the Diocese
First published 14th July 2022We are thrilled to celebrate with Hazelnut Community Farm, as they become the first church in the Southwest to receive a Gold Eco Award
Y12 student reflects on his experience of supporting his church an Eco Church
First published 14th July 2022Aidan, a student at a Chippenham secondary school, reflects on his experience of helping his church become an Eco Church.
Does your church offer contactless giving yet?
First published 14th July 2022Does your church offer contactless giving yet? If not, now is the time to consider it, as the Diocese of Bristol receives dozens of heavily subsidised contactless devices to pass on to churches across the region.
Get your tickets to Creation Restored: Ministry in a time of Climate Crisis
First published 14th July 2022Join us on Saturday 17 September at Pattern Church Swindon for an inspiring and challenging day for all in church leadership - lay, ordained, youth or environmental!
Swindon Food Collective officially opens new food distribution centre
First published 8th July 2022Swindon Food Collective opened a new food distribution centre at St Timothy's, Dorcan Church on 8 July.
Dauntsey Doom Board art lecture now available to watch online
First published 7th July 2022A lecture given at St James the Great, Dauntsey, Wiltshire, England on 15th June 2022 by Revd Dr Simon Taylor.
“Don't Bank on Plastics!†urge campaigners this Plastic Free July
First published 7th July 2022This Plastic Free July, Christian charity ECCR is asking individuals to contact their bank about the global plastic crisis.
Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol enjoys visiting students at Hodgkin House!
First published 5th July 2022Bishop of Bristol really enjoyed talking to the international students about where they are from and hearing all their exciting stories before they start their studies in Bristol.
Congratulations to new Suffragen Bishop of Hull in the Diocese of York
First published 4th July 2022Congratulations to the Right Reverend Doctor Eleanor Sanderson who has been appointed as Suffragan Bishop of Hull in the Diocese of York
Special weekend of ordination celebrations for our Priests and Deacons!
First published 4th July 2022The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol ordained 18 candidates as Priests and Deacons at very moving ordination celebrations at Bristol Cathedral last weekend.
Welcome to Bristol Amal - it was great to meet you!
First published 1st July 2022During Refugee Week at the end of June, Little Amal came to Bristol and walked from the Old Vic Theatre to the harbourside, meeting hundreds of people along the way.
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sharon's Story
First published 1st July 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sharon's Story
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Wanda's Story
First published 1st July 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Wanda' Story
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Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Joshua's Story
First published 30th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Joshua's Story
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Brand new small group resource gives VIP welcome to those choosing to build a new life in UK
First published 30th June 2022An interactive six-week course has just been released to help churches welcome new arrivals in the UK from Hong Kong.
Training course for churches offering spiritual care to older people
First published 30th June 2022BRF is delighted to introduce a groundbreaking course to help churches equip leaders and members for ministry to older people.
Please continue to pray for those to be ordained this weekend
First published 30th June 2022The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, will ordain 20 candidates as priests and deacons at Bristol Cathedral over the coming weekend.
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Sarah's Story
First published 29th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Sarah's Story
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Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Nicola's Story
First published 28th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Nicola's Story
Welcome to Rashida Hartley who has joined the Diocese and is flying the flag for racial justice
First published 28th June 2022Rashida Hartley has recently been appointed as Diocesan Racial Justice Officer on a one-year fixed term contract, working 14 hours a week on Thursdays and Fridays.
A huge congratulations to St John the Baptist Church and residents in Colerne for winning a SILVER AWARD
First published 27th June 2022A huge congratulations to St John the Baptist Church and residents in Colerne for winning a SILVER AWARD!
Congratulations to Jordan Ling for her appointment as Diocesan Advisor for Clergy Wellbeing
First published 27th June 2022Jordan Ling has recently been appointed as Diocesan Advisor for Clergy Wellbeing after a very successful secondment since March this year.
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Caroline's Story
First published 27th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Caroline's Story
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Ruth's Story
First published 26th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Ruth's Story
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Diane's Story
First published 25th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Diane's Story
Swindon Food Collective open two new distribution centres
First published 24th June 2022The Swindon Food Collective are opening two new distribution centres today, on Friday 24 June 2022 in an effort to take food to those in need in the wider community.
Encouraging response to Parish Share survey
First published 24th June 2022Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our Parish Share survey!
Continuing Ministerial Development summer programme continues
First published 24th June 2022We are now halfway through our Continuing Ministerial Development Summer 2022 Programme, but there are still opportunities to get involved!
New Exploring Christianity module starting in September
First published 24th June 2022A course to deepen faith, explore the Christian tradition and equip for ministry.
Celebrate and Sing - Rural Schools Festival
First published 24th June 2022If you were visiting Malmesbury Abbey on Thursday 26 May you may have been surprised to encounter the first ever Rural Schools Festival in North Wiltshire!
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National Church Awards open
First published 24th June 2022The first ever National Church Awards to celebrate churches and the people who use and look after them are now open for entries.
Tickets on sale now for heart warming theatre production at St Matthew's Church!
First published 24th June 2022Tickets on sale now for heart warming theatre production at St Matthew's Church.
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Chris's Story
First published 24th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Chris's Story
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Anton's Story
First published 23rd June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Anton's Story
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Melanie's Story
First published 23rd June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Melanie's Story
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sarah's Story
First published 21st June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sarah's Story
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Julie's Story
First published 19th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Julie's Story
Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful dads
First published 19th June 2022Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful dads, we hope you have a lovely day with your precious children.
Huge welcome to our new Vicar at St Mary's Church in Shirehampton
First published 18th June 2022Revd Alison Sowton will be joining St Mary's Church in Shirehampton as their new vicar and Missioner for Life Events in the Avonside Mission Area.
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rosemary's Story
First published 18th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rosemary's' Story
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Eleanor's Story
First published 17th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Eleanor's' Story
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Wayne's Story
First published 16th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Wayne's' Story
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Regan's Story
First published 15th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Regan's Story
Rt Revd Vivienne Faull welcomes Deacons to be ordained next month
First published 14th June 2022Rt Revd Vivienne Faull welcomes Deacons to be ordained next month
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sonia's Story
First published 14th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sonia's Story
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Benjamin's Story
First published 13th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Benjamin's Story
Synod Presidential Address by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull
First published 12th June 2022You are now able to read Bishop of Bristol's Presidential Address at the most recent Diocesan Synod on Saturday 12 June.
Huge congratulations to the winners of our Bristol DAC 2020-2022
First published 10th June 2022A huge thank you to everyone who attended our Bristol DAC Awards for 2020-2022 at Christ Church Downend on 9 June, and congratulations to winners!
Bristol 2020 -2022 DAC Awards are underway at Christchurch!
First published 9th June 2022The excitement is building for our Bristol 2020 - 2022 DAC Awards taking place at the stunning Christchurch in Bristol this evening.
