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News and updates
Platinum Jubilee Choral Evensong homily by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol
First published 8th June 2022So the Platinum Jubilee concert, with its national treasures and aged and not so aged rock superstars stars had as its billtopping act.
Marking World Environment Day 2022 with a prayer
First published 5th June 2022Today, Sunday 5th June 2022, is World Environment Day and we wanted to mark this very important occasion with a short prayer.
Special message from Bishop Viv for the Queen's Jubilee Celebrations
First published 1st June 2022A special message from Bishop Viv and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol for the Queen's Jubilee Celebrations.
Training event gives techniques to deal with conflict
First published 1st June 2022The Making Peace with Conflict training was attended by 14 people
Don't forget to enter the Church Architecture Awards!
First published 31st May 2022Applications are open for the 2022 Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association/National Churches Trust UK Architecture Awards. Awards are for repair and conservation work and for new buildings, re-orderings and extensions.
Invitation to online book session - Mission and Ministry in a Time of Trauma and For Just Such a Time as This
First published 31st May 2022Everyone is invited to join us for an online book session and find out how we offer mission and ministry in a context of loss, suffering and lament.
Places of worship protective security funding opens again for applications
First published 31st May 2022The Security Minister has announced that the Places of Worship Protective Security Funding Scheme has again opened for applications.
Prayer in thanksgiving for the Queen's reign by Rt Reverend Dr Lee Rayfleld, Bishop of Swindon
First published 31st May 2022Prayer in thanksgiving for the Queen's reign by Rt Reverend Dr Lee Rayfleld, Bishop of Swindon
Have a peaceful and restful weekend from Bishop Viv and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol
First published 27th May 2022We hope you have a peaceful and restful weekend from Bishop Viv and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol.
Invitation to a special Queens Jubilee Celebration - Pentecost on College Green, Bristol on 5 June 2022
First published 25th May 2022You are invited to a special Queens Jubilee Celebration - Pentecost on the Green
Sight Loss Friendly Church taster sessions happening throughout June and July
First published 25th May 2022The Zoom taster sessions are a fantastic opportunity to hear more about the initiative and ask any questions you may have
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Breakthrough ruling allows churches and charities to take stronger environmental action
First published 24th May 2022Trustees of charitable trusts, including schools and churches, are now allowed to prioritise the climate change outcomes of their investments
Giving workshops for church leaders to be held in June
First published 24th May 2022How do we build a new, generous culture?
Christ Church Swindon beer festival - sun, swing, and pints in pews
First published 19th May 2022More than 1,000 punters came to the two-day church fundraiser last weekend
Pattern Church begins weekly dinner for Ukrainian arrivals
First published 17th May 2022The Table is a way for Ukrainians and their Swindon host families to support each other and make new friends
Bishop Viv extends very warm welcome to new 'participant observers' at the House of Bishops
First published 16th May 2022Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol would like to welcome new ‘participant observers' at the House of Bishops.
Rebecca Cross talking about Mental Health Awareness Week 2022
First published 13th May 2022Rebecca Cross from the Diocese of Bristol talking about Mental Health Awareness Week 2022.
New Mothers' Union Bristol president Jacky Fredrickson to be commissioned at St Mary's Yate
First published 11th May 2022â€The Mothers' Union has transformed my lifeâ€, says Jacky
Join in for Art Wednesdays in June and July!
First published 3rd May 2022Everyone is welcome to take part in a series of evening art sessions which are taking place on several Wednesdays in June and July.
Happy Eid Mubarak to our Muslim communities
First published 2nd May 2022A special Eid message from Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol.
Bristol church representatives come together to debate contested heritage
First published 29th April 2022Representatives from churches with historical connections to the Transatlantic Slave Trade were invited to a meeting at Bristol Cathedral earlier this week.
Bristol Diverse Doors Open Day takes place next month!
First published 25th April 2022Bristol Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF) is organising this year's Bristol Diverse Doors Open Day on Sunday 8 May from 9.30am to 5pm
60 chocolate eggs donated to the Bristol North West Food Bank
First published 25th April 2022Easter eggs donated to Bristol North West Food Bank
Join the launch of the ‘Talking Jesus 2022 Report'
First published 20th April 2022You're invited to the ‘Talking Jesus 2022' report launch on Thursday 28th April at 2.00pm and 7.30pm to discover the results of ground-breaking research answering what people think of Jesus, Christians, and evangelism in the UK today.
St Augustine's Church, Swindon marks National Day of Reflection with stunning dove artwork
First published 20th April 2022More than 2000 paper doves are now flying high inside St Augustine's Church, Swindon to mark the recent National Day of Reflection on 23rd March.
Submit your application to the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust NOW!
First published 20th April 2022The end of April deadline for applications to the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust for repairs and improvement projects is rapidly approaching!
Mousefest raises £1,000 for St Mary's Church in Bitton
First published 20th April 2022Last month, St Mary's Church in Bitton held a two day exhibition with a difference to raise as much money as possible for their Development Programme.
Holy Week and Easter engagements at Bristol Cathedral
First published 15th April 2022We have a number of events and engagements taking place at Bristol Cathedral and everyone is very welcome!
Clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers gather for annual Maundy Thursday renewal of vows
First published 15th April 2022On Thursday 14 April, Clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers gathered for the annual Maundy Thursday renewal of vows at Bristol Cathedral.
Transforming Church update - working groups and draft strategy
First published 28th March 2022Diocesan Synod votes in favour of the draft strategic plan
"I believe we will see more young people in our churches again" - meet youth leader Lydia Chancellor
First published 21st March 2022Lydia is the new Youth and Children's Missioner for Yate and Fromeside Mission Area
"Look forward with eagerness to what lies ahead" - Diocesan Synod March 2022
First published 21st March 2022The Bishop of Bristol's presidential address at Diocesan Synod, held at Holy Trinity Church, Bradley Stoke
Bishop of Bristol speaks about migrant domestic workers in House of Lords immigration bill debate
First published 10th March 2022On Tuesday 8 March in the House of Lords, the Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, spoke on a proposed amendment to the Nationality and Borders Bill
Local churches to join prayers across Europe for Ukraine
First published 1st March 2022The Diocese in Europe will be leading prayers for peace in Ukraine on Tuesday 1 March at 6pm
"Since, then, we have such hope; we do not lose heart" - Bishop Viv's sermon at St Monica Trust
First published 28th February 2022Bishop Viv spoke about finding hope in dark days during a service at the North Bristol retirement village
New plaque in Bristol Cathedral to commemorate first women ordained in the Church of England
First published 23rd February 2022The plaque will be unveiled at a Eucharist service on 12 March with Bishop Viv marking the anniversary of the ordination
Eco parish February 2022 update: will Bristol be the first Silver-awarded Eco Diocese?
First published 22nd February 2022Bishop Viv's Eco Church Challenge, environment-focused Lent courses, Big Harvest and more
St Stephen's Southmead to celebrate life and memories of church hall
First published 22nd February 2022The White Hall has been an enormously important focal point for the community for decades†- Revd Jon Roberts
St Saviour's Coalpit Heath welcomed into Fromeside Benefice
First published 21st February 2022“This offers us a wonderful opportunity to work together†Revd Malcom Strange
Revd Jordan Ling appointed as Adviser for Clergy Wellbeing
First published 16th February 2022Jordan will hold the post alongside her role as vicar at King's Way Benefice
Bishop of Bristol speaks in House of Lords debate on immigration bill
First published 15th February 2022"If we are serious about destroying the business model of modern slavery...we must find ways of incentivising and supporting all victims to come forwards" - Bishop Viv
Bristol church youth group plants trees on BBC Songs of Praise
First published 19th January 2022"It was a privilege to be a part of the Queen's Green Canopy†- Head of Youth Ministry at Christ Church Downend
Richard Leaman is new Secretary and CEO at Bristol Diocese
First published 19th January 2022Richard is an experienced charity CEO, having previously led Guide Dogs for the Blind and Tall Ships Youth Trust
Last chance to train LLF facilitators
First published 19th January 2022Final opportunity for churches to start Living in Love and Faith discussion groups before April deadline
Hazelnut's new project helping Christians respond to climate crisis
First published 19th January 2022The Potting Shed is a 6-month online course involving discussion sessions and classes taught by experts
"The right to protest is essential for those who feel unheard" - Bishop Viv, House of Lords
First published 18th January 2022The Bishop of Bristol yesterday participated in a debate about the new police and crime bill
"There is a long history of protest within the church" - Bishop of Bristol
First published 17th January 2022Bishop Viv comments on the acquittal of climate protester Revd Sue Parfitt
"Uncertainty and loss of control is also the world into which Jesus was born" - Bishop Viv's Christmas message
First published 22nd December 2021On the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Bishop of Bristol gave her Christmas message live on BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Wiltshire
"Multi-faith activities are hugely important for mutual friendship and understanding"
First published 22nd December 2021Bishop Viv and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Clifton visited the Park Row Synagogue earlier this month for the building's 150th anniversary
Revd Sally Robertson appointed as new Area Dean for Swindon
First published 20th December 2021Sally will take the post over from Revd Trudie Wigley, who has been elected as Chair of Clergy in Bristol Diocesan Synod
Eco parish December update
First published 19th December 2021This update looks back on some of the environmental achievements of the past year, to inspire us and give us hope for what we can accomplish together in 2022
Churches provide support in UK debt crisis - case study
First published 14th December 2021A case study of how our two resourcing churches are providing support to those in need.
O Come All Ye Faithful: A quick guide to carol services in 2021
First published 10th December 2021As well as a huge choice of churches offering traditional carol services this Christmas, there are many outdoor and varied carol services to choose from across the Diocese of Bristol.
Revd Jacqui Kean appointed as Vicar of St Aldhelm's Bedminster and St Paul's Southville
First published 9th December 2021The Bishop of Bristol says Jacqui will be a “a great blessing to the communitiesâ€
"The Holy Spirit is working in our lives today" - confirmations at Bristol Cathedral
First published 7th December 2021Bishop Viv confirmed 23 people during a service on 5 December
Christingle with a twist
First published 1st December 2021The pandemic showed us that there are many creative ways to hold Christingles, and that innovation has continued this year as churches across the diocese hold a variety of celebrations.
Ordination of Nicola Harris, Chaplain for Housing
First published 23rd November 2021Mrs Nicola Frances Harris will be ordained as Deacon in Bristol Cathedral on 25 November, to be Assistant Curate at the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity and to be Chaplain for Housing in the diocese.
'Courage, the devil is dead' - Diocesan Synod November 2021
First published 23rd November 2021The Bishop of Bristol's address from the first in-person Diocesan Synod meeting since the start of the pandemic.
Bishop of Bristol speaks in House of Lords debate on police crime bill
First published 19th November 2021Last month Bishop Viv contributed to a number of House of Lords debates on topics including the new police crime bill, climate change risk and ethnicity pay gap reporting
Eco parish November update: Seed bombs and solar tiles
First published 18th November 2021How our local churches have been answering the call to create a just and sustainable world in the Diocese of Bristol recently
Inside the COP26 “Blue Zoneâ€
First published 18th November 2021Beth John, a longstanding member of Holy Trinity Hotwells, was selected to take part in the Christian Climate Observers Programme at COP26 in Glasgow. Here, she shares her experience with us.
Remembrance Day 2021
First published 11th November 2021Bishop Viv and Bishop Lee will be attending remembrance events in Bristol and Swindon on Sunday 14 November
Refurbished church holds confirmations in North Wiltshire
First published 10th November 2021Bishop Lee confirmed eight people during a service at St Peter & St Paul on 7 November
Remembrance Day 2021: Revd Mark Nam laid wreath on Whitehall commemorating Chinese 'forgotten army'
First published 9th November 2021The Chinese Labour Corp (CLC) was was a force of 140,000 Chinese workers recruited by the British government in the First World War
'A moment of joy and blessing' - confirmations at Westbury Park
First published 5th November 2021Bishop Viv confirmed two people during a service on 24 October
Bishop of Bristol supports call for mandatory Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting
First published 26th October 2021Bishop Viv hopes the Church of England might consider participating in a pilot study
COP 26: A critical moment for protecting God's creation
First published 25th October 2021Diocesan involvement in COP26 and the fight for climate justice
Bishop of Bristol appoints new Diocesan Secretary and CEO
First published 25th October 2021The Bishop of Bristol and the Chair of the Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance are delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Leaman as the new Diocesan Secretary and CEO.
Share your good news of God's saving love this Christmas
First published 21st October 2021Please tell us how you or your church will connect with the Heart of Christmas this year, and be part of the Church of England's Christmas launch 2021
Eco parish October update: Cop26 and Climate Sunday services
First published 20th October 2021There is so much happening as we move into autumn, celebrate harvest and prepare for a busy season of environmental action - here is just a taster of some of the goings-on across the diocese.
General Synod Election 2021 results
First published 18th October 2021New General Synod members have been elected to represent the Diocese of Bristol
Prisons Week: By Revd Tricia Roberts, Chaplain at HMP Bristol
First published 12th October 2021Revd Tricia Roberts writes about HMP Bristol, and makes suggestions on how to pray for the prison. Resources for Prisons Week are also included.
Lay ministers licensed at Bristol Cathedral
First published 8th October 2021Read the stories of the LLMs who were licensed this year
Ashton Keynes Primary celebrates 150th anniversary
First published 8th October 2021The school marked the birthday with an official opening of its new learning hub, which was blessed by the Bishop of Swindon
"A very special day" - confirmations at All Saints Clifton
First published 7th October 2021Bishop Viv confirmed three people during a service on 3 October
Homeless Sunday, 10 October 2021
First published 6th October 2021On Homeless Sunday, churches and individuals take time to reflect upon homelessness and the issues surrounding homelessness in the UK.
Harvest Festival live - Holy Trinity Westbury on Trym
First published 27th September 2021The BBC Radio 4 service included a sermon from Revd Canon Dr Martin Gainsborough and worship led by the church choir
Revd Lydia Morey announced as new interim priest-in-charge of St Peter's Penhill and St Philip's Upper Stratton
First published 21st September 2021Lydia will be working part time in the parishes and part time as a Japanese and Chinese teacher
Renewed and rejoicing - St Mary's Purton finishes Renewal Project
First published 21st September 2021Almost 200 people came to the open day celebration of the Grade I-listed medieval church
North Swindon celebrates launch of new church, The Well
First published 21st September 2021The new plant from Pattern Church, Swindon, welcomed over 150 people to its first service on Sunday 12 September
Anti-Slavery Day Services, Sunday 17 October
First published 21st September 2021Anti-Slavery Day provides a national opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation.
“The transforming power of Jesus Christ working in a new generation†Bishop of Bristol confirms Christians in Horfield
First published 20th September 2021Bishop Viv confirmed seven young people during a service at Holy Trinity church in Horfield
Holy Trinity Church Kingswood celebrates 200th anniversary
First published 17th September 2021"Memories were shared, old friends remembered and community renewed as we had fun together in ways that have not been possible for so long" - Revd Beverley Charles
Local teenage author to share powerful life story at Roofbreakers event
First published 15th September 2021Jonathan Bryan is a disability activist and the author of highly-acclaimed book, ‘Eye Can Write', which tells his powerful story of communicating through his eyes
Advent and Christmas Resources 2021
First published 15th September 2021‘At the heart of Christmas' is the Church of England's theme for 2021, and a range of digital and print content has now been released.
New canon begins ministry at Bristol Cathedral
First published 24th August 2021The Revd Jonnie Parkin was installed as Canon Missioner at Bristol Cathedral on Sunday 22 August 2021 at 3.30pm by the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull
How can your church be more mental health friendly?
First published 22nd August 2021Mental health first aid courses will be available this autumn across Bristol Diocese
New church to serve North Swindon communities
First published 9th August 2021The Well will hold its first service in a local school this September
Nominations open for General Synod Elections 2021
First published 30th July 2021Nominations have opened for General Synod, the Church of England's decision-making and governance body, for its next five-year term 2021-2026.
Eco parish summer update
First published 27th July 2021As the temperature's been rising this month, so has environmental action across the Diocese. This round up shares the latest news.
Bristol Cathedral seeks moon volunteers
First published 21st July 2021Volunteer guides are needed for the Museum of the Moon this summer
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Bristol Diocese provides emergency relief to Ugandan clergy and their families
First published 21st July 2021Anglican clergy across Uganda are facing food shortages as a result of ongoing Covid-19 lockdowns
Updated Covid-19 Guidance for Churches
First published 20th July 2021Following the lifting of the majority of legal Covid-19 restrictions on 19 July, the Church of England has updated and streamlined its guidance and documentation.
Compton Greenfield church celebrates 850th anniversary with tree blessing
First published 20th July 2021A commemorative service in All Saint's churchyard saw Archdeacon Neil Warwick deliver a homily and the congregation come together in worship.
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Bishop of Bristol appoints three new Honorary Canons
First published 19th July 2021The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that three new canons have been appointed for the College of Canons in the Diocese of Bristol.
Revd Sam Sheppard appointed Priest in Charge of Christ Church Hengrove and St Augustine's Whitchurch
First published 19th July 2021The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Sam Sheppard has been appointed as Priest in Charge of the parishes of Christ Church Hengrove and St Augustine's Whitchurch.
Getting ready for Living in Love and Faith courses this autumn
First published 15th July 2021The Diocese of Bristol invites parishes and groups to begin preparation for LLF courses in the autumn
Bishop of Bristol appointed new lead bishop for buildings
First published 14th July 2021The Bishop of Bristol, Vivienne Faull, and the Bishop of Ramsbury, Andrew Rumsey, will jointly take over the role.
Bishops ordain new deacons and priests at Bristol Cathedral
First published 5th July 2021The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, ordained 22 candidates as priests and deacons during four services at Bristol Cathedral last weekend.
Bishops ordain new deacons and priests in Bristol Cathedral services this weekend
First published 2nd July 2021The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, will ordain 22 candidates as priests and deacons during four services over the coming weekend.
