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News and updates
Bishop of Swindon joins Cathedrals Cycle Route relay
First published 29th June 2021To launch the Cathedrals Cycle Route, a cycle relay is taking place this summer between each of the 42 Church of England cathedrals.
Crosslight Swindon launches face to face debt advice appointments
First published 22nd June 2021A collaboration between Pattern Church and Crosslight Advice, Crosslight Swindon has a vision to restore dignity and renew hope to those in need by alleviating poverty and improving financial capability.
Bishop's Address to the Diocesan Synod
First published 22nd June 2021The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, addresses the Diocesan Synod in June 2021.
Bristol Diocese starts group for disabled people
First published 18th June 2021The group will begin meeting in July via Zoom
Talks begin on ways of commemorating the lives of those enslaved by Thomas Daniel
First published 18th June 2021Following a meeting with Gloria Daniel, the Bishop of Bristol and the Dean of Bristol committed to exploring ways of commemorating the lives of those enslaved by Thomas Daniel in those buildings where there are memorials to him.
Thousand-mile climate relay to pass through Bristol Diocese
First published 17th June 2021More than 400 people have signed up so far to walk or cycle the Youth Christian Climate Network relay due to travel the UK this summer.
Wild Church established in North Wiltshire Mission Area
First published 17th June 2021Wild Church enables people to worship and engage with God in a fresh way through creation.
Online support space launched for Chinese-heritage clergy
First published 17th June 2021The Teahouse aims to amplify minority voices within the Church of England and provide community
Thank You Day aims to bring communities together
First published 1st June 2021The nation's first ever national Thank You Day is happening on Sunday 4 July, to say thank you to all those in our communities who've helped us through the pandemic.
Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust Celebrates 40th Anniversary
First published 1st June 2021The Trust is aiming to raise an extra £1,000 for each of its 40 years, including Ride+Stride in September, and is publishing Simon Jenkins' 'Favourite Churches of Gloucestershire and Bristol.'
Nominations open for Diocesan Synod Elections 2021
First published 26th May 2021We are looking for both clergy and lay members; for interested, engaged people from all different backgrounds and with varied experiences, who want to help us become a better diocese.
South Gloucestershire church leads worldwide celebration of unique invention
First published 20th May 2021This June, churches around the world will mark the 200th anniversary of the Ellacombe Chimes, invented at St Mary's Church in Bitton
Bishop of Bristol's speech in House of Lords May 2021
First published 18th May 2021On Monday 17 May in the House of Lords, the Lord Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, made a speech in response to the Queen's speech.
Eco parish May update: art around the themes of faith and climate crisis
First published 17th May 2021Hazelnut Community Farm awarded £2,000 grant to create mobile art exhibition which reflects theologically on the climate crisis
Diocese of Bristol welcomes new guidance to help address questions of ‘contested heritage'
First published 11th May 2021The guidance for parishes and cathedrals addresses concerns over memorials with links to slavery and other ‘contested heritage'.
Diocese of Bristol participates in Messy Church research study
First published 6th May 2021Findings released from national research into non-traditional church gatherings
Living in Love and Faith introductory conferences in May
First published 29th April 2021The Diocese of Bristol is hosting two online conferences in May to begin its collective engagement with LLF.
Over 2,200 people join the conversation for Transforming Church. Together
First published 28th April 2021A huge thank you to everyone in the region who has helped us shape our vision and priorities for the coming years.
Diocese divests from fossil fuel companies
First published 27th April 2021The Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance is divesting from fossil fuel companies, and commits to its investments remaining free of holdings in coal, oil and gas in future.
Three parishes awarded Culture Recovery Fund grants
First published 27th April 2021Three parishes in the diocese have been awarded grants as part of the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund.
Post-lockdown boost for St Sampson, Cricklade
First published 22nd April 2021St Sampson Church, Cricklade, is to share in a funding payout from the National Churches Trust to fund repairs.
From Lament to Action: Archbishops' Anti-Racism Taskforce report
First published 22nd April 2021The Diocese of Bristol welcomes the Archbishops' Anti-Racism Taskforce's report and supports call for urgent change.
A statement from the Bishop of Bristol
First published 21st April 2021The Bishop of Bristol's statement regarding the BBC Panorama programme Is the Church Racist? aired on 19 April 2021.
Faith manifesto launched for Bristol mayoral elections
First published 19th April 2021Bristol Diocese is part of a multi-faith group that has released a faith manifesto in the lead-up to the Bristol mayoral election this May.
New registrar for Bristol Diocese
First published 19th April 2021The Bishop of Bristol has appointed Lee Coley as the next Diocesan Registrar and legal advisor to the Bishop and Diocese of Bristol.
Remembering His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh
First published 9th April 2021A message from the Bishop of Bristol on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip
An Easter message from the Bishop
First published 4th April 2021This sermon was given by Bishop Viv on Sunday 4 April 2021 at Bristol Cathedral.
Bristol Diocese Maundy Nominations 2021
First published 1st April 2021The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Rev'd Vivienne Faull, nominated John Bishop and Jean James from the Diocese of Bristol to receive Maundy money at this year's service.
Holy Week 2021: from darkness to light
First published 25th March 2021Holy Week this year takes us from loss to a new dawn.
Pattern Church opens debt advice centre
First published 24th March 2021The centre is offering telephone appointments until Covid restrictions ease.
Eco parish March update: wildflowers and electric cars
First published 24th March 2021Environmental news from parishes in the diocese
New digital platform launched by Parish Giving Scheme
First published 24th March 2021Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) launches a new online giving platform for churches.
Ten years of the Bristol North West Foodbank
First published 24th March 2021A message from Foodbank Manager Emma Murray.
Over 1,000 people complete 'Transforming Church. Together' questionnaire
First published 24th March 2021An update on 'Transforming Church. Together', our open conversation with the region which ends on 16 April 2021.
Bristol Remembers: one year on
First published 16th March 2021One year since England went into a national lockdown, Bristol takes a moment to remember and reflect, with a new film and shared reflection.
Guide to using new Parish Giving Scheme website
First published 16th March 2021Summary of steps to take to set up online giving through the Parish Giving Scheme
Edward Jenner and vaccination: then and now - Synod Address
First published 16th March 2021The Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol delivers an address about vaccination at the Diocese of Bristol Synod, 13 March 2021.
Workshops announced to gather views from everyone in the region
First published 10th March 2021The diocese is running open workshops during March and April as part of 'Transforming Church. Together'.
International Women's Day in the Diocese of Bristol
First published 8th March 2021The diocese invites everyone to share their stories of women in the diocese who have inspired them
Next priest-in-charge announced of the Upper Thames Benefice
First published 7th March 2021The Bishop of Bristol is delighted to announce that the Revd Canon Debbie Dewes will be the next priest-in-charge of the Upper Thames Benefice.
Lunar New Year: A banquet for all
First published 3rd March 2021Revd Mark Nam reflects on radical Christian hospitality
Eco parish February update: rain gardens and toilet twinning
First published 22nd February 2021Environmental news from parishes in the diocese
St Luke's Barton Hill expands food provision scheme for Lent
First published 18th February 2021The goods provided will include craft and cooking activities for children, household items and food
Lent during the pandemic: how churches and Christians are marking lent this year
First published 17th February 2021A number of churches across the diocese are distributing ‘Lent in a bag' as a way for people to journey through Lent at home.
'Be thankful, choose justice, and look for God's presence' - a homily for Ash Wednesday 2021
First published 17th February 2021A homily for Ash Wednesday delivered by Revd Simon Taylor
'Let us lose our lives to end the structural sin that is racism' - a sermon for Racial Justice Sunday 2021
First published 15th February 2021The Revd Canon Dr Martin Gainsborough, Chaplain to the Bishop of Bristol, delivered delivers a sermon on Racial Justice Day 2021
Transforming Church. Together.
First published 3rd February 2021The Church of England in the region invites everyone to join a conversation about their future.
The Beacon on the Hill celebrates 170th Anniversary of Christ Church Swindon
First published 25th January 2021The book provides a comprehensive study of how this historic place of worship ties into the growth and development of Swindon itself.
Covid-19 Update: adapting in times of adversity
First published 22nd January 2021Since the most recent lockdown was announced, some churches have made the difficult decision to close their buildings and offer digital services only until restrictions ease
Lent and Holy Week 2021
First published 21st January 2021#LiveLent 2021: God's Story, Our Story
Rev'd Steve Wilkinson announced as new Area Dean of North Wiltshire Deanery
First published 21st January 2021The Bishop of Bristol is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev'd Steve Wilkinson as the new Area Dean of North Wiltshire Deanery.
New checklist to help bring your church's carbon emissions to net zero
First published 21st January 2021This 'Practical Path to Net Zero checklist' helps you to create a clear and simple action plan to reduce the carbon footprint of your building.
Five Must-Do Giving Ideas for 2021
First published 19th January 2021At the start of 2021, here are some ideas to give your parish finances a boost!
Parish Giving Scheme set to launch online platform in March
First published 18th January 2021This year, the Parish Giving Scheme is making exciting strides in developing the new online giving service that will enable donors to set up regular giving via their website.
Uganda 2020 Appeal raises over £30,000
First published 18th January 2021We are delighted to announce that the Bishop's Christmas Appeal for Uganda in 2020 raised £33,326 for the Archbishop of Uganda's Emergency Fund.
Rev Runned Challenge raises almost £6,000
First published 14th January 2021Rev'd Dr Janet Anderson-MacKenzie ran the overall distance of a marathon to raise money for the Lidbrook Group of Churches in Wiltshire, of which she is the Priest in Charge.
Dr Stephanie Hayton appointed as Adviser for Lay Ministry and Warden of Readers.
First published 14th January 2021The role of the Adviser for Lay Ministry is to encourage and develop good practice in all kinds of lay ministry in the Diocese of Bristol.
Rev'd Melanie Otto announced as Priest in Charge of St Agnes and St Anne's
First published 11th January 2021The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Rev'd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Rev'd Melanie Otto will be the new Priest in Charge of the churches of St Agnes and St Anne's.
Cultural Recovery Fund for Heritage: Second Round
First published 7th January 2021The second round of the government's Cultural Recovery Fund for Heritage launches on 7 January 2021.
POSTPONED: Re-imagining the church of today and tomorrow
First published 17th December 2020Please note the workshop ‘Show Up. Speak Out. Stand Against!' has been postponed.
The Joy of the Angels: an accessible online advent service
First published 16th December 2020An 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.
Rev'd Mark Nam announced as Minority Ethnic Vocations Champion
First published 16th December 2020The 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.
Birthday Celebration at Pattern Church
First published 16th December 2020In December 2020, Pattern Church, one of the Diocese of Bristol's Resourcing Churches, celebrated their second birthday.
New Interim Co-Area Deans for City Deanery Announced
First published 16th December 2020The 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.
Eco-stable at Christ Church Swindon
First published 10th December 2020An eco-stable has been built in the church yard at the front of Christ Church Swindon, made with wood from discarded fencing panels and local rubbish sites.
Carols for Bristol
First published 3rd December 2020A city-wide online Carol service made by and for the city of Bristol, premiering on Friday 11 December at 7pm.
Fromeside church appeal raises over £11,500
First published 3rd December 2020A 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 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.
