News

Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol


Diocesan Sustainability Team takes part in Net Zero Carbon Connect Conference

First published 14th March 2024

Amy 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.

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Bishop Viv's Op-Ed on modern slavery amendment to the Rwanda Bill

First published 8th March 2024

The Rwanda Bill risks the safety of those caught up in modern slavery, say Vivienne Faull and Eleanor Lyons

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Six new Honorary Canons installed at Bristol Cathedral

First published 28th February 2024

The 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

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Research into the progression of GMH/UKME leaders at all levels of the Church

First published 21st February 2024

The Archbishop’s Commission for Racial Justice is sponsoring research into the progression of GMH (Global Majority Heritage )/UKME (United Kingdom Minority Ethnic) leaders at all levels within the Church of England

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Bishop Viv's speech to the House of Lords on Rwanda Bill

First published 19th February 2024

Bishop Viv addressed the House of Lords on Wednesday 14 February regarding the Rwanda Bill and its implications for safeguarding against modern slavery.

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Bishop Viv's speech to the House of Lords on Conversion Therapy Ban Bill

First published 15th February 2024

Bishop Viv addressed the House of Lords regarding the Conversion Therapy Ban Bill on Friday 9 February

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Statement from the House of Bishops on the war in Gaza

First published 14th February 2024

House of Bishops makes call for immediate ceasefire and release of hostages

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Bishop Viv signs Valentine's letter to refugees

First published 14th February 2024

Together With Refugees creates an open letter sending solidarity and love to refugees which has been signed by the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull along with other local leaders

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Malmesbury Abbey receives Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust Anniversary Grant

First published 16th January 2024

Malmesbury Abbey receives the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust 70th Anniversary Grant 

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Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust Announcement

First published 12th January 2024

The Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust (DBAT) has announced that it will be merging all of its schools with a small number of well-matched academy trusts in the area, in partnership with the Regional Director for the Department of Education.

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Christmas Greetings from the Bishop of Bristol

First published 21st December 2023

The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol sends her Christmas Greetings to the Diocese.

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Revd Sarah Hancox announced as new Priest-in-Charge of St Luke the Evangelist

First published 18th December 2023

Revd Sarah Hancox announced as the new Priest-in-Charge of St Luke the Evangelist, Brislington

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Christmas 2023 foodbanks and charities

First published 18th December 2023

Charities and initiatives that are supporting people across the Diocese of Bristol this Christmas including food banks

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Christmas 2023 Carols and events round-up

First published 7th December 2023

A round-up of carol services and Christmas events happening across the Diocese in 2023

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New diocesan Adviser for Ministerial Development announced

First published 7th December 2023

The Diocese of Bristol is pleased to announce that Revd Jeremy Andrew has been appointed as the new diocesan Adviser for Ministerial Development.

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Take part in our Safeguarding Audit Survey

First published 1st December 2023

National Church have commissioned the INEQE Safeguarding Group to carry out Independent Safeguarding Audits of every diocese in the Church of England, and are currently undertaking an audit within the Diocese of Bristol. Fill out our Audit survey to have your say.

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New Bishop of Swindon consecrated at Canterbury Cathedral

First published 30th November 2023

On Thursday 30 November, the next Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Revd Neil Warwick was consecrated as Bishop at Canterbury Cathedral during a service led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

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Statement on the recent evacuation of Barton House, Bristol

First published 29th November 2023

The Diocese of Bristol has been deeply concerned by the news that on 14 November hundreds of people were evacuated from Barton House in Barton Hill due to a recent building survey finding that there is a risk to the structure of the block.

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Join us for Growing Faith Together

First published 22nd November 2023

Come and be inspired by meeting people from across the diocese as we share the joys and hopes of walking and growing together in Christ at our Growing Faith Together conference

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Bishop Viv's Diocesan Synod Address on Prayers of Love and Faith

First published 22nd November 2023

Bishop Viv's address on Prayers of Love and Faith to the Diocesan Synod on Saturday 18 November.

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Priest-in-Charge of St Peter's Chippenham, with Lacock and Bowden Hill announced

First published 21st November 2023

Revd Simon Dunn to become the next Priest-in-Charge of St Peter's Chippenham, with Lacock and Bowden Hill.

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General Synod backs trial blessing for same-sex couples

First published 17th November 2023

Meeting in London on 13-15 November 2023, General Synod voted in favour of special services of prayer and dedication, asking for God’s blessing for same-sex couples.

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Statement regarding the break-in at the Malmesbury Abbey

First published 16th November 2023

At this difficult time, the Diocese of Bristol asks everybody to hold the Malmesbury Abbey and people affected by this event in their prayers, as we all hope for the stolen items to be successfully recovered and work together towards healing.

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Priest-in-Charge of Pucklechurch & Abson, Wick with Doynton and Dyrham announced

First published 6th November 2023

The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is delighted to announce that the Revd Canon Elaine Jones has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Pucklechurch and Abson, Wick with Doynton and Dyrham in the Kingswood and South Gloucestershire Deanery.

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A statement from 42 bishops on LLF

First published 2nd November 2023

A statement from 42 bishops on Living in Love and Faith

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Reflection on Black History Month

First published 30th October 2023

As Black History Month draws to a close we would like to offer reflections from Revd Dr Catherine Okoronkwo, Bishop’s Adviser on Racial Justice and Rashida Hartley, Diocesan Racial Justice Project Officer.

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Statement from Bristol interfaith leaders on the violence in Israel-Palestine

First published 25th October 2023

Joint statement from Bristol interfaith leaders on the escalation of violence in Israel-Palestine

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The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull commends Salvation Army on their Anti-Slavery report

First published 18th October 2023

The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull commends The Salvation Army on their recent Anti-Slavery Day annual report

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Acting Archdeacon of Bristol and new Associate Archdeacon announced

First published 16th October 2023

The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is very pleased to announce that Revd Becky Waring has been appointed as the Acting Archdeacon of Bristol and Revd Adam Beaumont as the new Associate Archdeacon across the Archdeaconries of Bristol and Malmesbury.

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Call to pray for an end to violence in the Holy Land

First published 13th October 2023

Speaking to the recent rise in conflict across Israel and Gaza, the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, has offered up words in sombre reflection.

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Prayers of Love and Faith - An update from the House of Bishops

First published 12th October 2023

Addressing House of Bishops decision regarding Prayers of Love and Faith

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Revd Gaby Doherty to become Curate-in-Charge of St Stephen’s Southmead

First published 10th October 2023

Revd Gaby Doherty to become Curate-in-Charge of St Stephen’s Southmead, City Deanery, Bristol Diocese

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Welcome to our new Licensed Lay Ministers - October 2023

First published 9th October 2023

Bishop Viv admitted four new Licensed Lay Ministers and welcomed Stephen from the Diocese of Gloucester on 7 October 2023.

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New Rector of Lyddington and Wanborough, Bishopstone with Hinton Parva announced

First published 9th October 2023

The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is delighted to announce that Revd Steve Paynter has been appointed as the next Rector of Lyddington and Wanborough, Bishopstone with Hinton Parva.

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Connecting with our history at Westbury-on-Trym

First published 3rd October 2023

A blog from Father Andre Hart at Westbury-on-Trym about his church's efforts to connect with its history

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Revd Tim Jones to be Vicar of St Philip and St Jacob with Emmanuel Bristol

First published 2nd October 2023

The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol is delighted to announce that Revd Tim Jones has been appointed as Vicar of St Philip and St Jacob with Emmanuel Bristol (Central) in City Deanery.

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Hazelnut Community Farm to feature on BBC Songs of Praise

First published 27th September 2023

Hazelnut Community Farm will be featured on BBC One’s Songs Of Praise on Sunday, 1st October at 1.15pm.

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Henleaze church receives Gold Eco Church Award

First published 25th September 2023

St Peter's, Henleaze becomes the first church building in the Diocese to be awarded the Eco Church Gold Award.

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Revd Dr Andy Murray announced as new Dean of Priority Communities

First published 25th September 2023

The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is delighted to announce that Revd Dr Andy Murray, Vicar of Lawrence Weston and Avonmouth, has been appointed Dean of Priority Communities in the Diocese of Bristol.

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Bishop Viv's amendment clears final hurdle in House of Lords

First published 21st September 2023

Legislation clarifying right of local authorities to support churches clears final hurdle in House of Lords.

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Revd Rosy Ashley appointed as Adviser for Parish Development

First published 20th September 2023

Revd Rosy Ashley appointed as Adviser for Parish Development

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Update on RAAC in diocesan church and school buildings

First published 20th September 2023

Advice and guidance on RAAC in church and school buildings across the diocese.

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The Diocese of Bristol welcomes the 2023 DAC Conference

First published 8th September 2023

The Diocese of Bristol welcomes the 2023 DAC Conference (Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches)

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Revd Anjali Kanagaratnam appointed as diocesan Racial Justice Co-Ordinator

First published 2nd September 2023

Revd Anjali Kanagaratnam to become Priest in Charge of the Benefice of South Severnside and Racial Justice Co-Ordinator in the Diocese of Bristol.

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St Mary Redcliffe unveils new windows on 60th anniversary of Bristol Bus Boycott

First published 31st August 2023

St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol unveils new stained glass windows to replace those commemorating slave trader Edward Colston with new designs celebrating Bristol's multicultural past and present

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The Venerable Neil Warwick is announced as the next Bishop of Swindon

First published 24th August 2023

The Venerable Neil Warwick, currently Archdeacon of Bristol, is to be the next Bishop of Swindon, Downing Street has announced today.

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Revd Dr Anthea Colledge appointed as UWE Chaplain

First published 18th August 2023

The Revd Dr Anthea Colledge appointed as new Chaplain to the University of the West of England from 1st December 2023.

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Lee Barnes appointed as Adviser for Fresh Expressions of Church and Curacy

First published 4th August 2023

Lee Barnes appointed as Adviser for Fresh Expressions of Church and Adviser for Curacy

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Dementia Friendly Churches Focus and Awareness Day

First published 1st August 2023

The Fromeside benefice and Yate Mission area recently held a Dementia Friendly Churches Focus and Awareness Day

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Rev Bob Molton appointed Rector of the Braydon Brook Benefice

First published 27th July 2023

Rev Bob Molton appointed Rector of the Braydon Brook Benefice

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Future Safeguarding Programme for the Church to be led by Professor Alexis Jay

First published 25th July 2023

Future Safeguarding Programme for the Church of England to be led by Professor Alexis Jay

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Bishop Viv's week in the House of Lords 17 - 21 July 2023

First published 24th July 2023

Here's a round-up of Bishop Viv's week as duty Bishop at the House of Lords between 17th and 21st July

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Bishop Viv provides clarity on the future of diocesan links to Church of Uganda

First published 20th July 2023

The Bishop of Bristol has expressed alarm over Ugandan President Museveni’s recent signing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, and the Church of Uganda’s support for the new law.  

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General Synod July 2023 roundup

First published 20th July 2023

A round-up of the July 2023 General Synod

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Bishops ordain new deacons and priests in moving ceremonies at Bristol Cathedral

First published 5th July 2023

Eight Priests and 13 Deacons were ordained at Bristol Cathedral across the weekend.  

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Churches Mutual launches rebrand and new website

First published 28th June 2023

Churches Mutual, the credit union for churches across Britain, launches marketing campaign with rebrand and new website


Bristol West Chapter – Goes to Waste!

First published 28th June 2023

Bristol West Deanery Chapter visits Wessex Water, to build on relationships with local businesses and raise the profile of local charities.


Lambeth Award for Bristol’s Vocations Champion

First published 27th June 2023

The Revd Mark Nam was honoured by the Archbishop of Canterbury recently with a prestigious Lambeth Award.


Revd Phil Goodey appointed Vicar of Highworth

First published 24th June 2023

We are delighted to announce that the Revd Phil Goodey has been appointed Vicar of Highworth with Sevenhampton and Inglesham, Hannington and Broad Blunsdon.


Wiltshire Churches Trust celebrates its 70th anniversary

First published 16th June 2023

Wiltshire Churches Trust celebrates its 70th anniversary with a new logo at Tidcombe

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Report finds pioneering church heating trial an electrifying success

First published 16th June 2023

St Matthew's Church, Kingsdown, has solved one of the biggest problems a church can face – how to achieve affordable low carbon heating.


Revd Sally Thomas has been appointed as the Vicar of St Edyth

First published 16th June 2023

The Bishop of Bristol is delighted to announce that Revd Sally Thomas has been appointed as the Vicar of St Edyth in Bristol West Deanery.


A prayer list for our 2023 Ordinands

First published 15th June 2023

A prayer for those being ordained from 1st-3rd July 2023.


Permission granted for replacement of Colston stained-glass at St Mary Redcliffe

First published 9th June 2023

Permission has been granted to install new stained glass panels to replace those commemorating the slave trader Edward Colston.


Transformational funding announced

First published 1st June 2023

We’re excited to announce that the National Church are fully supporting our ‘Transforming Church. Together’ (TCT) programme – beginning with £6.8m for the first three years!


Government agrees to Bishop Viv’s amendments to Levelling-Up Legislation

First published 25th May 2023

​​​​​​​Speaking in the House of Lords this week, Bishop Viv sought to clarify a grey area of law allowing great access to local grants for all churches.


New Priest in Charge appointed for St Gregory the Great, Horfield

First published 19th May 2023

The Bishop of Bristol is delighted to announce that Fr. Jones Mutemwakwenda has been appointed as the Priest in Charge of St Gregory the Great, Horfield in City Deanery.


Get involved in climate action through your church!

First published 16th May 2023

Humanity is facing one of the most serious issues of our time: climate change. There is a threat to all forms of life on our planet and the poorest countries are the most likely to suffer. It is a matter of justice.


Looking back at the Coronation: bringing the community together

First published 15th May 2023

There were over 100 Coronation-themed events within this Diocese over the last two weeks: here is a taste of what was happening around the parishes.


Celebrating the 2023 DAC Awards

First published 12th May 2023

The DAC Awards evening took place on 10 May at St Michael’s, Highworth. Find out who was recognised at the event.


Coronation Evensong at Bristol Cathedral

First published 9th May 2023

Bishop Viv gave sermon at the Coronation Evensong service on Sunday 8 May at Bristol Cathedral, to mark the coronation of King Charles III.


New Bristol Bishop's Chaplain announced

First published 4th May 2023

The Revd Lucy Cleland has been announced as the new Bishop’s Chaplain for Bristol this week. She will take up the post in August, once she has finished her current role.


Licensed Lay Minister receives prestigious Lord Mayor’s Medal

First published 26th April 2023

Stockwood-based Licensed Lay Minister (LLM), Sue Farrance, has received the Lord Mayor’s Medal for her 10 years of service to the Operation Christmas Child project.


Bristol-based youth employment charity sees massive success

First published 25th April 2023

Earlier this month, we were invited to watch 11 young people present their speeches as part of their graduation from the SPEAR Bristol Foundation.


Bishop of Bristol supports campaigners attending ‘The Big One’ climate protest

First published 19th April 2023

This weekend members of churches from Bristol Diocese are travelling to London to take part in a 4-day climate protest.


Bishop Lee gives moving farewell prayer at Cathedral Chrism Service

First published 14th April 2023

On Maundy Thursday, a Chrism Eucharist service was held at Bristol Cathedral. The Cathedral welcomed over a hundred people including licensed lay ministers, priests, diocesan  staff and members of the public. 


Beloved Churchwarden and Chaplain given Maundy money by His Majesty

First published 12th April 2023

Margaret Morgan (right) and David Topp from the Diocese of Bristol received Maundy Coins from HM King Charles III last Thursday as part of the Maundy Service at York Minster.


Remarkable young cartoonist meets Bishop Viv

First published 5th April 2023

Bishop Viv and David Stephenson, Bishop's Chaplain, met with creative young people last Sunday as part of St Michael's Highworth's Palm Sunday celebrations.


Female innovator’s grave restored and blessed

First published 31st March 2023

Sarah Guppy was an extraordinary woman. Born in 1770 into a wealthy family, she was the first woman in the world to take out a patent for building a bridge.


The Human Library

First published 27th March 2023

As part of our Diocesan vision to drive significant cultural and structural change on issues of racial justice, Racial Justice Project Officer Rashida Hartley is organising a Human Library event at St Mary Redcliffe.


The Mission and Ministry Support Team

First published 27th March 2023

A newly formed team is now in place to continue its support to ministers in all stages of their ministry in the light of our Transforming Church.Together strategy.


Bishops comment on recent legislation passed by the Ugandan Parliament

First published 24th March 2023

The Bishops of Bristol and Swindon expressed shock and deep concern on hearing of legislation passed by the Ugandan Parliament introducing capital and life imprisonment sentences for homosexual acts.


Address to the Synod

First published 22nd March 2023

Read Bishop Viv's Presidential Address to the Diocesan Synod


Swindon churches launch Mission Project

First published 21st March 2023

Three churches in Swindon are embarking on an exciting campaign to increase the part the Church plays in people’s lives in the town.


All Saints’ Clifton pick-up three awards

First published 16th March 2023

All Saints’ church Clifton has won three prestigious awards in quick succession.


Six million donation for Malmesbury CofE Primary School

First published 2nd March 2023

Malmesbury Primary School has received a donation of six million pounds from the James Dyson Foundation.


Adviser for Parish Discipleship and Evangelism

First published 23rd February 2023

The Revd Chris Dobson has been appointed to the new role of Adviser for Parish Discipleship and Evangelism.


Bristol’s Minority Ethnic Vocation Champion meets national leader

First published 21st February 2023

The Church of England’s Racial Justice Director, Revd Guy Hewitt met members of the Teahouse at the ‘Chinese and British’ exhibition at The British Library in London recently.


Beloved Community

First published 21st February 2023

A place at the table for everyone. A one-day conference at Bristol Cathedral


Bishop's Chaplain

First published 13th February 2023

Revd David Stephenson will be seconded from his parish ministry to work as Chaplain to the Bishop of Bristol


Turkey/Syria Earthquake - Donate today

First published 13th February 2023

The devastating earthquakes which hit Turkey and Syria, killing thousand, still dominate the news.


Bishop Lee announces his retirement

First published 13th February 2023

After 18 years service the Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield Bishop of Swindon will retire on Sunday 30 April 2023.


Bishop Martin consecrated

First published 7th February 2023

Bishop Martin ordained and consecrated as Bishop of Kingston at Canterbury Cathedral


Meeting the King marks a special birthday

First published 6th February 2023

The Revd Mark Nam birthday is crowned by a conversation with the new King


Living in Love and Faith

First published 2nd February 2023

Personal Reflections from Bishop Lee on the College of Bishops’ recommendations to General Synod


New chair of Diocesan Safeguarding Steering Group

First published 31st January 2023

David Niven has been appointed as the next Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Steering Group.


General Synod representation

First published 30th January 2023

The Revd Canon Alice Kemp is Bristol's new General Synod representative.


Eight million stitches expressing God's love

First published 27th January 2023

Threads through Creation is an extraordinary, uplifting art exhibition on show at Bath Abbey,


Lacock welcomes The Queen Consort

First published 26th January 2023

Lacock was proud to welcome Her Majesty The Queen Consort to the village. She visited St Cyriac’s church to plant a commemorative tree...


Bishop of Bristol's statement on the proposal regarding same-sex relationships

First published 20th January 2023

Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull's full statement on the proposal to the General Synod regarding same-sex relationships

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