Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol
News
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Research into the progression of GMH/UKME leaders at all levels of the Church
First published 21st February 2024The 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
Bishop Viv's speech to the House of Lords on Rwanda Bill
First published 19th February 2024Bishop Viv addressed the House of Lords on Wednesday 14 February regarding the Rwanda Bill and its implications for safeguarding against modern slavery.
Bishop Viv's speech to the House of Lords on Conversion Therapy Ban Bill
First published 15th February 2024Bishop Viv addressed the House of Lords regarding the Conversion Therapy Ban Bill on Friday 9 February
Statement from the House of Bishops on the war in Gaza
First published 14th February 2024House of Bishops makes call for immediate ceasefire and release of hostages
Bishop Viv signs Valentine's letter to refugees
First published 14th February 2024Together 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
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'
Malmesbury Abbey receives Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust Anniversary Grant
First published 16th January 2024Malmesbury Abbey receives the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust 70th Anniversary Grant
Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust Announcement
First published 12th January 2024The 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.
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.
Christmas Greetings from the Bishop of Bristol
First published 21st December 2023The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol sends her Christmas Greetings to the Diocese.
Revd Sarah Hancox announced as new Priest-in-Charge of St Luke the Evangelist
First published 18th December 2023Revd Sarah Hancox announced as the new Priest-in-Charge of St Luke the Evangelist, Brislington
Christmas 2023 foodbanks and charities
First published 18th December 2023Charities and initiatives that are supporting people across the Diocese of Bristol this Christmas including food banks
Christmas 2023 Carols and events round-up
First published 7th December 2023A round-up of carol services and Christmas events happening across the Diocese in 2023
New diocesan Adviser for Ministerial Development announced
First published 7th December 2023The Diocese of Bristol is pleased to announce that Revd Jeremy Andrew has been appointed as the new diocesan Adviser for Ministerial Development.
Take part in our Safeguarding Audit Survey
First published 1st December 2023National 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.
New Bishop of Swindon consecrated at Canterbury Cathedral
First published 30th November 2023On 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.
Statement on the recent evacuation of Barton House, Bristol
First published 29th November 2023The 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.
Join us for Growing Faith Together
First published 22nd November 2023Come 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
Bishop Viv's Diocesan Synod Address on Prayers of Love and Faith
First published 22nd November 2023Bishop Viv's address on Prayers of Love and Faith to the Diocesan Synod on Saturday 18 November.
Priest-in-Charge of St Peter's Chippenham, with Lacock and Bowden Hill announced
First published 21st November 2023Revd Simon Dunn to become the next Priest-in-Charge of St Peter's Chippenham, with Lacock and Bowden Hill.
General Synod backs trial blessing for same-sex couples
First published 17th November 2023Meeting 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.
Statement regarding the break-in at the Malmesbury Abbey
First published 16th November 2023At 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.
Priest-in-Charge of Pucklechurch & Abson, Wick with Doynton and Dyrham announced
First published 6th November 2023The 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.
A statement from 42 bishops on LLF
First published 2nd November 2023A statement from 42 bishops on Living in Love and Faith
Reflection on Black History Month
First published 30th October 2023As 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.
Statement from Bristol interfaith leaders on the violence in Israel-Palestine
First published 25th October 2023Joint statement from Bristol interfaith leaders on the escalation of violence in Israel-Palestine
The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull commends Salvation Army on their Anti-Slavery report
First published 18th October 2023The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull commends The Salvation Army on their recent Anti-Slavery Day annual report
Acting Archdeacon of Bristol and new Associate Archdeacon announced
First published 16th October 2023The 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.
Call to pray for an end to violence in the Holy Land
First published 13th October 2023Speaking 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.
Prayers of Love and Faith - An update from the House of Bishops
First published 12th October 2023Addressing House of Bishops decision regarding Prayers of Love and Faith
Revd Gaby Doherty to become Curate-in-Charge of St Stephen’s Southmead
First published 10th October 2023Revd Gaby Doherty to become Curate-in-Charge of St Stephen’s Southmead, City Deanery, Bristol Diocese
Welcome to our new Licensed Lay Ministers - October 2023
First published 9th October 2023Bishop Viv admitted four new Licensed Lay Ministers and welcomed Stephen from the Diocese of Gloucester on 7 October 2023.
New Rector of Lyddington and Wanborough, Bishopstone with Hinton Parva announced
First published 9th October 2023The 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.
Connecting with our history at Westbury-on-Trym
First published 3rd October 2023A blog from Father Andre Hart at Westbury-on-Trym about his church's efforts to connect with its history
Revd Tim Jones to be Vicar of St Philip and St Jacob with Emmanuel Bristol
First published 2nd October 2023The 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.
Hazelnut Community Farm to feature on BBC Songs of Praise
First published 27th September 2023Hazelnut Community Farm will be featured on BBC One’s Songs Of Praise on Sunday, 1st October at 1.15pm.
Henleaze church receives Gold Eco Church Award
First published 25th September 2023St Peter's, Henleaze becomes the first church building in the Diocese to be awarded the Eco Church Gold Award.
Revd Dr Andy Murray announced as new Dean of Priority Communities
First published 25th September 2023The 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.
Bishop Viv's amendment clears final hurdle in House of Lords
First published 21st September 2023Legislation clarifying right of local authorities to support churches clears final hurdle in House of Lords.
Revd Rosy Ashley appointed as Adviser for Parish Development
First published 20th September 2023Revd Rosy Ashley appointed as Adviser for Parish Development
Update on RAAC in diocesan church and school buildings
First published 20th September 2023Advice and guidance on RAAC in church and school buildings across the diocese.
The Diocese of Bristol welcomes the 2023 DAC Conference
First published 8th September 2023The Diocese of Bristol welcomes the 2023 DAC Conference (Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches)
Revd Anjali Kanagaratnam appointed as diocesan Racial Justice Co-Ordinator
First published 2nd September 2023Revd Anjali Kanagaratnam to become Priest in Charge of the Benefice of South Severnside and Racial Justice Co-Ordinator in the Diocese of Bristol.
St Mary Redcliffe unveils new windows on 60th anniversary of Bristol Bus Boycott
First published 31st August 2023St 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
The Venerable Neil Warwick is announced as the next Bishop of Swindon
First published 24th August 2023The Venerable Neil Warwick, currently Archdeacon of Bristol, is to be the next Bishop of Swindon, Downing Street has announced today.
Revd Dr Anthea Colledge appointed as UWE Chaplain
First published 18th August 2023The Revd Dr Anthea Colledge appointed as new Chaplain to the University of the West of England from 1st December 2023.
Lee Barnes appointed as Adviser for Fresh Expressions of Church and Curacy
First published 4th August 2023Lee Barnes appointed as Adviser for Fresh Expressions of Church and Adviser for Curacy
Dementia Friendly Churches Focus and Awareness Day
First published 1st August 2023The Fromeside benefice and Yate Mission area recently held a Dementia Friendly Churches Focus and Awareness Day
Rev Bob Molton appointed Rector of the Braydon Brook Benefice
First published 27th July 2023Rev Bob Molton appointed Rector of the Braydon Brook Benefice
Future Safeguarding Programme for the Church to be led by Professor Alexis Jay
First published 25th July 2023Future Safeguarding Programme for the Church of England to be led by Professor Alexis Jay
Bishop Viv's week in the House of Lords 17 - 21 July 2023
First published 24th July 2023Here's a round-up of Bishop Viv's week as duty Bishop at the House of Lords between 17th and 21st July
Bishop Viv provides clarity on the future of diocesan links to Church of Uganda
First published 20th July 2023The 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.
General Synod July 2023 roundup
First published 20th July 2023A round-up of the July 2023 General Synod
Bishops ordain new deacons and priests in moving ceremonies at Bristol Cathedral
First published 5th July 2023Eight Priests and 13 Deacons were ordained at Bristol Cathedral across the weekend.
Churches Mutual launches rebrand and new website
First published 28th June 2023Churches 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 2023Bristol 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 2023The 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 2023We 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 2023Wiltshire Churches Trust celebrates its 70th anniversary with a new logo at Tidcombe
Report finds pioneering church heating trial an electrifying success
First published 16th June 2023St 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 2023The 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 2023A 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 2023Permission 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 2023We’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 2023Speaking 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 2023The 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.
