Here you can find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol.
News and updates
Christian Concepts Unpacked
First published 11th November 2014The Christian Concepts Unpacked resources have been developed to support the teaching of Christianity in schools under three main themes: 'Prophecy', 'Salvation' and 'Trinity'.
A spotlight on faith in our communities
First published 3rd September 2014People across Bristol, Swindon and the West country are looking forward to the weekend of Friday 12 to Sunday 14 September.
Giving something back
First published 13th November 2014Its easy to make assumptions but until you meet someone whos been inside, its unlikely you have any real understanding of just how difficult it is to get your life together when youre released from prison.As part of ourPrisons Weekfocus, we spoke tot
Yes, I have cancer
First published 13th November 2014This is a video ofDoreen Bull from Shirehampton, recorded from her hospital bed for her friends at St Mary's Church. Doreen has suggested we include it here to allowher message to reach a wider audience.Yes, I have cancer. So what? I've said it. It d
Mobilising our Front-Line
First published 12th January 2017In his address to Diocesan Synod in December, Matthew Frost asked us what one thing we might do as a diocese to best equip Christians to be disciples in every sphere of life, not just in church life.
MentorMe: helping rebuild lives
First published 13th November 2014MentorMe is a Christian organisation based in Bristol, supporting ex-offenders.
Disciples on the front line
First published 16th November 2014Your Kingdom come, on this bit of earth at this point in time...Revd Jo Vickery reports on a recent event for church leaders in Bristol, exploring how we can be disciples in the 'whole of life'.
A Season of Prayer
First published 7th December 2015Prayer is a vital part of our Christian walk. It connects us with God and roots our vision and priorities in God's strength.
Bishop Lee backs Swindon's calls for climate justice
First published 15th October 2014Swindoncampaigners are taking part in Christian Aids nationwideHunger For Justice action this month as they urge local MPs to act against the injustice of climate change.
Ability Sunday 2017
First published 15th June 2017Ability Sunday - 10 September 2017 An inclusive and accessible day for churches that celebrates the gifts of all Ability Sunday is about celebrating the gifts of disabled people and working for more accessible and inclusive church.
Bishop's Address - 20th September 2014
First published 15th October 2014Anyone who was involved in any way with the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury over the past weekend, cannot but help to have been encouraged and inspired by his energy.
Edward Colston, slavery and moral ambiguities
First published 11th November 2014On Monday I spoke at the annual Charter Day service in Bristol Cathedral to a gathering of young aspiring people.
Diocesan Synod Elections 2018
First published 24th May 2018In the coming months, representatives from across the Diocese will be encouraged to stand for election as members of the new Diocesan Synod for the next three years.
David John Banfield 1933-2014
First published 7th October 2014David Banfield started life in the south-west and his life ended there following a distinguished career in the Church of England in a variety of different contexts.
The nudge of a breeze
First published 3rd June 2014I didn't know God and so didn't know how to ask. Instead, I prayed asking God to help me find Him.I was born. I grew up. The world was dark and cold and hard. I was lonely in a, literally, soul-deep way.I always knew there had to be a God (to explain
Encouraging Giving and Generosity: CofE Resources
First published 3rd June 2014Encouraging giving in a parish canfeel daunting, but it need not be so. Some simple tasks can set the right climate for people to review their giving and levels of generosity.
From College Green to Kraków
First published 12th June 2014Cathedral Choir prepares for summer tour of Poland with special concert at Bristols Polish ChurchBristol Cathedral Choir is gearing up for an exciting trip to Poland this summer by staging a special concert in the citys Polish Church.
Hearing God on the M4
First published 13th June 2014If someone had asked me if I believed in God, I would have said probably not, but it was the last question anyone would ask anyway, it would have been so irrelevant to my life experience and the people I knew.My story began about 18 years ago when I
Martin earns his green beret
First published 13th June 2014Congratulations to Revd Martin Gainsborough who was awarded his green beret in May, following 13 months of gruelling training as a Commando with the Royal Marines Reserve Bristol.
We Have Our Lives
First published 16th June 2014Bristol Cathedral remembers the First World War - and invites you to get involved Sombre the night is.
Airbus Supports Poppy Campaign
First published 16th June 2014Staff at Airbus in Filton plant poppies on site A special service of dedication was held at Airbus at Filton, led by Revd Canons Elspeth Desmond and Brian Arman from St Peters Church in Filton.
Bishop Lee swaps robes for lycra
First published 17th June 2014From Friday 4 July, Bishop Lee will be straddling the saddle of his bike for the next fortnight as he begins a mammoth cycle ride from John O'Groats to Land's End.
A post-modern refrain
First published 17th June 2014When I got together the courage to walk up the hill, and actually go to church, it was better than I could have imagined. Since I let Jesus into my life, and have asked God what he wants from me (rather than the other way round), everything has chang
Spotlight on Property
First published 17th June 2014"Healthy houses = happy clergy = healthy ministry. It's the part we can play in the mission of the Church." Sally Moody
When one door closes, another opens
First published 27th June 2014Every time I came out of church, tears fell from me. It was impossible to stop it; it was almost as if my heart was screaming out at me. I was inconsolable.I had worked long hours to give the children everything they wanted; I just did not show enoug
A journey of faith
First published 1st July 2014I was not ashamed of it or frightened what others might think.It always was. It was like wallpaper. You see it every day, but you do not really notice of it. That piece at the edge which is peeling off - you hardly ever notice. You live with it.That
My first year in curacy
First published 1st July 2014Revd John Monaghan was ordained as a priest at Bristol Cathedral on Sunday 29 June by the Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Mike Hill.
Learning to Forgive
First published 3rd July 2014I felt terribly guilty and anxious, and suddenly found myself unable to cope ... I had to learn to forgive others, and to forgive myself, and I think only by the grace of God was that possible.Share your story! is the message we keep being told at th
Le Tour de Lee: Day -2 (heading up north)
First published 4th July 2014Having taken two hours yesterday to assemble and fit the roof bars and bike carriers, this morning Mike and I loaded the car and set off for the Grand Depart on Sunday.
Le Tour de Lee Day -1 (getting closer)
First published 5th July 2014As I write today we have just had our afternoon break in the lee of Ben Nevis. No time for a closer look, let alone climbing GBs highest mountain, as we are still 120 miles from our destination.
Le Tour de Lee Day 1 - John O'Groats to Brora (64 miles)
First published 6th July 2014Mike Palmer and I were boarded in Brora overnight so we had to travel an hour and half to the off at John O Groats.
Grace, peace and trust
First published 7th July 2014I had a Christian background but a few years later, God showed me that there was moreI was 11 years old. For some reason, unknown then (but known now), I wanted to read my Bible.At this age, I was sitting at the back of the class listening to the Eas
Archbishop Justin visits the Diocese
First published 7th July 2014I saw God at work, people learning to love and follow Jesus Christ, and loving their communities Archbishop Justin Welby Wow!
Le Tour de Lee Day 2 - Brora to Aviemore (90 miles)
First published 7th July 2014Three category 3 climbs, two category 4's and one category 5. This may all be meaningless to you but not to my legs!
Le Tour de Lee Day 3 - Aviemore to Perth (91 miles)
First published 8th July 2014We have been well looked after by the staff in the Hotels and Guest Houses we have stayed in, with the breakfasts a key feature.
Aligning actions and lifestyle
First published 10th July 2014I knew I had changed when I next met with the man I had been committing adultery with.It seems to me that before I was baptised I was quite narrow and self interested and had few outside interests or concerns unless there was some benefit to me.I had
Le Tour de Lee - Day 5 Uphall to Moffat (60 miles)
First published 10th July 2014Today's narrative has to centre around Simon...On our journey we have seen a number of other cyclists coming in the opposite direction.
A Friend's Scheme for a Parish Church
First published 11th July 2014Have you ever wondered how to set up a 'Friend's Scheme'for your parish church?
Le Tour de Lee - Day 6 Moffat to Shap (76 miles)
First published 11th July 2014As the days go on, the Tour de Lee is beginning to resemble its more illustrious cousin in two interesting ways.
Le Tour de Lee - Day 8 Wigan to Church Stretton (82 miles)
First published 13th July 2014Sabbath post - arrived safely and in good time.
Table Talk works - hear from people who've used it
First published 14th July 2014It takes the church out of an old church building and puts it out in the community where it needs to be - Talking about issues of faith outside of a church setting isn't always easy.
How to build a community centre
First published 16th July 2014Our investment in the new centre embodies our mission to put across the Christian message of love and service in a very practical way.
Celebrating Margaret's 40 years of lay ministry
First published 16th July 2014Sunday 22nd June was a day of celebration for Margaret Williams at Christ Church, Swindon, beginning with a special service to mark 40 years of lay ministry.
Chosen
First published 16th July 2014...this basic conviction that I was here because I was a mistake ran very deep in my life.For most of my life my fundamental conviction about myself, deep down, was that I was an accident. I was adopted at a very young age. I knew I was an unplanned
Le Tour de Lee - Day 10 Gloucester to Glastonbury (91 miles)
First published 16th July 2014This was a day of the musketeers! Some 70 miles of the total were ridden in a relay of fellow cyclists from across the Diocese, with wonderful contributions from the stars of the Malmesbury Abbey kitchen.
Le Tour de Lee - Day 11 Glastonbury to Okehampton (84 miles)
First published 17th July 2014Today's central character unfortunately has no name but was our rescuer when the signposting, the map and the Garmin SatNav conspired to confuse.
Le Tour de Lee - Day 12 Okehampton to Truro (72 miles)
First published 18th July 2014Today as I followed the signage from Bodmin to St Austell I recalled my father-in-law's words about 'Cornish miles'.
Le Tour de Lee - Day 13 Truro to Land's End (43 miles)
First published 19th July 2014At around 2pm Mike and I arrived at Land's End to a rapturous applause.
Bishop Lee arrives in Land's End
First published 21st July 2014The Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield successfully completed his epic bike ride from John O'Groats to Land's End.
Trying to be good
First published 24th July 2014I could not believe in a vengeful God and it was only gradually that I came to know Jesus as a real person and friend.Death is something we all face. As an 8 year old, I faced my mother's death knocked off her bicycle by a car. We attended a modern
Excellent Christianity lesson plans
First published 25th July 2014These lesson plans for KS1 and KS2 are from Christian Concepts Unpacked' which has been developed by Sailsbury Diocese.
Teaching the Trinity
First published 29th July 2014A collection of thirty ideas for teaching at Key Stages 1 and 2 about the distinctive Christian understanding of God.
Called to service
First published 5th August 2014It felt amazing that I could do something, not for myself, but in the service of ChristWell, I believe that I have always had faith in God but it really became apparent when I was 13 and felt that I wanted to turn to Christ as Lord and have a relatio
Restore to me the joy
First published 6th August 2014...knew I was forgiven and felt a wave of peace flow through me.I had just left my secondhusband and thinking how I could ever feel good about myself again.A friend loaned me a bible and I read Psalm 51 and knew I was forgiven and felt a wave of peac
Bishop Lee backs Brighter Futures radiotherapy appeal
First published 20th August 2015Bishop Lee is encouraging cyclists to saddle up for bike rides through Wiltshire in aid of Brighter Futures' 2.9m Radiotherapy Appeal.
Bishop's Letter: Just Ask!
First published 4th June 2014With the Archbishop of Canterbury due to visit the Diocese of Bristol, Bishop Lee reminds us of Justin Welby's priorities and the opportunities his visit creates.
The Vote on Women Bishops - About Time Too!
First published 14th July 2014On Monday 14 July, the General Synod of the Church of England gave its final approval to legislation paving the way for women Bishops.
Reflections on my calling
First published 9th July 2014Am I doing something because I think it will be good for me and I want to do it, or because I know deep within myself that God is calling me?
We're not afraid to use the 'E' word
First published 16th June 2014As we gear up for Creating Confidence Sunday on 6 July and look ahead to the Archbishop's visit in September, we consider why we're no longer fearful of 'gossiping the gospel'.
Thousands of Bristol children given Christmas story
First published 5th January 2017The Mothers Union has helped share the Christmas story with thousands of children in Bristol.
Humility and Hope for 2017
First published 5th January 2017Bishop Lee reflects on why taking the risk of mending a broken relationship can be a sign of hope for the future.
Creating Confidence - in action
First published 3rd July 2014Thanks to Revd Steve Wilkinson, Priest in Charge of the Woodbridge Group in North Wiltshire for sharing this report on their Creating Confidence Sunday.
First impressions from General Synod
First published 18th November 2013Chris Dobson reports on the first afternoon of General SynodGeneral Synod began in worship and prayer, which gave rise to the first 'priceless moment' when the Archdeacon of Lewisham reached the moment appointed for the bible readings.
General Synod supports evangelism
First published 20th November 2013General Synod has approved a motion, moved by the Archbishop of York, to re-evangelise England, including the creation of a new Task Group.
If it's Tuesday it must be Synod
First published 20th November 2013Chris Dobson reflects on some of the highlights of the second day of General Synod.
Clergy urged to invest in disciples
First published 22nd November 2013140 clergy once again gathered in Bristol and Swindon for the second set of day conferences, learning from Bishop Chris Edmondson and Bishop Mike.
Schools fight food poverty - case study
First published 29th November 2013The Loaves and Fishes project, run by The Sisters of the Church, is a well known food bank in inner-city Bristol.
Bishop's Letter; Earthing Christmas
First published 29th November 2013As we approach the festivities of Christmas, Bishop Lee reflects on holding together hope and warning in the coming of the Christ child.
Nelson Mandela, 1918-2013
First published 6th December 2013The world mourns the loss of Nelson Mandela and remembers and celebrates all that he stood for: freedom, reconciliation and hope.
Swindon churches raise £10,000 for Christian Aid
First published 6th December 2013Inspired by the 2012 Paralympics, Swindon Old Town's Partnership of Churches more than doubled their fundraising target for a Christian Aid project to help people living with disability in Lebanon and the West Bank.
Bishop Mike's Diocesan Synod address
First published 9th December 2013In his address to Diocesan Synod on 7th December, Bishop Mike urged support for Foodbanks and spoke on measures to improve the operation of the Welfare System.
Archdeacon visits new debt centre
First published 16th December 2013Archdeacon Christine Froude has visited a newly opened debt centre in Sea Mills, Bristol as part of the Christmas Starts with Christ campaign.
My life changed at a carol service
First published 18th December 2013I was burdened with misconceptions. Without Carols in the Park, or a service like it, I'm not sure I would ever have felt able to walk into a church.A year ago, at an open air carol service, my life changed.I had been brought up in a Christian househ
No longer journeying alone
First published 20th December 2013It's scary to travel a long way from home to a strange, unfamiliar place; but God does not want His people to journey alone.To travel is a part of life, more so than ever in the modern world. Whether, like me, you are a student going to university in
Dean's Letter: Politics and Peace
First published 1st January 2014The Very Revd Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Bristol Cathedral, writes to the diocese at the beginning of the new year.2014 is the Chinese Year of the Horse. It is the European Year of the Brain, the UN Year of both family farming and crystallography. Latvi
"I bring you Good News"
First published 6th January 2014The Diocese of Bristol was at the heart of a major national campaign during Advent to promote the true meaning of Christmas and the transformative power of the Good News at the heart of the Christian story.
All-age Advent
First published 26th November 2013A four-part all-age service for Advent from Roots magazine called 'The beginning and the end'.
Confidence in God's story
First published 8th January 2014God is always Good News. When we are good news, God's people see growing churches.
Everyone a witness
First published 6th January 2014As we begin a year committed to proclaiming the Good News, Bishop Mike explores what it means to live out our common calling as witnesses to the life of Christ and what might be stopping us.
Giving me hope
First published 29th January 2014The beauty, seriousness and fellowship of church was melting my heart, giving me hope, and feeding me spiritual sustenance.Mine is a journey back to Christianity from nowhere.I was a regular churchgoing Anglican until about 14, when my mother allowed
Canon Richard (Dick) Bennell 1925 - 2013
First published 30th January 2014I was overjoyed when some of the friends arrived and testified to your faithfulness to the truth, namely how you walk in the truth.
Sixth year for Malmesbury Abbey Skate
First published 6th February 2014Malmesbury Abbey Skate returns for a sixth year later this month (17, 19-21 Feb), with an expanded festival for young people of all ages.
Reaching a significant point
First published 10th January 2014After a last dose of chemotherapy on Louise's birthday (11 December) I technically completed my fourth and final Course on Christmas Day.
The greatest gift of all
First published 3rd December 2013Our story begins in Galilee just over 2000 years ago. With two lovely people called Mary and Jo...This re-writing of the Christmas story is great for reading out at a Crib or family service.
Pastoral care in Bristol's courts
First published 11th February 2014Bristol's Judges and Civil Courts have asked the faith communities to provide pastoral care to people in need in their courts.
Schools in your parish
First published 11th February 2014In 2013, Archbishop Justin Welby stressed the centrality of schools to the Church's mission to the nation.
Rt Hon Tony Benn, 1925-2014
First published 19th March 2014Revd David Lloyd, Vicar of Henbury, pays tribute to Tony Benn who represented people of Bristol (Bristol South East 1950-60, 63-83) in Parliament for 30 years and was a prophetic voice on matters of justice and reform.
Schools encouraged to Open the Book
First published 31st March 2014Bishop Mike and senior church leaders from across Bristol are encouraging congregations to form new links with their local schools through the Open the Book Bible stories programme
Resources for people in ministry from Sheldon
First published 31st March 2014The Society of Martha and Mary, Sheldon Post-Easter breaks.
One Born Every Minute
First published 4th April 2014Last month Sheona Beaumont and husband Revd Adam Beaumont, Assistant Curate ofHoly Trinity, Westbury-on-Trym, appeared on the popular Channel 4 show,One Born Every Minute, sharing with the nation the arrival of their second child into the world.We ca
Tribute to Revd Bob Thorn
First published 10th April 2014Bishop Mike has paid tribute to Revd Bob Thorn who died in a rowing accident in Dorset earlier this week.
Practical Love: The Noise
First published 30th April 2014The May bank holiday weekend (3-5 May 2014) was a big one for churches in Bristol.View our photos from the weekend The Noise is all about showing God's love in practical ways.
What's the meaning of it all?
First published 1st May 2014I found that for me lots of religions had good things to say, but I kept being drawn back to the stories about Jesus; I found them and the things he taught really compelling.I didn't grow up in a religious family, none of my friends or family went to
Guided back to my faith
First published 6th May 2014I had achieved success in many areas of my life but my soul was restless and hollow.My husband David and I came toBristol back in December 2012 from Melbourne Australia to be closer to Davids daughter, grandchildren and great-granddaughter.We had gre
Why have I got tattoos?
First published 8th May 2014The tattoo reflects my life journey; no matter what paths I have taken, or what people have come and gone...Some Christians might believe that having tattoos goes against the Bible.Now, obviously as a tattooed Christian, Im bound to say I dont agree.
I came back transformed
First published 10th May 2014Clare Jefferis reflects on her trip to Uganda in October 2013.My trip to Uganda last year was transformational.
Bishop Lee jumps for justice
First published 12th May 2014This Sunday the Bishop of Swindon, Rt Revd Lee Rayfield went over the edge to end poverty with Christian Aid as he took part in an abseil at St Sampson's Church in Cricklade.
The impact of Fresh Expressions
First published 12th May 2014I would say this is final evidential proof that the Fresh Expressions movement is working and that these results cannot be swept under the carpet.
Faith strengthened through bereavement
First published 16th May 2014As I face the challenges that life andsociety throw at me I try really hard to hand them over to God saying "Father, please do this in me because I can't do it alone!"Alison recalls the surprising effect of death on her faithI watched my step-father
Bishop's Letter: Stepping out
First published 2nd April 2014This month Bishop Lee shares more of his journey and invites us to step out in faith.