Here you can find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol.
News and updates
Millenium Youth Choir goes west
First published 8th March 2013Members of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) Millennium Youth Choir will soon be heading to the west of England for a busy Easter course.
Experience the joy of Christmas
First published 1st December 2016The Church of England has launched its #JoyToTheWorld Christmas campaign with www.AChristmasNearYou.org and four special videos.
Exploring Christian leadership - Voyage 3
First published 28th April 2013Leadership is a major focus for Bristol Diocese, not just encouraging the leaders of our churches to hone their leadership skills, but also helping all those in positions of leadership to reflect on how their faith affects, maybe even drives their leadership.
Fleshandblood: Blood donation and the Church of England...
First published 28th May 2013The Church of England is involved with flesh and blood, a national campaign, to mobilise the Church to increase the number of blood and organ donors in the UK.
Funding boost for St Andrew, Castle Combe
First published 14th December 2016St Andrew, Castle Combe is set to benefit from a 596,000 rescue funding package from the National Churches Trust, the UKs church repair and support charity.
Insurance for Churches Together groups
First published 14th April 2013PCCs should be aware under what circumstances Churches Together group events are covered by their insurance policies.
Speaking about God in society
First published 12th April 2013Clergy came together at two day conferences in March to explore how to speak about God in today's society.80 per cent of clergy questioned in a recent survey said they no longer had confidence in speaking about God in public.
Ways into prayer
First published 7th June 2013As Bishop Lee has written, prayer is fundamental to Christian discipleship but the ways Christians actually engage with God in prayer may be as varied as the people themselves.
Persona dolls - Elizabeth the Christian and her Church
First published 6th March 2013Persona dolls are a great way to introduce young children to ideas like other religions.
Bishop's Letter: In the Lord's service(s)?
First published 20th February 2016Show me the way your weekend services are going and Ill tell you how your church is going Thus spake Bill Hybels at a recent coaching seminar.
The prospect of elected Police Commissio...
First published 25th October 2012The prospect of elected Police Commissioners is not one that fills me with enthusiasm.
Primary School Assemblies for Religious Festivals
First published 26th October 2012Here you will find 37 fun and thoughtful assemblies that celebrate the multi-faith make-up of British schools today.
Poetry Emotion
First published 26th October 2012Poetry Emotion contains a treasure trove of original poems to stimulate a child's observation and deep thinking; to affirm individuality and a sense of belonging; to express a myriad of feelings; and to develop meaningful skills for living.
Who would have thought it? Thursday's e...
First published 17th November 2012Who would have thought it? Thursday's elections for the Police & Crime Commissioners have largely been written off as a 'shambles.'
On November 2nd 1917, 95 years ago today...
First published 2nd November 2012On November 2nd 1917, 95 years ago today, a piece of history was made which has had a profound impact on world politics ever since.
I was just approaching the turn off to S...
First published 20th November 2012I was just approaching the turn off to Swindon when I heard that the measure to ordain women as bishops had been defeated.
Many of us are still reeling after yeste...
First published 21st November 2012Many of us are still reeling after yesterdays General Synod vote.
"We are going to need to do a lot of ex...
First published 22nd November 2012"We are going to need to do a lot of explaining." So said Archbishop Rowan as he helped Synod face up to the implications of Tuesday's vote.
Ian Yemm - House of Laity for Bristol Diocese - so what now?
First published 24th November 2012Well this was quite a week to be a first-timer at the General Synod of the Church of England and the welcome was warm and genuine.
This week has been the most difficult I ...
First published 25th November 2012This week has been the most difficult I think of my ordained life.
Bishop's Letter: Is there any hope for Advent?
First published 28th November 2012In his message for Advent Bishop Lee highlights the challenge of the season for our discipleship. This is the time of the year I find most challenging to be a follower of Jesus.
Chancellor rules on Lacock cup
First published 5th December 2012The Chancellor of the Diocese of Bristol, Revd Justin Gau, has ruled at a Consistory Court held at St Cyriacs Church, Lacock that the parish can sell a piece of silverware known as the Lacock Cup to the British Museum.
Bishop Mike becomes Chair of Wycliffe Hall
First published 8th December 2012Rt Revd Mike Hill has accepted the invitation of the Council of the Oxford theological college, Wycliffe Hall, to become its Chair.
Last day in Gulu. Tomorrow we are off to...
First published 12th January 2013Last day in Gulu. Tomorrow we are off to visit one of the legacies of the days of war in N. Uganda the huge displacement camp at Amuru.
Expert solutions for heating churches
First published 14th January 2013Keeping an historic church warm for community use while conserving its heritage features and minimising the environmental impact is a real challenge, especially at a time of rising energy prices.
Swindon churches engage
First published 25th January 2013Bishop Lee has celebrated the results of a survey which demonstrates the extensive engagement of Christians in Swindon with children and young people.
The Venerable Kenneth James Clark 1922-2013
First published 5th February 2013The Venerable Kenneth James Clark MA DSC 1922-2013, Archdeacon of Swindon 1982-1992
Soundwell lights up for Candlemas
First published 6th February 2013Over 500 people took part in a community lantern procession organised by members of St Stephen's Church in Soundwell to celebrate the feast of Candlemas on Saturday 2nd February.
Message from The Dean
First published 29th January 2013There are different ways of measuring what it is like to live in a recession.
Retirement of Pope Benedict XVI
First published 11th February 2013Bishop Mike has issued the following statement following the announcement that Pope Benedict will retire at the end of February.
Bishops on bicycles
First published 20th February 2013Bishop Lee will cycle 172 milesin two days forChristian Aid on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 April.
Connecting with God through the Lens
First published 26th October 2017Encountering God through the Lens - an accompanied photographic pilgrimage to Uganda 25 January to 5 February 2018Led by Walter Dirks and Chris Dobson, this trip is an opportunity to develop your photographic skills as part of a spiritual j
Growth: a good problem to have
First published 11th February 2013St Michaels Church in Stoke Gifford is launching a £5.8m project to build a new multi-purpose church and community centre in the parish, following sustained growth in the church over the last decade.
Bring #JoyToTheWorld with www.AChristmasNearYou.org
First published 18th November 2016This Christmas the Church of England is launching a new website inviting people across the country to attend local parish services at Christmas.
Competition to find innovative community projects in churches
First published 18th November 2016The National Churches Trust and the Marsh Christian Trust are inviting entries for the Marsh Awards for Innovative Church Projects.
Rehabilitation Marketplace
First published 24th November 2016Sixty-One is coordinating an event showcasing the work of 10 local charities who work with offenders, a number of local prisons and probation.
Updates from Uganda
First published 14th January 2013A team from Bristol has just returned from Uganda following the second Christ Centred Leadership Conference for Ugandan Bishops and their leadership teams, which is organised by the Diocese of Bristol in partnership with the Church of Uganda.
Statement regarding St Mary Redcliffe Primary School
First published 29th November 2016It is clear from this Ofsted report that there are areas of weakness at St Mary Redcliffe Primary School.
Bishop's Letter; Fit for purpose? Cntd...
First published 28th October 2012I have always admired those people who make a long-term commitment to living a healthy lifestyle.
General Synod rejects Women Bishops legislation
First published 20th November 2012The General Synod has failed to agree legislation that would have enabled women to become bishops in the Church of England.
People with memory problems helped by church cafe
First published 21st July 2017People with memory problems in Bristol are being invited to a monthly cafe at Holy Trinity Church, Hotwells each month.
Cautious Progress
First published 8th February 2013The House of Bishops met yesterday for a day dedicated to trying to unlock the impasse created by November's vote on women bishops.
Meet the CEMES workers 2017
First published 24th October 2017The Church of England Ministry Experience Scheme (CEMES) offers year-long placements in churches around the country for young adults aged under 30.
From suicide to salvation, Steve and Sue's story
First published 28th February 2013In local churches thoughout the Diocese of Bristol, people's lives are being changed by the power of God.
Creating a culture of invitiation
First published 19th May 2017Logo for Season of Invitation showing drawn icons of envelope, church and heart. Three out of four Christians know who they would invite to church if they were prompted to do so.
Re-fuelling rural churches
First published 15th November 2012The Filling Station, which started in the Diocese of Bristol, is supporting and strengthening local churches in rural areas across the country.
Revd Janet Marker, 1963-2012
First published 19th November 2012Revd Janet Marker died last month after a struggle with illness that had been a constant presence though her ordained ministry.
Facing death without fear, David Stevens' story
First published 5th March 2013As part of our life stories series, we talked with with David Stevens about how his faith has enabled him to face death without fear following a diagnosis with cancer.
400km bike ride for Uganda youth trip
First published 22nd May 2018400km is a long way to travel regardless of the mode of transport but choosing to do it on a bicycle? Who would be crazy enough to do that? Well, Dan Jones our Youth and Childrens Adviser is, and on the 14th June he will be setting off from Weston-su
Diocesan Synod tells Bishops to effect the will of the Church
First published 1st December 2012The Bristol Diocesan Synod has passed a vote of no confidence in the ability of the General Synod of the Church of England to effect the clear will of the majority of Church members.
MP sees RE makes sense of the world
First published 5th December 2012The MP for Bristol West, Stephen Williams, visited Bristol Cathedral Choir School in November at the invitation of teachers campaigning for a proper understanding of the value of RE.
Christianity 365?
First published 26th February 2013Reading in the Times sports pages in the light of England's Rugby Union victory over the French side I saw that on the wall of the England team's training camp was the simple slogan, 'England 365'.
Home School Values
First published 7th February 2013A fantastic new resource, Home Schools Values helps schools communicate their Christian values to their parents or guardians and communities.
Life to the Max - Joel's story
First published 6th October 2015For Joel, growing up in a vicarage is very different to the home life his peers experience.
Bishop's Letter: Into the looking glass
First published 31st July 2014Bishop Mike asks if we apply the ways we learn best, to the ways we could seek to spread the Gospel message.
Hinduism lesson plans for Key Stage 2
First published 23rd March 2012Download ten lesson plans to coverKS2 Unit 10:What does it mean to belong to a religion? HINDUISM for the Awareness, Mystery and Value agreed syllabus.
The Church School of the Future
First published 25th March 2012On Friday (23rd March) the Church of England called for church schools to robustly assert their Christian ethos and foundation.
Early Years RE - Persona Dolls
First published 29th April 2012Many teachers speak of the power of having familiar persona dolls in the classroom and the imaginative way in which young children can exercise their curiosity about difference.
Church and Primary Academy in Westbury-on-Trym
First published 14th May 2012In Westbury-on-Trym, the parish church and CofE primary school (the first in the diocese to convert to academy status) are working together to provide a distinctively Christian education and ethos for local families.
Outreach in east Bristol
First published 14th May 2012What's so inspiring? A heart for Jesus and proactive outreach to the local community is delivering growth in attendance, awareness and giving at St. Aidans in east Bristol.
Cafe church in Gloucestershire
First published 14th May 2012What's so inspiring?....
Persona dolls - Joe the Jewish boy and his Synagogue
First published 16th May 2012Persona dolls are a great way to introduce young children to ideas like other religions.
Persona dolls: Rita the Hindu and her Mandir
First published 16th May 2012Persona dolls are a great way to introduce young children to ideas like other religions.
Persona dolls - Malkit the Sikh and his Gurdwara
First published 16th May 2012Persona dolls are a great way to introduce young children to ideas like other religions.
Persona dolls - Hassan the Muslim and his Mosque
First published 16th May 2012Persona dolls are a great way to introduce young children to ideas like other religions.
Glowing reviews of Uganda Fire 2012
First published 23rd May 2012The Uganda Fire Choir and Band has been touring the diocese for the last 12 days performing and sharing their faith in in schools and churches.
Models of Partnership
First published 11th June 2012The attached document provides a brief overview of different ways of working in partnership with other schools to support, amongst other things, sustainability, school improvement and financial stability.
Bristol schools competition winners 2012!
First published 28th June 2012BRISTOL SCHOOLS COMPETITION WINNERS CELEBRATE 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER
Creative prayer - 'lectio divina'
First published 25th July 2012This article from the Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project looks at the practice of 'lectio divina' - a forever fresh way of reading scripture and praying.
Bishop's Letter: Olympic Dedication
First published 6th August 2012In this months letter, Bishop Mike reflects on what our Olympic team might have to say to how we approach our church life.
Bishop Mike supports tax justice campaign
First published 15th August 2012Bishop Mike joined Bristol's political leaders when they boarded the Tax Justice Bus on Monday 3rd September as it stopped in the city as part of a 53-day tour of the UK and Ireland.
New Diocese-sponsored Academy opens in Bristol
First published 6th September 2012On 2 September, the new Fishponds Church of England Academy in Bristol became the first Academy sponsored by the Diocese, opening its doors for the first year of its new status.
Sarah Evans, By Brook
First published 9th September 2012Revd Sarah Evans was licensed as Team Vicar of the By Brook Benefice and Associate Minister of North Wraxall on 12 June 2012.
Linda Fletcher, Park & Walcot
First published 9th September 2012Revd Linda Fletcher was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Parks and Walcot in Swindon on 16 July 2012.Linda writes:
Apparently, I leak quite badly in meetings...
First published 5th September 2012Apparently, I leak quite badly in meetings. My new colleague, Becky Waring, is a great observer of human nature and revealed this fact to me after a recent meeting.
Harvest ideas for Early Years and Foundation Stage
First published 19th September 2012A Wet and Windy Harvest for Puddles is a must to support topic work on Harvest celebrations in school or nursery settings.
Sally Wheeler, Marshfield Benefice
First published 18th October 2012Revd Sally Wheeler was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Marshfield Benefice on 8 October 2012.Sally writes:
Teresa Taylor, Mangotsfield
First published 9th September 2012Revd Teresa Taylor will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Mangotsfield on Wednesday 19 September.
Bishop calls to support continued growth
First published 10th September 2012Halfway through our Diocesan Strategy, our vision of a growing Church is becoming a reality. This month, parishes are being asked to increase their Parish Share giving to support that growth.
Howard Jameson, Patchway
First published 2nd November 2012Revd Howard Jameson is licensed on Wednesday 7 November as Priest-in-Charge of Patchway in north Bristol.Howard writes:
Last Sunday I was delighted to join the ...
First published 12th September 2012Last Sunday I was delighted to join the last morning of the residential weekend which is the start of our new Lay Ministers' Formation Year.
A Community of Brokenness held together in the Hand of God.
First published 24th September 2012Stories from a working class congregation. This booklet was put together by Joe Hasler to clarify the challenges and strengths of a group of churches and the available leadership in the area.
Yesterday evening I watched 'The Devil ...
First published 2nd May 2012Yesterday evening I watched 'The Devil wears Prada' - yes, I know I'm a long way behind the rest of the world but I didn't think it would be a film I would enjoy.
£17000. That was the cost the patient in...
First published 2nd October 2012£17000. That was the cost the patient in the bed opposite me had been quoted if he wished to have gone private for his operation.
I must say I have found it very difficult...
First published 5th October 2012I must say I have found it very difficult to understand those who call in on radio phone-ins to voice their displeasure at those who have come out and spoken of their abusive experiences in the Jimmy Savile scandal.
Worship on the theme of mental health: a guide for the Church
First published 8th October 2012The Church of Englands mental health group and Revd Eva McIntyre have teamed up with Time to Change to create a pack for churches, providing ideas and resources for churches to plan worship on the theme of mental health.
Regular readers will probably have reali...
First published 8th October 2012Regular readers will probably have realised already that I have very 'low brow' tastes. Not for me the leadership lessons played out in Tolstoy, Shakespeare or Cicero.
Who watches the watchman?
First published 23rd May 2012Who watches the watchman? This is the motto written on the side of Commander Vimes' truncheon in the Discworld novels written by Terry Pratchett.
Third of parishes saving money with Parish Buying Scheme
First published 12th October 2012Parishes throughout the Diocese of Bristol are already saving money by using the Parish Buying Scheme with 65 parishes registered since the service was launched in January.
Bishop's Letter; Fit for purpose?
First published 28th October 2012In this months Bishops Letter, Bishop Mike asks how we can apply what we know we need to do in our physical lives to our spiritual lives.
Ian Tweedie-Smith, Purton
First published 2nd November 2012Revd Ian Tweedie-Smith was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Purton, west of Swindon, on 17 October 2012.
Bishops delighted at “inspired†choice for Archbishop
First published 9th November 2012The Bishops of Bristol and Swindon have wholeheartedly welcomed the announcement that Rt Revd Justin Welby will be the next Archbishop of Canterbury.Rt Revd Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, praised Bishop Justin's exceptional experience.
Bishop's Letter: Ignorance of the law is no excuse….
First published 25th June 2012In this month's Bishop's Letter, Bishop Mike asks who should be teaching children right from wrong, what they should be teaching, and what part people of faith have to play.
Shoebox theology
First published 13th November 2012I had the best afternoon for ages today. I was invited down to the Operation Christmas Child collection centre at Christ the Servant church in Stockwood today by my friend and colleague Sue Farrance.
Aggy Palairet : God's calling
First published 21st March 2017Hello Im Aggy; I am a mum of 2, currently a member in the Lee Abbey Knowle West small missional community and working part time for the NHS as a Clinical Data Team Co-ordinator.
Ex-violent gang member shares story of finding freedom. Lydiard Millicent.
First published 17th July 2012Rob Joy, a 33-year-old former South of England gang member whose violence, crime and drug addiction sent him to prison, will be telling his story and sharing how he found freedom at two free events in Lydiard Millicent this month.
Called to Licensed Lay Ministry?
First published 6th October 2015Following the wonderful licensing service at Bristol Cathedral on Saturday 26 September, we now have over 200 licensed lay ministers in the Diocese of Bristol.
Stepping out in faith
First published 10th October 2012Last month saw churches extending an invitation to people in their communities through Back to Church Sunday and as numerous Alpha courses started.
Bishop's letter: Giving a voice to wonder
First published 28th July 2012This month Bishop Lee reflects on the significance of awe and wonder in our relationship with God and resisting being conformed by left brain ways of attending to the world.
One of the recurring themes of these Oly...
First published 2nd August 2012One of the recurring themes of these Olympic weeks is the value of being part of a team, being part of a bigger thing than just 'me and my gold medal'.