Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol
News
Licensed Lay Minister receives prestigious Lord Mayor’s Medal
First published 26th April 2023Stockwood-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 2023Earlier 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 2023This 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 2023On 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 2023Margaret 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 2023Bishop 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 2023Sarah 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 2023As 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 2023A 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 2023The 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 2023Read Bishop Viv's Presidential Address to the Diocesan Synod
Swindon churches launch Mission Project
First published 21st March 2023Three 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 2023All Saints’ church Clifton has won three prestigious awards in quick succession.
Six million donation for Malmesbury CofE Primary School
First published 2nd March 2023Malmesbury 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 2023The 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 2023The 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 2023A place at the table for everyone. A one-day conference at Bristol Cathedral
Bishop's Chaplain
First published 13th February 2023Revd 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 2023The devastating earthquakes which hit Turkey and Syria, killing thousand, still dominate the news.
Bishop Lee announces his retirement
First published 13th February 2023After 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 2023Bishop Martin ordained and consecrated as Bishop of Kingston at Canterbury Cathedral
Meeting the King marks a special birthday
First published 6th February 2023The Revd Mark Nam birthday is crowned by a conversation with the new King
Living in Love and Faith
First published 2nd February 2023Personal Reflections from Bishop Lee on the College of Bishops’ recommendations to General Synod
New chair of Diocesan Safeguarding Steering Group
First published 31st January 2023David Niven has been appointed as the next Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Steering Group.
General Synod representation
First published 30th January 2023The Revd Canon Alice Kemp is Bristol's new General Synod representative.
Eight million stitches expressing God's love
First published 27th January 2023Threads through Creation is an extraordinary, uplifting art exhibition on show at Bath Abbey,
Lacock welcomes The Queen Consort
First published 26th January 2023Lacock 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 2023Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull's full statement on the proposal to the General Synod regarding same-sex relationships
Bristol minister leads national church service marking Chinese New Year
First published 18th January 2023The Revd Mark Nam, the Diocesan Minority Ethnic Vocations Champion, will lead the Church of England’s national online service this weekend (Sunday 22 Jan) marking Chinese New Year.
Bishop teams up with Swindon Town FC
First published 13th January 2023Following a 1,000 mile bike ride, the Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Revd Lee Rayfield is being supported by Swindon Town FC in raising funds for local families struggling with the rising cost of living.
New Rector - St John's Parks & St Andrew's Walcot Swindon
First published 12th January 2023The Revd Patrick (Patch) Webb appointed Rector of St John’s Parks and St Andrew’s, Walcot, Swindon
Looking down the backs of north Wiltshire’s spiritual sofas
First published 9th January 2023Jessica Price was appointed Youth Mission Enabler for the North Wiltshire Mission Area (NWMA) on 1st May 2022
Bishop Viv's Christmas message
First published 26th December 2022Appearing on BBC Radio Bristol, Bishop Viv offered a short Christmas message yesterday.
Watch: Funding for Transforming Church. Together passes first milestone
First published 21st December 2022The diocesan strategy, Transforming Church. Together has been affirmed by the National Church.
Bristol’s Bishop’s Chaplain appointed new Bishop of Kingston
First published 15th December 2022The Revd Canon Dr Martin Gainsborough, Chaplain to the Bishop of Bristol, has been appointed as the next Bishop of Kingston in the Diocese of Southwark.
Warm spaces open as polar blast strikes
First published 7th December 2022Christ Church, Downend opens its warm hub cafe every Thursday
National Chinese and British exhibition with Bristol links
First published 28th November 2022Comprising handwritten letters, photographs and oral histories, the new British Library Exhibition, “Chinese and British” has links to Bristol.
Presidential Address - November Synod
First published 22nd November 2022Bishop Viv's presidential address to Diocesan Synod
Gender-based violence action day
First published 21st November 2022The Mothers’ Union in Bristol is inviting everyone to join them for a day of action against gender based violence around the world.
Global Praise
First published 18th November 2022An exciting Intercultural Worship Workshop takes place this weekend.
Community support vital for church sustainability
First published 16th November 2022The tiny village of Littleton Drew, north-west of Chippenham, is a great example of how active engagement with the wider community offers the Church a lifeline.
New super green school for Frenchay
First published 11th November 2022The new Frenchay CofE Primary School in Bristol opened recently, setting new high environmental standards.
Chippenham Church awarded listed status
First published 9th November 2022St Peter’s church Chippenham has been awarded Grade II listed status by Historic England.
Listen to Zoe, our Licensed Lay Member on 6 November!
First published 27th October 2022Zoe Stroud, one of our Licensed Lay Members in Fishponds (Kingsway Benefice) has been invited to be a regular contributor on the Sunday breakfast programme for her local radio station where they will delve deeper into faith.
Welcome Charlie - our new Youth Missioner for Yate and Fromeside
First published 27th October 2022We are delighted to welcome Charlie who has joined us recently as our new Youth Missioner focusing on Yate and Fromeside.
Welcome to our new Licensed Lay Members!
First published 26th October 2022Earlier this month, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol admitted ten new Licensed Lay Ministers, and welcomed Frank to the diocese from Bath and Wells.
Launch of Concord Church on the North fringe of Bristol
First published 26th October 2022A new church was launched on the North fringe of Bristol recently. Concord Church was planted from St Nicholas Bristol, with a vision to serve the new housing developments in the home of the Concorde aeroplane on Filton airfield and the wider North Bristol area.
Read Johnson's story as part of Prisons Week 2022 earlier this month
First published 25th October 2022Earlier this month, we marked Prisons Week 2022 with a special prayer from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol. Now we are delighted to share Johnson's story who is a prisoner at HMP Bristol.
Bishop Viv celebrates birthday with children from Willow Park CE Primary School
First published 21st October 2022Willow Park CE Primary School opened last September following the amalgamation of St Michael on the Mount CE and St Georges CE Primary schools.
£400 cash injection for Breast Cancer Awareness thanks to diocese colleagues!
First published 21st October 2022Thank you to all our colleagues in Diocesan Support Services for supporting ‘Wear it Pink Day' as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Congratulations & welcome to Dr Helen-Ann Hartley - the new Bishop of Newcastle
First published 21st October 2022Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol would like to congratulate Dr Helen-Ann Hartley - the new Bishop of Newcastle.
Revd Alison Sowton is inducted and installed at St Mary's, Shirehampton
First published 21st October 2022Revd Alison Sowton was inducted and installed by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol at St Mary’s, Shirehampton last night.
Come and join our team - new opportunities available!
First published 21st October 2022We have three exciting new roles within our Diocesan Support Services Team so why not check out the website and apply now?
Diocese team fly out to Uganda to build global links
First published 19th October 2022A team of 14 colleagues from across the Diocese flew out from London Heathrow on 14 October to visit our friends in different Diocese in the north of Uganda.
Join us at our intercultural worship workshop this November!
First published 19th October 2022Book your tickets now for our intercultural worship workshop next month which in an interactive workshop exploring the rationale for intercultural worship and a chance to learn and be inspired by some worship music from around the world,
Response on Anti-Slavery Day from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol
First published 18th October 2022Slavery is still here; we mustn’t forget it - “Today, we must again proclaim freedom, shocking the complacent and complicit, and giving hope to the enslaved.”
Congratulations and welcome to Dr John Perumbalath - the new Bishop of Liverpool
First published 18th October 2022Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol would like to congratulate Dr John Perumbalath - the new Bishop of Liverpool.
Please support Hazelnut Community Farm with their Harvest Appeal
First published 18th October 2022Hazelnut Community Farm have launched their Harvest Appeal this week. Please give generously and support them today!
B&A church will be cooking 300 hot meals a week this winter but need your help!
First published 13th October 2022B&A Church are responding to the cost-of-living crisis this winter by cooking 300 hot meals a week to deliver to Warm Spaces across the city but need your help too!
Congratulations and welcome to Canon Stephen Race - the new Bishop of Beverley
First published 13th October 2022Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol would like to congratulate Canon Stephen Race - the new Bishop of Beverley.
Prayer from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol to mark Prisons Week 2022
First published 13th October 2022For nearly 50 years, Prisons Week has encouraged Christians to pray for all those affected by crime and imprisonment and Bishop Viv wanted to share this short prayer to mark the occasion,
Reflections from a wonderful Clergy Conference!
First published 13th October 2022As our three-day Clergy Conference comes to a close today, it is important to take some time to reflect on the last three fantastic days.
Three-day Clergy Conference well underway in Swanwick!
First published 12th October 2022Great start to our clergy conference. Sunshine, smiles and worship in the Chapel as Bishop Viv invited us to be re-called, rested and renewed in the presence of our Shepherd and Host, Jesus yesterday.
Bishop Viv to license our latest Lay Members at Bristol Cathedral tomorrow!
First published 7th October 2022Tomorrow, Saturday 8 October, several of our lay members will be licensed at Bristol Cathedral by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol. Please read their stories.
Bishop Viv to license our latest Lay Members at Bristol Cathedral tomorrow!
First published 7th October 2022Tomorrow, Saturday 8 October, several of our lay members will be licensed at Bristol Cathedral by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol. Please read their stories.
Bishop Viv to license our latest Lay Members at Bristol Cathedral tomorrow!
First published 7th October 2022Tomorrow, Saturday 8 October, several of our lay members will be licensed at Bristol Cathedral by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol. Please read their stories.
Bishop Viv to license our latest Lay Members at Bristol Cathedral tomorrow!
First published 7th October 2022Tomorrow, Saturday 8 October, several of our lay members will be licensed at Bristol Cathedral by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol. Please read their stories.
Statement from Bishop of Bristol & Executive Summary - Past Case Review 2
First published 6th October 2022Please read our statement from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol and our Executive Summary for Past Case Review (PCR2).
Congratulations to Christopher and Wayne who have been ordained
First published 1st October 2022A huge congratulations to Christopher Hunter and Wayne Callum who were ordained as Priest and Deacon at the stunning Bristol Cathedral by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol on Thursday. Please pray for them .
Bishop’s address to Synod – 7 September 2022
First published 29th September 2022Please read Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull's address to Synod on 7 September 2022.
Practical Guidance for Parishes - How to save money and energy
First published 29th September 2022Please read this latest guidance on how to save money and energy in your parishes and churches.
Join us at our special workshop next week!
First published 28th September 2022Join our special workshop at St Paul's Church in Chippenham and find out how to support people from Hong Kong who are settling in Bristol
Invitation to racial justice events with the Rt Hon. Lord Paul Boateng!
First published 23rd September 2022Find out more about two events being run by The Rt Hon. Lord Paul Boateng and Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng on 5th October 2022 and book your place now!
Invitation to a Church Development Tool Webinar
First published 23rd September 2022You are invited to take part in a Church of England webinar next week to find out more about the Church Development Tool which is now open and available for all churches to use via A Church Near You.
Congratulations to The Revd Canon Dr Andrew Braddock on his new appointment
First published 23rd September 2022Canon Andrew, 51, is currently the Interim Dean of Gloucester and will take up the role of Dean of Norwich at the end of January.
Congratulations wishes from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol
First published 23rd September 2022Congratulations to the Bishop of St Albans, Alan Smith, who has been appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury as Convenor of the Lords Spiritual.
A Prayer from the Bishop of Bristol - Proclamation of King Charles III
First published 12th September 2022Please find below, a prayer from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol on the proclamation of King Charles III.
From Rt Revd Vivienne Faull - The Death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
First published 8th September 2022It is with deep sadness that I have heard of the death this evening of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
You're invited to our Environment Workshop at 7pm on Tuesday 11 October 2022
First published 1st September 2022The UK climate in 2050 is going to look quite different to how it is now. We will be facing hotter summers, more wet winters, more extreme storms and multiple other changes.
Congratulations to Suzanne Grindrod - the new Priest in charge of Draycot
First published 31st August 2022Congratulations to Suzanne Grindrod who has been appointed as the new Priest in charge of the Draycot Benefice within the North Wiltshire Mission Area.
11 people will be licensed as Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) in October
First published 31st August 2022LLMs have been trained and authorised to teach the faith, offer Christian leadership, and enable mission. They live out their faith in communities, churches and workplaces.
Bristol Cathedral's new exhibition, #AllGodsChildren, is now open!
First published 26th August 2022Why not visit to find out more about the Cathedral’s connections to the transatlantic trade of enslaved people and have your say about what the Cathedral should do next.
New curacy opportunity with the Woodbridge Group of Churches!
First published 26th August 2022Find out more about our new curacy opportunity with the Woodbridge Group of Churches Now!
Good luck to everyone receiving their GCSE results today!
First published 25th August 2022We hope and pray you receive the results you are hoping for from Bishop Viv and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol!
Greenways Benefice Profile for 2023 Curacy Opportunity
First published 25th August 2022An exciting opportunity awaits the right person to serve their curacy in the Greenways Benefice, Chippenham, Wiltshire.
Apply for your FREE contactless device before the 7th September deadline!
First published 24th August 2022Does your church offer contactless giving yet? If not, now is the time to apply before the deadline of 7th September 2022.
Revd Janet Lee appointed as new link coordinator for the Bristol West Deanery
First published 22nd August 2022Having grown up in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and been involved with the Bristol Uganda link for several years, Revd Janet Lee has recently been appointed as the new link coordinator for the Bristol West Deanery.
Remembering The Reverend Hilary Blancharde who has sadly died aged 74
First published 18th August 2022Remembering The Reverend Hilary Blancharde, who was the assistant priest at Holy Trinity Church, Horfield in Bristol and has sadly died after a year’s illness with cancer.
United Church in Longwell Green celebrates 40th anniversary of Local Ecumenical
First published 17th August 2022The congregation of United Church in Longwell Green will commemorate the coming together of the two churches with a 40th anniversary celebration on Sunday 11th September.
Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Mothers' Union
First published 15th August 2022Last weekend on 14 August, there was a service to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Mothers' Union at St Philip the Deacon in Stratton.
New resource released for hosting warm spaces
First published 15th August 2022The Diocese of Bristol has just released a short resource to help churches to host warm spaces through the coming winter.
Stunning views for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta!
First published 12th August 2022Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is now well underway with lots of fun for all the family until Sunday so why not check out their website for full details!
Dr Ruth Valerio announced as keynote speaker for upcoming environment conference
First published 12th August 2022We are pleased to announce Dr Ruth Valerio as the keynote speaker for our upcoming conference: Creation Restored: Ministry in a time of Climate Crisis
2022 Bristol Clergy Conference: “Restoring our Soul”
First published 11th August 2022The Bishop of Bristol, The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is hosting a 3-day conference for licensed clergy in the Diocese of Bristol at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick on 11 to 13 October
Ali Rowe reflects on her old and new role with the Bristol Uganda link
First published 11th August 2022Ali Rowe has been involved with the Diocese of Bristol link with Uganda for over 10 years. After acting as the link coordinator for the Bristol West Deanery for several years, she is now leaving the role to become the link coordinator for the Kingswood and South Gloucestershire Deanery.
New resources released for Christians Against Poverty Sunday 2022
First published 11th August 2022New resources have been launched, from debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty, to help churches respond to UK poverty.
Bristol churches featured on BBC article during heatwave
First published 11th August 2022Last month, St Augustine of Canterbury in Even Swindon and St Paul's Church in Southville were featured on a BBC article, after they kept their buildings open during the July heatwave.
Welcome to Esther Williams, our new Safeguarding Caseworker
First published 8th August 2022A huge welcome to Esther Williams who has joined us recently as a Safeguarding Caseworker.
Remembering Roy Hackett OBE, a Civil Rights Pioneer who has sadly died aged 93
First published 5th August 2022Remembering Roy Hackett OBE, a Civil Rights Pioneer who has sadly died aged 93 by Rashida Hartley, Racial Justice Project Officer
We're excited for this year's Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - are you?
First published 4th August 2022This incredible event which is taking place from 11th to 14th August attracts over 100 hot air balloons and 500,000 visitors over the four days.
