Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol
News
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.
A huge well done to Bishop Lee for completing his charity cycle - please keep donating!
First published 3rd August 2022A huge well done to Bishop Lee for completing his charity cycle - please keep donating!
Congratulations to The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, the next Dean of York
First published 2nd August 2022Congratulations to The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, the next Dean of York

Come and join our team now - NEW roles available!
First published 2nd August 2022We have several new exciting roles within our Diocesan Support Services Team - apply now!

Bishops of Bristol and South Sudan exchange rings of reconciliation at the Lambeth Conference
First published 2nd August 2022Bishops of Bristol and South Sudan exchange rings of reconciliation at the Lambeth Conference

St Marys & St James Lockleaze named as top community place
First published 1st August 2022The initial findings report was produced by Royal Mencap Society Community Partners after an engagement project with a questionnaire and 32 ‘Community Conversations'.
Bishop Viv shares good news from the Lambeth Conference
First published 1st August 2022Bishop Viv shares good news from the Lambeth Conference.

Congratulations to Reverend Kat Campion-Spall, who will become Rector Designate of Bristol Harbourside Churches
First published 29th July 2022Congratulations to Reverend Kat Campion-Spall.

Mission and Ministry in a Time of Trauma lecture now available to watch online
First published 29th July 2022A Zoom conversation on 9 June, led by Rhona Knight and Revd Dr Simon Taylor.

Holiday at Home activity day at St Michael's Church in Stoke Gifford
First published 28th July 2022More than 70 people attended the fun-filled activity day held at St Michael's Centre last week on Thursday 21 July.
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Mental Health Wellbeing Sunday at Holy Trinity Westbury on Trym
First published 22nd July 2022On the 19 June, there was a focus across all services and in Sunday Club on Mental Health Wellbeing at Holy Trinity Westbury on Trym.
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Event Cancelled - 'Walk of Witness Bristol City Slave Trail'.
First published 22nd July 2022This event has been cancelled

2,500 local residents gather for annual Pinehurst Fun Day to celebrate community
First published 21st July 2022The Pinehurst Fun Day has been running for 20 years but was unfortunately cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. On Saturday 16 July, over 2,500 local residents gathered to celebrate the return of the fun day!

Spear Bristol supports over 40 young people to re-enter work or education since January launch
First published 21st July 2022Spear Bristol launched in January 2022 and has since supported 43 young people aged 16 - 24 across Bristol.

Rashida Hartley, Racial Justice Officer reflects on ‘Lament to Action' workshop
First published 21st July 2022Rashida Hartley, Racial Justice Officer for the Bristol Diocese, reflects on ‘Lament to Action' workshop at Sarum College.

Informative session for Licensed Lay Ministers
First published 20th July 2022Our Licenced Lay Ministers had a very informative session with John Pearce from Pearce Funeral Services recently about what is not allowed in the coffin at the crematorium.
Appointment of the Church of England's new permanent national director of safeguarding
First published 19th July 2022Alexander Kubeyinje has been appointed as the Church of England's new permanent national director of safeguarding.

Ice-cream for the hottest day of the year so far!
First published 18th July 2022How do you cool down on the hottest day of the year so far? Eat delicious ice-cream of course and that's exactly what our Diocesan Support Services staff staff did today thanks to Mr Sav.

Bishop of Swindon gets on his bike to raise as much money as possible to give a special Christmas gift
First published 18th July 2022Being poorly with covid recently, didn't stop Bishop of Swindon, Dr Lee Rayfield from getting on his bike once again to take on a huge fundraising challenge, cycling some 881 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats.
Huge welcome to Jane Vause, our new Director of Transformation who will spearhead the future direction of the Diocese
First published 14th July 2022Congratulations and welcome to Jane Vause who has joined the Diocese recently as our new Director of Transformation.

Deadline approaches for church energy footprint tool
First published 14th July 2022The Energy Footprint Tool allows all churches around the country to enter their utility bills and find out their "carbon footprint".

First Gold Eco Church award in the Diocese
First published 14th July 2022We are thrilled to celebrate with Hazelnut Community Farm, as they become the first church in the Southwest to receive a Gold Eco Award
Y12 student reflects on his experience of supporting his church an Eco Church
First published 14th July 2022Aidan, a student at a Chippenham secondary school, reflects on his experience of helping his church become an Eco Church.

Does your church offer contactless giving yet?
First published 14th July 2022Does your church offer contactless giving yet? If not, now is the time to consider it, as the Diocese of Bristol receives dozens of heavily subsidised contactless devices to pass on to churches across the region.

Get your tickets to Creation Restored: Ministry in a time of Climate Crisis
First published 14th July 2022Join us on Saturday 17 September at Pattern Church Swindon for an inspiring and challenging day for all in church leadership - lay, ordained, youth or environmental!

Swindon Food Collective officially opens new food distribution centre
First published 8th July 2022Swindon Food Collective opened a new food distribution centre at St Timothy's, Dorcan Church on 8 July.

Dauntsey Doom Board art lecture now available to watch online
First published 7th July 2022A lecture given at St James the Great, Dauntsey, Wiltshire, England on 15th June 2022 by Revd Dr Simon Taylor.

“Don't Bank on Plastics!†urge campaigners this Plastic Free July
First published 7th July 2022This Plastic Free July, Christian charity ECCR is asking individuals to contact their bank about the global plastic crisis.

Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol enjoys visiting students at Hodgkin House!
First published 5th July 2022Bishop of Bristol really enjoyed talking to the international students about where they are from and hearing all their exciting stories before they start their studies in Bristol.

Congratulations to new Suffragen Bishop of Hull in the Diocese of York
First published 4th July 2022Congratulations to the Right Reverend Doctor Eleanor Sanderson who has been appointed as Suffragan Bishop of Hull in the Diocese of York

Special weekend of ordination celebrations for our Priests and Deacons!
First published 4th July 2022The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol ordained 18 candidates as Priests and Deacons at very moving ordination celebrations at Bristol Cathedral last weekend.

Welcome to Bristol Amal - it was great to meet you!
First published 1st July 2022During Refugee Week at the end of June, Little Amal came to Bristol and walked from the Old Vic Theatre to the harbourside, meeting hundreds of people along the way.
Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sharon's Story
First published 1st July 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sharon's Story

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Wanda's Story
First published 1st July 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Wanda' Story
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Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Joshua's Story
First published 30th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Joshua's Story
Brand new small group resource gives VIP welcome to those choosing to build a new life in UK
First published 30th June 2022An interactive six-week course has just been released to help churches welcome new arrivals in the UK from Hong Kong.

Training course for churches offering spiritual care to older people
First published 30th June 2022BRF is delighted to introduce a groundbreaking course to help churches equip leaders and members for ministry to older people.

Please continue to pray for those to be ordained this weekend
First published 30th June 2022The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, will ordain 20 candidates as priests and deacons at Bristol Cathedral over the coming weekend.

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Sarah's Story
First published 29th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Sarah's Story
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Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Nicola's Story
First published 28th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Nicola's Story

Welcome to Rashida Hartley who has joined the Diocese and is flying the flag for racial justice
First published 28th June 2022Rashida Hartley has recently been appointed as Diocesan Racial Justice Officer on a one-year fixed term contract, working 14 hours a week on Thursdays and Fridays.

A huge congratulations to St John the Baptist Church and residents in Colerne for winning a SILVER AWARD
First published 27th June 2022A huge congratulations to St John the Baptist Church and residents in Colerne for winning a SILVER AWARD!
Congratulations to Jordan Ling for her appointment as Diocesan Advisor for Clergy Wellbeing
First published 27th June 2022Jordan Ling has recently been appointed as Diocesan Advisor for Clergy Wellbeing after a very successful secondment since March this year.

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Caroline's Story
First published 27th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Caroline's Story

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Ruth's Story
First published 26th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Ruth's Story

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Diane's Story
First published 25th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Diane's Story

Swindon Food Collective open two new distribution centres
First published 24th June 2022The Swindon Food Collective are opening two new distribution centres today, on Friday 24 June 2022 in an effort to take food to those in need in the wider community.

Encouraging response to Parish Share survey
First published 24th June 2022Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our Parish Share survey!

Continuing Ministerial Development summer programme continues
First published 24th June 2022We are now halfway through our Continuing Ministerial Development Summer 2022 Programme, but there are still opportunities to get involved!

New Exploring Christianity module starting in September
First published 24th June 2022A course to deepen faith, explore the Christian tradition and equip for ministry.

Celebrate and Sing - Rural Schools Festival
First published 24th June 2022If you were visiting Malmesbury Abbey on Thursday 26 May you may have been surprised to encounter the first ever Rural Schools Festival in North Wiltshire!
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National Church Awards open
First published 24th June 2022The first ever National Church Awards to celebrate churches and the people who use and look after them are now open for entries.

Tickets on sale now for heart warming theatre production at St Matthew's Church!
First published 24th June 2022Tickets on sale now for heart warming theatre production at St Matthew's Church.

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Chris's Story
First published 24th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Chris's Story

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Anton's Story
First published 23rd June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Anton's Story

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Melanie's Story
First published 23rd June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rev Melanie's Story

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sarah's Story
First published 21st June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sarah's Story

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Julie's Story
First published 19th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Julie's Story

Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful dads
First published 19th June 2022Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful dads, we hope you have a lovely day with your precious children.

Huge welcome to our new Vicar at St Mary's Church in Shirehampton
First published 18th June 2022Revd Alison Sowton will be joining St Mary's Church in Shirehampton as their new vicar and Missioner for Life Events in the Avonside Mission Area.

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rosemary's Story
First published 18th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Rosemary's' Story

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Eleanor's Story
First published 17th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Eleanor's' Story

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Wayne's Story
First published 16th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Wayne's' Story

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Regan's Story
First published 15th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Regan's Story
Rt Revd Vivienne Faull welcomes Deacons to be ordained next month
First published 14th June 2022Rt Revd Vivienne Faull welcomes Deacons to be ordained next month

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sonia's Story
First published 14th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Sonia's Story

Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Benjamin's Story
First published 13th June 2022Please pray for those to be ordained next month - here's Benjamin's Story

Synod Presidential Address by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull
First published 12th June 2022You are now able to read Bishop of Bristol's Presidential Address at the most recent Diocesan Synod on Saturday 12 June.

Huge congratulations to the winners of our Bristol DAC 2020-2022
First published 10th June 2022A huge thank you to everyone who attended our Bristol DAC Awards for 2020-2022 at Christ Church Downend on 9 June, and congratulations to winners!

Bristol 2020 -2022 DAC Awards are underway at Christchurch!
First published 9th June 2022The excitement is building for our Bristol 2020 - 2022 DAC Awards taking place at the stunning Christchurch in Bristol this evening.

Platinum Jubilee Choral Evensong homily by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol
First published 8th June 2022So the Platinum Jubilee concert, with its national treasures and aged and not so aged rock superstars stars had as its billtopping act.

Marking World Environment Day 2022 with a prayer
First published 5th June 2022Today, Sunday 5th June 2022, is World Environment Day and we wanted to mark this very important occasion with a short prayer.
Special message from Bishop Viv for the Queen's Jubilee Celebrations
First published 1st June 2022A special message from Bishop Viv and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol for the Queen's Jubilee Celebrations.

Training event gives techniques to deal with conflict
First published 1st June 2022The Making Peace with Conflict training was attended by 14 people

Don't forget to enter the Church Architecture Awards!
First published 31st May 2022Applications are open for the 2022 Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association/National Churches Trust UK Architecture Awards. Awards are for repair and conservation work and for new buildings, re-orderings and extensions.

Invitation to online book session - Mission and Ministry in a Time of Trauma and For Just Such a Time as This
First published 31st May 2022Everyone is invited to join us for an online book session and find out how we offer mission and ministry in a context of loss, suffering and lament.

Places of worship protective security funding opens again for applications
First published 31st May 2022The Security Minister has announced that the Places of Worship Protective Security Funding Scheme has again opened for applications.
Prayer in thanksgiving for the Queen's reign by Rt Reverend Dr Lee Rayfleld, Bishop of Swindon
First published 31st May 2022Prayer in thanksgiving for the Queen's reign by Rt Reverend Dr Lee Rayfleld, Bishop of Swindon

Have a peaceful and restful weekend from Bishop Viv and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol
First published 27th May 2022We hope you have a peaceful and restful weekend from Bishop Viv and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol.

Invitation to a special Queens Jubilee Celebration - Pentecost on College Green, Bristol on 5 June 2022
First published 25th May 2022You are invited to a special Queens Jubilee Celebration - Pentecost on the Green
Sight Loss Friendly Church taster sessions happening throughout June and July
First published 25th May 2022The Zoom taster sessions are a fantastic opportunity to hear more about the initiative and ask any questions you may have
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Breakthrough ruling allows churches and charities to take stronger environmental action
First published 24th May 2022Trustees of charitable trusts, including schools and churches, are now allowed to prioritise the climate change outcomes of their investments

Giving workshops for church leaders to be held in June
First published 24th May 2022How do we build a new, generous culture?

Christ Church Swindon beer festival - sun, swing, and pints in pews
First published 19th May 2022More than 1,000 punters came to the two-day church fundraiser last weekend

Pattern Church begins weekly dinner for Ukrainian arrivals
First published 17th May 2022The Table is a way for Ukrainians and their Swindon host families to support each other and make new friends

Bishop Viv extends very warm welcome to new 'participant observers' at the House of Bishops
First published 16th May 2022Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol would like to welcome new ‘participant observers' at the House of Bishops.

Rebecca Cross talking about Mental Health Awareness Week 2022
First published 13th May 2022Rebecca Cross from the Diocese of Bristol talking about Mental Health Awareness Week 2022.
New Mothers' Union Bristol president Jacky Fredrickson to be commissioned at St Mary's Yate
First published 11th May 2022â€The Mothers' Union has transformed my lifeâ€, says Jacky

Join in for Art Wednesdays in June and July!
First published 3rd May 2022Everyone is welcome to take part in a series of evening art sessions which are taking place on several Wednesdays in June and July.
Happy Eid Mubarak to our Muslim communities
First published 2nd May 2022A special Eid message from Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield and everyone at the Diocese of Bristol.
Bristol church representatives come together to debate contested heritage
First published 29th April 2022Representatives from churches with historical connections to the Transatlantic Slave Trade were invited to a meeting at Bristol Cathedral earlier this week.