Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol
News
St Saviour's Coalpit Heath welcomed into Fromeside Benefice
First published 21st February 2022“This offers us a wonderful opportunity to work together†Revd Malcom Strange
Revd Jordan Ling appointed as Adviser for Clergy Wellbeing
First published 16th February 2022Jordan will hold the post alongside her role as vicar at King's Way Benefice
Bishop of Bristol speaks in House of Lords debate on immigration bill
First published 15th February 2022"If we are serious about destroying the business model of modern slavery...we must find ways of incentivising and supporting all victims to come forwards" - Bishop Viv
Bristol church youth group plants trees on BBC Songs of Praise
First published 19th January 2022"It was a privilege to be a part of the Queen's Green Canopy†- Head of Youth Ministry at Christ Church Downend
Richard Leaman is new Secretary and CEO at Bristol Diocese
First published 19th January 2022Richard is an experienced charity CEO, having previously led Guide Dogs for the Blind and Tall Ships Youth Trust
Last chance to train LLF facilitators
First published 19th January 2022Final opportunity for churches to start Living in Love and Faith discussion groups before April deadline
Hazelnut's new project helping Christians respond to climate crisis
First published 19th January 2022The Potting Shed is a 6-month online course involving discussion sessions and classes taught by experts
"The right to protest is essential for those who feel unheard" - Bishop Viv, House of Lords
First published 18th January 2022The Bishop of Bristol yesterday participated in a debate about the new police and crime bill
"There is a long history of protest within the church" - Bishop of Bristol
First published 17th January 2022Bishop Viv comments on the acquittal of climate protester Revd Sue Parfitt
"Uncertainty and loss of control is also the world into which Jesus was born" - Bishop Viv's Christmas message
First published 22nd December 2021On the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Bishop of Bristol gave her Christmas message live on BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Wiltshire
"Multi-faith activities are hugely important for mutual friendship and understanding"
First published 22nd December 2021Bishop Viv and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Clifton visited the Park Row Synagogue earlier this month for the building's 150th anniversary
Revd Sally Robertson appointed as new Area Dean for Swindon
First published 20th December 2021Sally will take the post over from Revd Trudie Wigley, who has been elected as Chair of Clergy in Bristol Diocesan Synod
Eco parish December update
First published 19th December 2021This update looks back on some of the environmental achievements of the past year, to inspire us and give us hope for what we can accomplish together in 2022
Churches provide support in UK debt crisis - case study
First published 14th December 2021A case study of how our two resourcing churches are providing support to those in need.
O Come All Ye Faithful: A quick guide to carol services in 2021
First published 10th December 2021As well as a huge choice of churches offering traditional carol services this Christmas, there are many outdoor and varied carol services to choose from across the Diocese of Bristol.
Revd Jacqui Kean appointed as Vicar of St Aldhelm's Bedminster and St Paul's Southville
First published 9th December 2021The Bishop of Bristol says Jacqui will be a “a great blessing to the communitiesâ€
"The Holy Spirit is working in our lives today" - confirmations at Bristol Cathedral
First published 7th December 2021Bishop Viv confirmed 23 people during a service on 5 December
Christingle with a twist
First published 1st December 2021The pandemic showed us that there are many creative ways to hold Christingles, and that innovation has continued this year as churches across the diocese hold a variety of celebrations.
Ordination of Nicola Harris, Chaplain for Housing
First published 23rd November 2021Mrs Nicola Frances Harris will be ordained as Deacon in Bristol Cathedral on 25 November, to be Assistant Curate at the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity and to be Chaplain for Housing in the diocese.
'Courage, the devil is dead' - Diocesan Synod November 2021
First published 23rd November 2021The Bishop of Bristol's address from the first in-person Diocesan Synod meeting since the start of the pandemic.
Bishop of Bristol speaks in House of Lords debate on police crime bill
First published 19th November 2021Last month Bishop Viv contributed to a number of House of Lords debates on topics including the new police crime bill, climate change risk and ethnicity pay gap reporting
Eco parish November update: Seed bombs and solar tiles
First published 18th November 2021How our local churches have been answering the call to create a just and sustainable world in the Diocese of Bristol recently
Inside the COP26 “Blue Zoneâ€
First published 18th November 2021Beth John, a longstanding member of Holy Trinity Hotwells, was selected to take part in the Christian Climate Observers Programme at COP26 in Glasgow. Here, she shares her experience with us.
Remembrance Day 2021
First published 11th November 2021Bishop Viv and Bishop Lee will be attending remembrance events in Bristol and Swindon on Sunday 14 November
Refurbished church holds confirmations in North Wiltshire
First published 10th November 2021Bishop Lee confirmed eight people during a service at St Peter & St Paul on 7 November
Remembrance Day 2021: Revd Mark Nam laid wreath on Whitehall commemorating Chinese 'forgotten army'
First published 9th November 2021The Chinese Labour Corp (CLC) was was a force of 140,000 Chinese workers recruited by the British government in the First World War
'A moment of joy and blessing' - confirmations at Westbury Park
First published 5th November 2021Bishop Viv confirmed two people during a service on 24 October
Bishop of Bristol supports call for mandatory Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting
First published 26th October 2021Bishop Viv hopes the Church of England might consider participating in a pilot study
COP 26: A critical moment for protecting God's creation
First published 25th October 2021Diocesan involvement in COP26 and the fight for climate justice
Bishop of Bristol appoints new Diocesan Secretary and CEO
First published 25th October 2021The Bishop of Bristol and the Chair of the Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance are delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Leaman as the new Diocesan Secretary and CEO.
Share your good news of God's saving love this Christmas
First published 21st October 2021Please tell us how you or your church will connect with the Heart of Christmas this year, and be part of the Church of England's Christmas launch 2021
Eco parish October update: Cop26 and Climate Sunday services
First published 20th October 2021There is so much happening as we move into autumn, celebrate harvest and prepare for a busy season of environmental action - here is just a taster of some of the goings-on across the diocese.
General Synod Election 2021 results
First published 18th October 2021New General Synod members have been elected to represent the Diocese of Bristol
Prisons Week: By Revd Tricia Roberts, Chaplain at HMP Bristol
First published 12th October 2021Revd Tricia Roberts writes about HMP Bristol, and makes suggestions on how to pray for the prison. Resources for Prisons Week are also included.
Lay ministers licensed at Bristol Cathedral
First published 8th October 2021Read the stories of the LLMs who were licensed this year
Ashton Keynes Primary celebrates 150th anniversary
First published 8th October 2021The school marked the birthday with an official opening of its new learning hub, which was blessed by the Bishop of Swindon
"A very special day" - confirmations at All Saints Clifton
First published 7th October 2021Bishop Viv confirmed three people during a service on 3 October
Homeless Sunday, 10 October 2021
First published 6th October 2021On Homeless Sunday, churches and individuals take time to reflect upon homelessness and the issues surrounding homelessness in the UK.
Harvest Festival live - Holy Trinity Westbury on Trym
First published 27th September 2021The BBC Radio 4 service included a sermon from Revd Canon Dr Martin Gainsborough and worship led by the church choir
Revd Lydia Morey announced as new interim priest-in-charge of St Peter's Penhill and St Philip's Upper Stratton
First published 21st September 2021Lydia will be working part time in the parishes and part time as a Japanese and Chinese teacher
Renewed and rejoicing - St Mary's Purton finishes Renewal Project
First published 21st September 2021Almost 200 people came to the open day celebration of the Grade I-listed medieval church
North Swindon celebrates launch of new church, The Well
First published 21st September 2021The new plant from Pattern Church, Swindon, welcomed over 150 people to its first service on Sunday 12 September
Anti-Slavery Day Services, Sunday 17 October
First published 21st September 2021Anti-Slavery Day provides a national opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation.
“The transforming power of Jesus Christ working in a new generation†Bishop of Bristol confirms Christians in Horfield
First published 20th September 2021Bishop Viv confirmed seven young people during a service at Holy Trinity church in Horfield
Holy Trinity Church Kingswood celebrates 200th anniversary
First published 17th September 2021"Memories were shared, old friends remembered and community renewed as we had fun together in ways that have not been possible for so long" - Revd Beverley Charles
Local teenage author to share powerful life story at Roofbreakers event
First published 15th September 2021Jonathan Bryan is a disability activist and the author of highly-acclaimed book, ‘Eye Can Write', which tells his powerful story of communicating through his eyes
Advent and Christmas Resources 2021
First published 15th September 2021‘At the heart of Christmas' is the Church of England's theme for 2021, and a range of digital and print content has now been released.
New canon begins ministry at Bristol Cathedral
First published 24th August 2021The Revd Jonnie Parkin was installed as Canon Missioner at Bristol Cathedral on Sunday 22 August 2021 at 3.30pm by the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull
How can your church be more mental health friendly?
First published 22nd August 2021Mental health first aid courses will be available this autumn across Bristol Diocese
New church to serve North Swindon communities
First published 9th August 2021The Well will hold its first service in a local school this September
Nominations open for General Synod Elections 2021
First published 30th July 2021Nominations have opened for General Synod, the Church of England's decision-making and governance body, for its next five-year term 2021-2026.
Eco parish summer update
First published 27th July 2021As the temperature's been rising this month, so has environmental action across the Diocese. This round up shares the latest news.
Bristol Cathedral seeks moon volunteers
First published 21st July 2021Volunteer guides are needed for the Museum of the Moon this summer
_1626871058.jpeg)
Bristol Diocese provides emergency relief to Ugandan clergy and their families
First published 21st July 2021Anglican clergy across Uganda are facing food shortages as a result of ongoing Covid-19 lockdowns
Updated Covid-19 Guidance for Churches
First published 20th July 2021Following the lifting of the majority of legal Covid-19 restrictions on 19 July, the Church of England has updated and streamlined its guidance and documentation.
Compton Greenfield church celebrates 850th anniversary with tree blessing
First published 20th July 2021A commemorative service in All Saint's churchyard saw Archdeacon Neil Warwick deliver a homily and the congregation come together in worship.
_1626773070.JPG)
Bishop of Bristol appoints three new Honorary Canons
First published 19th July 2021The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that three new canons have been appointed for the College of Canons in the Diocese of Bristol.
Revd Sam Sheppard appointed Priest in Charge of Christ Church Hengrove and St Augustine's Whitchurch
First published 19th July 2021The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Sam Sheppard has been appointed as Priest in Charge of the parishes of Christ Church Hengrove and St Augustine's Whitchurch.
Getting ready for Living in Love and Faith courses this autumn
First published 15th July 2021The Diocese of Bristol invites parishes and groups to begin preparation for LLF courses in the autumn
Bishop of Bristol appointed new lead bishop for buildings
First published 14th July 2021The Bishop of Bristol, Vivienne Faull, and the Bishop of Ramsbury, Andrew Rumsey, will jointly take over the role.
Bishops ordain new deacons and priests at Bristol Cathedral
First published 5th July 2021The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, ordained 22 candidates as priests and deacons during four services at Bristol Cathedral last weekend.
Bishops ordain new deacons and priests in Bristol Cathedral services this weekend
First published 2nd July 2021The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, will ordain 22 candidates as priests and deacons during four services over the coming weekend.
Bishop of Swindon joins Cathedrals Cycle Route relay
First published 29th June 2021To launch the Cathedrals Cycle Route, a cycle relay is taking place this summer between each of the 42 Church of England cathedrals.
Crosslight Swindon launches face to face debt advice appointments
First published 22nd June 2021A collaboration between Pattern Church and Crosslight Advice, Crosslight Swindon has a vision to restore dignity and renew hope to those in need by alleviating poverty and improving financial capability.
Bishop's Address to the Diocesan Synod
First published 22nd June 2021The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, addresses the Diocesan Synod in June 2021.
Bristol Diocese starts group for disabled people
First published 18th June 2021The group will begin meeting in July via Zoom
Talks begin on ways of commemorating the lives of those enslaved by Thomas Daniel
First published 18th June 2021Following a meeting with Gloria Daniel, the Bishop of Bristol and the Dean of Bristol committed to exploring ways of commemorating the lives of those enslaved by Thomas Daniel in those buildings where there are memorials to him.
Thousand-mile climate relay to pass through Bristol Diocese
First published 17th June 2021More than 400 people have signed up so far to walk or cycle the Youth Christian Climate Network relay due to travel the UK this summer.
Wild Church established in North Wiltshire Mission Area
First published 17th June 2021Wild Church enables people to worship and engage with God in a fresh way through creation.
Online support space launched for Chinese-heritage clergy
First published 17th June 2021The Teahouse aims to amplify minority voices within the Church of England and provide community
Thank You Day aims to bring communities together
First published 1st June 2021The nation's first ever national Thank You Day is happening on Sunday 4 July, to say thank you to all those in our communities who've helped us through the pandemic.
Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust Celebrates 40th Anniversary
First published 1st June 2021The Trust is aiming to raise an extra £1,000 for each of its 40 years, including Ride+Stride in September, and is publishing Simon Jenkins' 'Favourite Churches of Gloucestershire and Bristol.'
Nominations open for Diocesan Synod Elections 2021
First published 26th May 2021We are looking for both clergy and lay members; for interested, engaged people from all different backgrounds and with varied experiences, who want to help us become a better diocese.
South Gloucestershire church leads worldwide celebration of unique invention
First published 20th May 2021This June, churches around the world will mark the 200th anniversary of the Ellacombe Chimes, invented at St Mary's Church in Bitton
Bishop of Bristol's speech in House of Lords May 2021
First published 18th May 2021On Monday 17 May in the House of Lords, the Lord Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, made a speech in response to the Queen's speech.
Eco parish May update: art around the themes of faith and climate crisis
First published 17th May 2021Hazelnut Community Farm awarded £2,000 grant to create mobile art exhibition which reflects theologically on the climate crisis
Diocese of Bristol welcomes new guidance to help address questions of ‘contested heritage'
First published 11th May 2021The guidance for parishes and cathedrals addresses concerns over memorials with links to slavery and other ‘contested heritage'.
Diocese of Bristol participates in Messy Church research study
First published 6th May 2021Findings released from national research into non-traditional church gatherings
Living in Love and Faith introductory conferences in May
First published 29th April 2021The Diocese of Bristol is hosting two online conferences in May to begin its collective engagement with LLF.
Over 2,200 people join the conversation for Transforming Church. Together
First published 28th April 2021A huge thank you to everyone in the region who has helped us shape our vision and priorities for the coming years.
Diocese divests from fossil fuel companies
First published 27th April 2021The Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance is divesting from fossil fuel companies, and commits to its investments remaining free of holdings in coal, oil and gas in future.
Three parishes awarded Culture Recovery Fund grants
First published 27th April 2021Three parishes in the diocese have been awarded grants as part of the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund.
Post-lockdown boost for St Sampson, Cricklade
First published 22nd April 2021St Sampson Church, Cricklade, is to share in a funding payout from the National Churches Trust to fund repairs.
From Lament to Action: Archbishops' Anti-Racism Taskforce report
First published 22nd April 2021The Diocese of Bristol welcomes the Archbishops' Anti-Racism Taskforce's report and supports call for urgent change.
A statement from the Bishop of Bristol
First published 21st April 2021The Bishop of Bristol's statement regarding the BBC Panorama programme Is the Church Racist? aired on 19 April 2021.
Faith manifesto launched for Bristol mayoral elections
First published 19th April 2021Bristol Diocese is part of a multi-faith group that has released a faith manifesto in the lead-up to the Bristol mayoral election this May.
New registrar for Bristol Diocese
First published 19th April 2021The Bishop of Bristol has appointed Lee Coley as the next Diocesan Registrar and legal advisor to the Bishop and Diocese of Bristol.
Remembering His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh
First published 9th April 2021A message from the Bishop of Bristol on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip
An Easter message from the Bishop
First published 4th April 2021This sermon was given by Bishop Viv on Sunday 4 April 2021 at Bristol Cathedral.
Bristol Diocese Maundy Nominations 2021
First published 1st April 2021The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Rev'd Vivienne Faull, nominated John Bishop and Jean James from the Diocese of Bristol to receive Maundy money at this year's service.
Holy Week 2021: from darkness to light
First published 25th March 2021Holy Week this year takes us from loss to a new dawn.
Pattern Church opens debt advice centre
First published 24th March 2021The centre is offering telephone appointments until Covid restrictions ease.
Eco parish March update: wildflowers and electric cars
First published 24th March 2021Environmental news from parishes in the diocese
New digital platform launched by Parish Giving Scheme
First published 24th March 2021Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) launches a new online giving platform for churches.
Ten years of the Bristol North West Foodbank
First published 24th March 2021A message from Foodbank Manager Emma Murray.
Over 1,000 people complete 'Transforming Church. Together' questionnaire
First published 24th March 2021An update on 'Transforming Church. Together', our open conversation with the region which ends on 16 April 2021.
Bristol Remembers: one year on
First published 16th March 2021One year since England went into a national lockdown, Bristol takes a moment to remember and reflect, with a new film and shared reflection.
Guide to using new Parish Giving Scheme website
First published 16th March 2021Summary of steps to take to set up online giving through the Parish Giving Scheme
Edward Jenner and vaccination: then and now - Synod Address
First published 16th March 2021The Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol delivers an address about vaccination at the Diocese of Bristol Synod, 13 March 2021.
Workshops announced to gather views from everyone in the region
First published 10th March 2021The diocese is running open workshops during March and April as part of 'Transforming Church. Together'.
