Here you can find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol.
News and updates
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.”
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!
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.
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.
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,
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.
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!
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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
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!
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
Bishop Viv shares good news from the Lambeth Conference
First published 1st August 2022Bishop Viv shares good news from 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'.
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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Event Cancelled - 'Walk of Witness Bristol City Slave Trail'.
First published 22nd July 2022This event has been cancelled
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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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!
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.
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.
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.
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".
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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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.
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 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
