Here you can find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol.
News and updates
Jonathan, 10, on connecting with God
First published 29th July 2016God can connect with us in unexpected ways as Jonathan Bryan can testify.
Church Leaders deeply saddened
First published 29th July 2016Statement in response to the killing of Fr Jacques Hamel in Rouen, France.
50 Things to do in a Church
First published 29th July 201650 Things to do in a Church celebrates the many and diverse uses of church buildings and asks the public to share their favourite things to do in a church or chapel.
Life on the ocean wave
First published 2nd August 2016The Revd Martin Gainsborough reflects on two weeks at sea with the Royal Navy:I have recently returned from a fortnight at sea with the Royal Navy in my capacity as a chaplain in the Reserves.I was shadowing a regular chaplain in one of the final pie
Shakespeare in 24 hours
First published 3rd August 2016Members of St Augustine Church, Swindon are calling on the town to lend them their ears for a special Shakespeare-inspired fundraiser.
Call to fight disability hate crime
First published 3rd August 2016Alice Kemp, Disability Adviser, considers how churches should respond to hate crimes against disabled people. This morning I heard an article on BBC Radio Bristol about disability hate crime in Bristol.
Open Heritage Days
First published 3rd August 2016Churches are being urged to fling open their doors and invite people in to 'treasure your treasures' during the annual Heritage Open Days in September.
Churches Helping Communities Competition
First published 4th August 2016Ecclesiastical Insurance is looking for churches to tell them about how they are connecting with their communities.
Exploring Beliefs Through Art
First published 4th August 2016isay:usay:wesay is an interactive teaching resource for RE/Citizenship at Key Stage 3 & 4, which explores beliefs through art.
Church schools need Church people
First published 11th August 2016Church schools emphasise educating the whole child but need the support of Foundation governors can you help?
Young people voice thoughts on 'church'
First published 24th August 2016Young people from churches in Swindon Deanery were invited to be part of a consultation to find out their views on faith and church life.
A journey to Easter Day
First published 3rd March 2016The start of Lent is known as Ash Wednesday and its theme is repentance, a word which conjures up the image of a preacher on the High Street exhorting passers-by to turn from their sins and be saved.
Does the Church really receive them with joy?
First published 17th March 2016Anita Dobson, from Christ Church Downend, recently went to the Baptism Matters day. Here she writes her thoughts on the event:We so want to be welcoming to each and every person who comes through the church door.
Stuck in Never Never Land?
First published 14th March 2016On 26th February 2016, a rare debate took place in the House of Lords.
World in crisis
First published 23rd March 2016It feels as though half the world is on the move in these times: by sea, over land, floating in flimsy vessels or clinging beneath lorries; young and old, of all faiths and none.
Statement from Bishop Mike on Brussels
First published 23rd March 2016A statement from the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Mike Hill, regarding the events in Brussels.
The light shines in the darkness
First published 27th March 2016The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.
A matter of life and death
First published 11th April 2016I read in the paper recently that 2015 was a bumper year for deaths and that life expectancy fell last year for the first time in twenty years.
Charitable Grants for Churches 2016
First published 14th March 2016There are a number of charitable grants available for churches.
Foundation Governor case study: St Michael's-on-the-Mount
First published 23rd March 2017I had little idea that people became foundation governors outside their own parishes until a colleague asked me to replace him at St Michael's-on-the-Mount as he was moving away.
Join the Sanctuary Tent at Glastonbury
First published 1st February 2017Glastonbury Festival is one of the iconic summer gatherings known across the world.
Skate park returns to Malmesbury Abbey
First published 22nd February 2016Hundreds of skateboarders headed to Malmesbury Abbey as it held its eighth annual skate festival.
Special Offer at St Luke's, Bristol
First published 7th February 2017People living close to St Luke's Church have been given a special offer by the congregation.
Bishop Mike on the Manchester attack
First published 24th May 2017A message from the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Mike Hill, in response to the attack in Manchester.
The deep joy of knowing Him
First published 6th March 2015My prayers of despair to God included a complaint that if this was the job He wanted me to do, then perhaps he could have prepared me better.My wife and I have been Christians since the age of 16. We were both brought up in loving but non-church goin
Giving for Life Reignited
First published 21st March 2016The National Stewardship Committee has put together a programme to enable parishes to re-engage with reviewing Stewardship Strategy and adoption of good practice.
New School: Ridgeway Farm CE Academy, Wiltshire
First published 15th March 2016The Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust is opening a new primary school for the beginning of September 2016.
Choosing a Church School - A Guide for Families
First published 16th March 2016This is a guide, created by St. Peters CofE Primary School, to inform parents what to expect when sending their child to a church school and what they can get out of it.
Bristol Nightstop helps homeless young people
First published 14th March 2016When young homeless teenagers are desperate for a place to sleep, Susanne Frank has a warm bed for them to use.She is one of a growing number of people opening up their homes to youngsters in need of somewhere to stay.
St Luke's Easter lunch club
First published 17th March 2016In the school holidays some children are without enough food and suffer from holiday hunger.Church members at St Luke's Church in Barton Hill (east Bristol) are responding to this by providing free hot meals and play time during the Easter break.
Ability Sunday 2016
First published 17th March 2016Last year, more than 220 churches took part by running Ability Sunday services. This year, we hope many more churches will take this opportunity to take part in Ability Sunday on 11 September.
'Together we can tackle child abuse' campaign
First published 17th March 2016The Diocese of Bristol is backing this campaign run by the Department for Education (DfE).
Resource Helps Churches to Address Domestic Abuse
First published 17th March 2016One in four women in the UK experience domestic abuse. But few church leaders are aware of the extent of the issue, or what they can do about it.
Bishop Mike: Europe - In or Out?
First published 21st March 2016The campaign race to the vote on the EU is starting to gather pace. Voters will be given the opportunity to decide whether they are for Europe or against.Immediately there is a problem.
Understanding Addiction and Supporting Recovery
First published 21st March 2016A new course is being run which aims to help train Christians in how to support people recovering from addiction.
Connected conference 2016 videos
First published 18th May 2016Did you miss the Connected conference last month? Do you want to hear what our speakers had to say?
The Power of Praying for Friends
First published 24th March 2016There's such power in praying for our friends who don't yet know Jesus. Not just doing it once in a while, or when we feel like it, but doing it regularly persevering with discipline, and with joy.
Paradise in the City
First published 4th April 2016Paradise in the City, d, Poland 19-25 July
Godparents' Sunday
First published 5th April 2016The first ever Sunday to celebrate the unique role of godparents will take place on 1 May 2016.
In memory of Canon Richard Saunders
First published 12th April 2016Canon Richard Saunders, who died recently at the age of 99, served some 20 years in the Bristol diocese.He was vicar of Saint Ambrose, Whitehall from 1962-1975 and priest-in-charge of All Hallows, Easton 1965-1968.
Mothers' Union 140th celebration
First published 12th April 2016The Mothers' Union is celebrating its 140th Anniversary in 2016 with a special service at Bristol Cathedral.The celebration on Saturday 23 April will see the Bishop of Bristol presiding.
Schools RE Newsletter, Spring 2016
First published 12th April 2016Download and read our newest RE Newsletter.RE Newsletter, Spring 2016.
Multi-agency statutory guidance on female genital mutilation
First published 12th April 2016The new 'Multi-agency statutory guidance on female genitalmutilation' document is available to download.
Creating connections: Toolkit
First published 26th April 2016We want every parish to explore what 'Creating connections' looks like in their context.
Bristol foodbanks helped 10,600 people in 2015
First published 19th April 2016Emergency food supplies were given to people in crisis by Bristols Trussell Trust foodbanks (North Bristol Foodbank, Bristol North West Foodbank and East Bristol Foodbank) in 2015-16, new figures have revealed.
Connected: ‘Togetherness in the spirit'
First published 4th May 2016Chris Priddy, Head of Parish and External Relations, on the feedback he has received about the Connected day conference:.
Who are you inviting?
First published 17th May 2016In May we were joined by Michael Harvey from Season of Invitation to help us explore what it looks like to be an invitational church.
Inspired by a vision
First published 9th May 2016I recently came across this short TED talk by Simon Sinek entitled How great leaders inspire action.
More salt please!
First published 18th May 2016Last week, I was talking with a candidate about the difficulties he was having with friendships.
Bristol Diocesan ministry training "sound and secure"
First published 11th May 2016The Licensed Lay Ministry training programme in the Diocese of Bristol has been labelled sound and strategically led in its first annual Periodic External Review (PER).
More tea and toast, vicar?
First published 11th May 2016Putting the kettle on and eating toast has helped give a group of mums the chance to meet and share together in church
Open to everyone
First published 11th May 2016Working closely with groups in your community can open up plenty of new opportunities, as the Revd Lee Barnes at St Stephens Bristol can attest.
Connected: 'A sense of purpose and excitement'
First published 12th May 2016Revd Sally Wheeler, area dean for Chippenham and Priest in Charge of Marshfield Benefice, gives her thoughts on the Connected day conference.
Sanctuary Marquee at Glastonbury Festival
First published 5th May 2016Glastonbury Festival is one of the iconic summer gatherings known across the world.Millions of people, since it began, have attended the festival and it has grown tremendously over the years. It is one of the most creative places, not just for the mu
HM the Queens 90th Birthday Celebrations
First published 13th May 2016To celebrate HM the Queens 90th birthday every parish church and Church school are being encouraged to organise some sort of celebration or event to mark the occasion.
Connected Conference 2016
First published 21st March 2016On 27 April 2016, clergy, ministers and leaders from churches across the Diocese will be exploring what it means to be Connected at a special diocesan day conference event.
We don't believe in ordinary
First published 24th May 2016Creating Connections with God, with each other, and with our communities. What a great vision for us as a diocese. But how can we get better at this?
Social Justice Network
First published 12th April 2017Social Justice Network. Join us to see the bigger picture.
Continuing to talk of Jesus: Bishop Lee's Synod address
First published 5th December 2015In his address to the December Diocesan Synod, Bishop Lee reflected further on the Talking Jesus research and its implications for Christians and the Church.
Bishop of Bristol announces retirement
First published 24th January 2017The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Mike Hill, has announced his retirement with effect from 30 September 2017.
Foundation Governor case study: Bristol
First published 23rd March 2017Being a Foundation Governor at St Michael on the Mount Primary is, first of all, enjoyable and stimulating, above all through meeting and getting to know the staff and some of the pupils.
Foundation Governor case study: Christ Church Infants School, Downend
First published 23rd March 2017In my working life as a primary school teacher I had never expected or wanted to be a governor.
What's in an age?
First published 7th October 2015I have done almost five weeks in this role, and I have already lost count of the number of rooms I've walked into where people have been barely able to contain their surprise that I am Bristol's new DDO (diocesan director of ordinands).
Germans thrive at Soul Survivor
First published 5th October 2015During August, a group of young people from Augsburg in Germany visited to develop links and relationships between the Diocese of Bristol and the Lutheran Church in Bavaria.
In solidarity with asylum seekers
First published 5th October 2015I was destitute, really destitute. And the Bristol Hospitality Network was the only organisation that gave me shelter at that time.
Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Martin Cavender
First published 10th October 2015A service of thanksgiving will be held in memory of Martin Cavender at Wells Cathedral on Saturday 31st October at 1pm.
Breaking the cycle
First published 12th October 2015Once I started, the words just came. There was no anger. I kept my voice really calm and I actually felt calm. If you've got faith, it does give you the words.Earlier this year the leadership team and congregation at St Andrews Hartcliffe had to deal
Confirmations at HMP Ashfield
First published 12th October 2015Revd Liz Perry, one of the chaplains at HMP Ashfield, reports on a special confirmation service in their chapel for serving prisoners, led by Bishop Lee.
Christian Aid's Christmas appeal
First published 13th October 2015Wiltshires regional coordinator for Christian Aid has welcomed an announcement by the Government that it will match every pound raised in Christian Aids Christmas Appeal, which could help prevent thousands of unnecessary deaths from malaria.
Help combat food poverty in Bristol
First published 13th October 2015In the school holidays some children are without enough food and suffer from holiday hunger. Can you volunteer to combat food poverty in Bristol this October half-term?
Lent study course materials focusing on migration and refugees
First published 29th October 2015The Anglican mission agency Us (formerly USPG) has published a Lent study course for 2016 focusing on the global issue of migration and the plight of refugees.
Bishop's Letter: Rights and Wrongs...
First published 28th October 2015The issue of human rights is ever before us. Rightly so. If we want a newer kinder mode of politics, then there must be some protections for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
Let's talk Jesus
First published 1st November 2015Bishop Lee reports on recent research carried out on attitudes to Jesus and His followers.
Churches urged to sign up to 'pesticide-free pledge'
First published 17th November 2015Churches across Bristol are being urged to join a campaign to stop the use of weed killers which could harm those who work and play nearby.
Christmas 'all-age' ideas
First published 18th November 2015As the countdown to Advent gets ever closer the time to start thinking about the all-age Christmas services will arrive quicker than you think!
Gift of Gospel for prisoners
First published 23rd November 2015Hundreds of prisoners are being sent a Christmas gift bag containing presents and the Gospel.
What have mega churches ever done for us!
First published 25th November 2015For many people reading this the very concept of a mega church will have you running to your keyboards to explain that wasn't what Jesus or any of the New Testament writers had in mind when they thought about church!
'Learn 2 Listen' makes an impact
First published 23rd November 2015On Tuesday 17th November 2015, church leaders from across the diocese met at Hillside House to explore how churches can be more effective in hearing to the voice of children and young people.
Bishop's Letter: Who do you trust?
First published 12th November 2015Pontius Pilate, Governor of Judea from CE26-36 famously once asked an important question, What is truth?
Why including little ones is good
First published 2nd December 2015As a regular subscriber.
Bishop's Letter: The light shines in the darkness
First published 28th November 2015In his message for this season, Bishop Lee reflects on hope and overcoming hatred. I am writing this a week after the killings which have traumatised Paris and sent shockwaves across Europe and around the world.
General Synod - It's all over for now
First published 26th November 2015So, we have just finished the first Synod of the 2015-20 sessions here in London. The Bristol contingent of seven, consisting of sixelected members led by Bishop Mike, is supplemented by our good friend Rev Dr Emma Ineson, Principal of Trinity College.
How big can you dream or imagine? - Revd Lee Barnes
First published 20th October 2017In this first of a series of blogs by people from around the Diocese of Bristol, Revd Lee Barnes, Priest-in-charge of Holy Trinity Hotwells and St Stephens Church in Bristol, reflects on what it means to dream big.
One Baby (video)...
First published 15th December 2015'One Baby' is a great short animated film produced by Bath Youth for Christ that explains the significance of the baby born at Christmas: Jesus!
Explore Christmas through baking
First published 3rd December 2015As the memories of 'Great British Bake Off' fade away (can you remember who won it again?)Christmas is a popular time for baking scrumptious treats and I've just discovered a little gem.
The blessing of a toilet
First published 17th December 2015When asked recently what I particularly enjoyed about being a bishop, one of the things I mentioned was its variety.
Hearing God's Call at Christmas
First published 22nd December 2015When you have sat through as many nativity plays as I have as a primary school teacher, a Church Families Worker,an ordained minister and a parent of three you become somewhat deaf to the incredible power of the Christmas story.
Christmas Through the Keyhole
First published 17th December 2015Christmas Through The Keyhole is a multi-sensory, interactive re-telling of the Christmas story for primary school pupils.
What will you get for Christmas?
First published 22nd December 2015A horrific story was reported earlier this week. The headline read, Domestic Abuse Police nearly overwhelmed by increase.
Young people, drugs and alcohol...
First published 13th January 2016Substance misuse among under-18s in the UK is always a cause for concern with stories of teenagers drinking alcohol, smoking cannabis, or using drugs never far from the headlines.
Growing Faith through Generosity
First published 13th January 2016We are all on a journey of faith; wherever we are on that journey, and no matter how far we have travelled, we are seeking to be Disciples of Christ.
Knowing me, knowing you
First published 14th January 2016Not unsurprisingly personality and character form part of the selection criteria for ministry in the Church of England. However I also think they are also key to life and relationships.
Walking Together in the Service of God
First published 18th January 2016Senior Bishops from the Anglican Communion met last week to discuss a number of issues. Following the meeting, which included representatives from 38 Anglican Provinces.
Dinosaurs, Daleks and the Holy Family
First published 29th December 2015Two days after celebrating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth this seems a good time to talk about him, especially following recent research on what people think about Jesus and his followers.
Wroughton Passion Play
First published 18th January 2016The Easter story is coming to Wroughton. Swindon-based theatre company Gatecrash Theatre has joined forces with Wroughton Parish Church and the Bible Society, to put on a new version of the Passion Play.
Generosity overwhelms following refugee appeal
First published 18th January 2016Generosity has overwhelmed the Church in Westbury Park (St Albans CofE and Westbury Park Methodist) after it put out an appeal last week for warm winter clothing for refugees in Northern Iraq and Syria.
Church Publishes 2014 Attendance Statistics
First published 18th January 2016New Church of England statistics for 2014 show that just under one million people attend services each week.
Dean's Sermon: After the Primates Meeting
First published 28th January 2016Sermon preached in Bristol Cathedral on Sunday 24th January, 2016 by the Very Revd David Hoyle, Dean of Bristol CathedralLuke 4:14-21Just over a week ago, the shadow leader of the House of Commons, a man called Chris Bryant, left the Church of Englan
Central web resource launched
First published 1st February 2016A website designed to support the occasional offices is available now to all clergy and lay people involved in these important ministries.The Church Support Hub was developed to offer research, free downloads, shared ideas and articles, plus commonly-
Bristol Cathedral holds special Faith and Politics lectures
First published 19th October 2017Bristol Cathedral is holding two special lectures addressing faith and politics in our post-Trump, post-Brexit society.
