News - Diocese of Bristol

Safeguarding news January 2017

First published 20th January 2017

Safer Recruitment guidance National guidance in respect of safer recruitment has changed from July 2016. It is available on the C of E website.

The Queen's 90th birthday

First published 2nd February 2016

This year, the Queen is marking her 90th birthday and churches are being urged to get involved with the celebrations.

General Synod - February 2016

First published 18th February 2016

The General Synod of the Church of England met in Church House, London, from Monday 15 February to Wednesday 17 February.

30k students, 4k staff, 1 CofE Chaplain...

First published 22nd October 2015

With the mayhem of Freshers weeks and fairs kicking off the new HE academic years at UWE and Bristol University, it'd be easy to miss the essential roles of our Anglican Chaplains at the centre of the goings-on.

The Leader as Hero

First published 27th October 2015

It is said we are shaped by our culture. If that is true then one of the strongest leadership motifs is that of the hero leader.

Consecration of the new Bishop of West Ankole

First published 23rd May 2017

This Sunday (28 May) Bishop Mike Hill, with his wife Anthea, alongside Archdeacon Christine Froude will be attending the consecration of the new Bishop of West Ankole.

New Warden of Readers appointed

First published 20th January 2017

The Revd Becky Waring has been appointed as the new Warden of Readers for the Diocese of Bristol.Becky will replace the Revd Helen Collins in the role.

Bishop Mike's Synod Address - May 2015

First published 16th May 2015

There's a wonderful story I like to tell of an elderly couple who had been married for years.

Engaging younger generations - challenges facing the Church

First published 20th January 2017

At September 2016 Diocesan Synod, Dan Jones (Youth and Children's Adviser) presented to members the challenges facing the Church of England in relation to engaging with younger generations.

Bishop's Letter: Awe and Wonder

First published 28th May 2015

As the Church calendar moves to the season known as ordinary time Bishop Lee invites us to make it an opportunity for awe and wonder rather than the mundane.

Report from Kirchentag 2013

First published 10th June 2013

The Diocese of Bristol's links with the Lutheran Church in Bavaria gives an opportunity for Christians to join in one of the world great Christian gatherings, the German Kirchentag.

Bishop's Letter: Cost Analysis

First published 28th June 2015

Bishop Mike asks whether as Christians we should try emulate and be part of the society around us, or should we take pride in our distinctiveness?

Bishop's Letter; Turning the Battleground back to a Playground

First published 7th February 2014

This month Bishop Lee focuses on education and Church of England schools: the opposition, the aspiration and the facts.

A place of belonging

First published 9th March 2015

The sharing of experiences and learning about other peoples stories has helped me and, I hope, others too.My journey to rediscover my faith started just under two years ago after the unexpected loss of my youngest son. I was lost and not sure where t

A tribute to Margaret Greening

First published 12th May 2015

Brian Pelly pays tribute to Margaret Greening, licensed lay minister in the Bybrook Benefice, who died in March.

Building community links on the Cheswick estate

First published 18th May 2015

Rachel Hepburn is the community link worker at St Michaels, Stoke Gifford in the Diocese of Bristol Diocese, and is funded by a grant from the Church Commissioners for mission in new housing and other development areas.

Peace and unity in Swindon's Parks community

First published 4th June 2015

Residents of Swindon's Parks area have been showing their support for Peace and Unity in the Parks Community, following the death of Alison Connolly, by wearing special ribbons with blue for unity and white to represent peace.

What's it like to be on General Synod?

First published 8th June 2015

At the last meeting of Diocesan Synod in May, Diocesan Secretary Oliver Home talked about the forthcoming General Synod elections in September, encouraging people to think about standing.

Archdeacon Christine's Visitation Charge 2015

First published 9th June 2015

As Christians we have a compelling vision of the world as a different place, where peace and justice reigns, where creation is redeemed and restored, where God is sovereign and where interdependence is the mark of the community.

Reverend Mum

First published 9th June 2015

I've always wanted to be a mum. That's all I've ever wanted to be. And all my life, the way I've been led has been about caring for people, being with people, journeying with people. I thought, I can do that. I can bring these two callings together.

Chris Beaumont: God's calling

First published 9th June 2015

I don't think I was prepared for how life changing it could be. There's a sense where I have been through a process of disorientation to become re-orientated in the direction that God planned.Chris Beaumont will be ordained as deaconon Saturday 5 Jul

Milestones and fuelling stations

First published 9th June 2015

Vocation in any form is costly in all sorts of ways and does involve leaving things behind. Be prepared to be surprised if you genuinely open yourself up to following God's call wherever it leads.

Petertide Ordinations 2015: prayers and reflections

First published 9th June 2015

Petertide is almost upon us and with it the ordination season.

If you go down to Kingswood today...

First published 10th June 2015

Holy Trinity Church in Kingswood played host to a Teddy Bear Wedding in May courtesy of their playgroup CafeTots, and their end of term celebrations.

The health of our banks and the health of our souls

First published 14th July 2015

It may be over seven years since the global economy was rocked by the banking crisis but the aftershocks continue to raise questions around the financial industry.

Remembering victims of Tunisian terrorist attack

First published 30th June 2015

It has been confirmed that a Wiltshire couple, Eileen Swannack and John Welch, missing following the Tunisian beach attack are among the dead.

Free 'app' that helps young people cope with stress

First published 1st July 2015

Stressheads a clever new mobile app has been launched by YouthNet to help 16-25 year olds to cope with stress.

Godventure is worth a lookâ€¦

First published 1st July 2015

I stumbled upon this website www.godventure.co.ukyesterday when asked to recommend good sites for inspiration.

Planning a holiday club?

First published 1st July 2015

Youth & Children's Adviser, Dan Jones writes, I have had the privilege of organising, leading, helping and visiting a wide variety of holiday clubs and what have I learned?

C in the Park

First published 6th July 2015

A fine mid-summers day was just what the doctor ordered for this years C in the Park event last month, organised by members of churches in Downend and the surrounding area.

Combatting extremism

First published 10th July 2015

Following the highly successful conference 'From fear to belonging' run by Bristol and South Gloucestershire SACREs, resources are now available for you to use in school.

Disability is not inability

First published 14th July 2015

Lay Minister Janet Leckie reflects on Disability Sunday, which churches across the Diocese celebrated on 5 July 2015.

Assisted Suicide? - put the whole thing to death

First published 14th August 2015

There maybe some good reasons for changing the law to allow physician assisted suicide (PAS), but truthfully, none of them are good enough to make me think it would be a good idea to permit this change in the law.

Picnic and praise in Stratton

First published 15th July 2015

On Sunday 4 July, Stratton Team Ministry held their annual Picnic & Praise event, an amazing act of witness and worship in the community.Curate Helen Baber explains how this has grown year on year and helped to strengthen local relationships.

Prayers for Tunisia

First published 15th July 2015

Earlier this month there wasa quiet service of remembrance for all of the victims of the Tunisian terrorist attack at St Nicholas Church in Biddestone, including the two local victims, Eileen Swannack and John Welch.

Bye Buy Childhood

First published 22nd July 2015

Bishop Mike Hill, together with Archbishop Justin Welby, Bishop Stephen Cottrell and Bishop Paul Butler, was amongst those who came to hear and give support to the Mother's Union debate at the General Synod.

KS1 Caring for Myself, Caring for Others

First published 13th August 2015

A lesson plan to support the teaching of the KS1 AMV unit 'Caring for Myself, Caring for Others'.

FS/KS1 How and why do others celebrate?

First published 13th August 2015

Mantle of the expert script to use with Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 children on the subject of 'How and why do others celebrate?'

Similarity and Difference Triads

First published 13th August 2015

A skill-tool for thoughtful analysis of ideas, beliefs, concepts, practices and other stuff in primary and secondary RE.

Horfield Primary named Literacy School of the Year

First published 16th June 2017

Horfield Church of England Primary School in Bristol has been named as the 2016-17 UKLA Literacy School of the Year.

How to create a reflective area

First published 13th August 2015

RE Coordinator Samantha Fletcher shows how an infant school in Oldham transformed a corner of a room into a reflective are and transformed the quality of children's reflection as well.

CafÃ© culture; reaching out, inviting in

First published 5th September 2013

Hospitality has always been at the heart of Christian community and is a mark of a healthy church.

Children's Society launches Seriously Awkward campaign

First published 17th August 2015

The Children's Society is calling for changes to the law to protect 16 and 17 year old's from harm, abuse and neglect.

Bishop's Letter; It's Friday, but Sunday's a'comin'

First published 22nd March 2013

Recently I have heard a number of preachers refer to those periods of Jewish history outlined in the Old Testament and referred to as exile.

Pray and fast for climate justice

First published 18th August 2015

One of the key actions from a motion passed at the last General Synod was to support an initiative encouraging Christians to pray and fast for climate justice on the first day of each month.

Passionate about God's Church?

First published 1st September 2015

The Church, more than any other social network, employment facility or club, should be leading the way in helping 20-30s find their feet and their faith.Dr Krish Kandiah, President of London School of Theology.

Bishop's Letter: Zero Tolerance

First published 28th August 2015

Bishop Mike asks whether our churches are doing all they can to make sure the vulnerable are safe in our midst?

All this beauty is of God

First published 15th September 2015

Theres a sense in which, if you spend time struggling with something, you then hold onto it and its worthwhile. There are steps in our faith journey which are probably like that.The rural church is very important to me. My role as a Rural Schools and

Connecting children to God

First published 15th September 2015

Becky Fisher has been the Rural Schools and Churches Worker for the eight parishes in the Gauzebrook Group in North Wiltshire since 2011.

Helping young people grow in faith

First published 16th September 2015

The vast majority of Christians say they made their first commitment to Christ under the age of 21.

The F word: stories of forgiveness

First published 2nd September 2015

Visitors to Bristol's St Mary Redcliffe Church on Doors Open Day on Saturday 12 September will see more than a masterpiece of Gothic Architecture and unique examples of the city's history.

Supporting refugees

First published 16th September 2015

Christians and churches across our diocese are keen to support those affected by the escalating refugee crisis.

Holy fire at Soul Survivor

First published 21st September 2015

Taking a group of young people to Soul Survivor can be an amazing experience.

Three ways to encourage new vocations

First published 9th September 2015

When Justin Welby was elected the 105thArchbishop of Canterbury in February 2013, everyone was commenting on his meteoric rise, since he had been consecrated as a bishop only 16 months earlier.

Faith in social action

First published 30th September 2015

It is very humbling to be amongst so many people doing outstanding work in our city.

Responding to Creating Connections

First published 20th January 2017

The Diocesan Synod has endorsed a strategic plan focused on activity at diocesan level to support our Creating connections vision and priorities.

A new year, and it's time to think big!

First published 20th January 2017

As January rolls around again, many of us put our mind to planning for the year ahead dreaming of all that wed like to achieve, and how were going to make it happen.

God calls us all

First published 1st April 2015

Vocations Sunday is the day for churches to encourage everyone to reflect, discover and recognise God's call to them. The next Vocations Sunday day is 26 April 2015.

Then I let him in

First published 21st May 2014

...he used the example of the Rolling Stones' song, I Can't Get No Satisfaction, and I thought, that's me: wandering the world, living in different countries, exploring different belief systems, always looking for something to fill the void...Sonia s

Le Tour de Lee - Day 4 Perth to Uphall, near Edinburgh (47 miles)

First published 9th July 2014

Having seen two bikes on the roof rack some of you may be wondering when Mike has had the chance to ride his. After all, acting as my 'Director Sportif', domestique and general factotum has been a full time occupation!

General Synod Report March 2015

First published 5th March 2015

Revd Chris Dobson reports on February's General Synod, which opened with a moving address from Archbishop Bashar Warda, Chaldean Diocese of Erbil in Iraq.

Confidence in our Church's Mission

First published 5th March 2015

Revd Dr Michael Lloyd, Principal of Wycliffe Hall attended Diocesan Synod on 28 February and gave a fascinating, insightful and at times extremely humorous address on why he has continued confidence in the mission of the Church.

An opened door

First published 11th March 2015

And I thought, What am I waiting for? This is the opportunity I want, this is the way to step forward.I was born in the fifties when everyone always went to Sunday school but my journey into faith began in about 1989 when the good Lord God in his inf

A mid-life crisis?

First published 12th March 2015

It was a confusing time. Its a big decision, it changes ones life completely. Its a sacrificial calling; I knew that it was my calling but my family would be the ones to make the sacrifice.I think we were what would be called nominal Christians my p

Acceptance

First published 13th March 2015

I have experienced both God's healing and felt His power in my life. I trust him.Some years ago I developed a bad back. I prayed, tried physio and a chiropractor in vain. A very good friend suggested that I went to Harnhill, a local centre for Christ

Made welcome

First published 16th March 2015

I had attended the local Congregational Chapel until my my teens and then, like so many young people, gradually drifted away. Work and a busy social life had squeezed out any thoughts of church.It all began with a marriage proposal, where it will end

Making the jump

First published 17th March 2015

The chance to have a home cooked meal was a great help for making the initial jump, as student food at our flat was as bad as you might think!I am from a non-practising Christian family - Christmas, Christenings, weddings and funerals were as much ch

Report on Bristol's response to food poverty

First published 18th March 2015

A recent report released by the 5K Partnership provides an review of food poverty across Bristol, reflecting the position in 2014.

Quietly, bringing peace

First published 18th March 2015

I have never felt such joy and peace and I know that God was truly in my life and that I was filled with His Spirit.A few years ago I had the most amazing experience. Two people from another church were praying over me that I would be filled with the

The barrel of the spear gun

First published 19th March 2015

I certainly believe that God is sovereign and knows whats going to happen and has a plan. But I dont think Ive ever really felt strongly "that is a thing I should do or a place I should go." Yetwith hindsight I can really see how God has used past ex

Stop, just breathe

First published 20th March 2015

My world of thought had taken me back to my pressing questions of the time. I had been ordained for some years and I had been reflecting deeply on purpose and place, both big and small questions about life. My life. Questioning my vocation. Thinking

Encouraging engagement between science & Christians

First published 19th March 2015

The Bishop of Swindon, Rt Revd Lee Rayfield has warmly welcomed the announcement of a three-year programme to help promote greater relationship between faith and science.

Spritz of destiny

First published 21st March 2015

I realised once you accept the blessing you can understand God's rest, his peaceA few years back I was mega stressed and basically refused to let God talk to me. I got into the mindset of hating myself and this quietly spiraled over a few months to t

Seeds were sown

First published 24th March 2015

At that very moment it was quite clear, like the proverbial bolt from the blue, that I was being called.My teenage years were spent in the 1960s and so I was greatly influenced by the huge changes to society, the do as you like, never had it so good

Be still, my soul

First published 25th March 2015

My favourite hymn is called Be still, my soul. It points to the fact that we all, whether we like it or not, most of us, have crosses to bear. There are things to deal with that we carry throughout our lives.Its been there ever since childhood, as lo

When I am weak I am strong

First published 26th March 2015

But one day it hit me how much I was loved by God - in a personal way, warts and all.I grew up in a loving Christian family. My father is a priest in the Church of England and we moved to several parishes in the Chichester Diocese when I was young.I

A member of the family

First published 14th March 2015

As most of us find, life has not been easy. Hardship, divorce, loss of loved ones - all proved difficult to cope with and my prayers often contained the question why? and tears often accompanied prayers. But my faith was like a crutch, and I never fe

A Church for this generation

First published 27th March 2015

The Church of England faces great challenges but it is also a time of opportunity.

A hound of heaven

First published 28th March 2015

Finally, in despair, I phoned a retired teacher friend saying I was going mad. Her response was simple: she chuckled, saying, You have a hound of heaven on your trail...I had survived the stormy waters of adolescence as an adopted child and had sudde

With Jesus beside, before and behind

First published 30th March 2015

It's not easy but underneath it all I can keep an optimism. I'm working to try to give back a little of what I've received, especially to those whom society tends to ignore.

Easter: Just a story?

First published 30th March 2015

Anita Dobson, Family Worker at Christ Church Downend, reflects on the 'story' of Easter...As I was thinking about the Easter story, I was aware how uncomfortable that word sounds.

Wilderness times

First published 31st March 2015

Throughout all of his illness, he never lost his faith, his confidence in God, his desire to serve God, or even his sense of humour. When his physical strength had gone, he remained a strong man; finding his strength in God alone.Growing up in a Chri

Our Journey to the Cross 2015

First published 31st March 2015

Revd Howard Jameson built on the Experience Easter at his local primary school by matching the Stations of the Cross with photographs of familiar local places.

Practical love: Bristol Noise 2015

First published 2nd April 2015

Every May bank holiday weekend, something extraordinary happens in Bristol. Hundreds of Christians from dozens of churches come together to serve their communities over three packed days of social action.

Uniting our sufferings

First published 3rd April 2015

It was the realisation that they were both potty about God that brought them to a new and wonderful place in their own relationship. For 'God is Love, and those who live in love live in God and God lives in them.'Can there be a point to suffering? Wh

The desire for meaning

First published 4th April 2015

While the story of Jesus has been there in the background, it was never anything more to me than a story. I guess thats not altogether surprising as the daughter of an agnostic and an atheist.When I think about it, the story of Christ has been a fain

Is God calling you to something new?

First published 13th April 2015

Ahead of Vocations Sunday on 26 April, Revd Dr Emma Ineson considers how Jesus called Peter and how this might shed light on how he might call you.

Bishop Lee serves the homeless at Swindon Night Shelter

First published 13th April 2015

As part of the Church of England's Wash day initiative, Bishop Lee Rayfield spent the evening of Good Friday with guests and volunteers at the Swindon Night Shelter.

Hope and doubt

First published 1st April 2015

Doing this helps me ask some of the questions that Ive had in my own mind for a long time.Faith has always been part of the landscape. I was brought up in a family of faith, went to church, Sunday school, wed quite often have clergymen round for brea

Follow me - but where Lord?

First published 2nd April 2015

How does it feel for a wife with two young boys, recently moved house and well settled in a community, to hear her husband say God has spoken to him?This is my third go at producing a piece for 10,000 Voices.

Peace Education

First published 16th April 2015

Peace education covers a range of work with young people, from inner peace and mindfulness to an understanding of issues of global justice, and is inextricably linked to the fundamental British values of the rule of law, mutual respect and tolerance.

Faith and dance

First published 16th April 2015

Want to offer pupils a different way to engage with faith?

I looked back and realised

First published 27th March 2015

One day I looked back over the previous few weeks and realised.Having grown up in a non-churchgoing family in the Midlands, church was not something that impinged on my life at all until we moved to Bristol in my late 20s. Peter, my husband, had been