Here you can find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol.
News and updates
Lives change through exploring faith
First published 10th February 2014Millions of lives have been changed when they have participated in courses like Alpha that enable people to explore the Christian faith.
Bishop Mike's Easter letter; 'What if…?'
First published 16th April 2014I heard recently about a genre of literature about which I had never heard before: non-factual history.
The Shocking Truth
First published 1st May 2014Radio 4 this morning carried a story which strongly implied a culture of sexual harassment and bullying in the 'Westminster Village.'
Is life an orange or a peach?
First published 11th May 2014This was the question Revd Jo Vickery from Christ Church, Downend asked on BBC Radio Bristol on Sunday morning (11 May 2014) in an interview.
Resources for Advent
First published 26th November 2013As the season of Advent begins and we look towards Christmas, lets not overlook the opportunity to reflect on the Advent season itself.
Synod "completely different"
First published 24th November 2013The General Synod of the Church of England took some significant steps forward in November in a set of sessions described as "completely different" by Bristol reps to the meetings of a year earlier.
Heart & Soul for Ministry: Sheldon Retreats in 2017
First published 5th January 2017As you look ahead into the new year, have you thought about planning a retreat into your diary?
Yarn-bombed Christmas tree doubles as blankets for homeless
First published 21st December 2016Knitters from a church in Bristol have not only created their own Christmas tree from yarn but when the decorations come down they're recycling it into blankets for local homeless charities.
Bishops' Visitations 2017
First published 6th January 2017Churchwardens from across the diocese gathered at three Visitations services during May to celebrate and affirm their ministry and formally take up their offices for another year.
CofE's “crucial involvement†with schools
First published 21st November 2013The responsibility for school effectiveness is shifting to those who provide schools thats us, said the Bishop of Oxford, chair of the CofE's Board of Education, in the General Synod debate on church schools.
Church addresses food poverty and debt
First published 2nd December 2013Food poverty and debt are at the heart of the Diocesan Synod's discussions on 7 December as we highlight these issues as part of the Christmas starts with Christ campaign.
The new 'A Church Near You'
First published 27th November 2017Exciting changes are coming to the popular A Church Near You website - including the chance for parishes to use it to create their own free and bespoke website.
Being an evangelist when the going gets tough
First published 20th May 2014Becoming aware of my own mortality has proved to be a gift and caused me to perceive life through a more richly coloured lens; each day on earth has become more precious, and living it well more significant.
Queen honours work of church members
First published 1st July 2013The work of two members of Bristol diocese has been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Schools central to Church's mission, says Archbishop
First published 5th July 2013Archbishop Justin Welby asserted the centrality of schools to the Church's mission to the nation as he hosted a seminar called Church of England: Education and our Future.
The Filling Station - what's it about?
First published 8th July 2013As it gathers momentum, we speak to Revd Nick Crawley to find out more about this growing [largely rural] ministry and what's been driving it.
Bring faith to life in schools
First published 15th July 2013Its not always easy to know how to make the Christian faith known and real to children and young people in their school context.
Best practice for developing young leaders
First published 17th July 2013A recent article in the Church Times highlighted some of the realities and challenges faced by church interns.
Bishop's Letter; ‘Them', ‘Us', and what it means to be the Local Church
First published 1st July 2013This month Bishop Lee reflects on the Church of England's understanding of what it means to be the local Church.
Thrive - 6 'free' Bible studies for teens
First published 6th August 2013Are you looking for a practical, fun and easy-to-use resource to learn about the Christian faith with your youth group? "Thrive" may be the answer: six sessions which explore key aspects of the Christian faith.
Bishop Lee diagnosed with cancer
First published 2nd September 2013Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield, the Bishop of Swindon, has been diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system and will receive treatment in the months ahead.
Bishop's Letter; Who are we?
First published 24th July 2013Should the Church support liberal social and ethical reforms?
Bishop Lee: Health, paradox and gift
First published 2nd September 2013On return from his holiday Bishop Lee received the news that he has Hodgkin Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.
Update from Bishop Lee
First published 6th September 2013I confess I wasnt looking forward to my first doses of chemotherapy but the session went very well.
The pile driver
First published 10th September 2013Sitting on the balcony, most of the time I find it very easy to filter out the sounds of the motorway and the construction of the new housing.
Response to the death of Daniel Pelka
First published 18th September 2013Jeanette Plumb, Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, writes: "Daniel is another child who will take his place in the text books on safeguarding alongside Victoria Climbie, Peter Connelly and others.
17th September: Update from Bishop Lee
First published 17th September 2013I am now 14 days into my first course of chemotherapy and it has been something of a roller-coaster.
Rebels
First published 20th September 2013Are rebels good or bad? The answer to this question will depend on your point of view.
Bishop Lee blessed by the good doctors Mayo and Kermode
First published 20th September 2013Checkout today's BBC R5 Live Movie Review
Local RE - John Wesley and Bristol
First published 16th October 2013Awareness, Mystery and Value: Key Stage 2 Unit 9 How should we live and how can John Wesley inspire us? This series of approximately 7 lessons is intended to provide a set of learning activities in RE for a Year 5/6 class. It was written by Rev Dr Jack.
Coming to terms with bereavement
First published 14th October 2013This intense feeling of peace came up over me. It was quite extraordinary. I then came to terms with my bereavement.I was widowed very suddenly. I never lost my faith I had been confirmed for 50 years but you feel that youre being tested. It took m
If you want to Go fast, Go alone. If you want to go far, Go together.
First published 18th October 2013I continue to be staggered and overwhelmed by the messages, cards and letters that are coming our way.
Bristol youth workers share faith in Germany
First published 23rd September 2013Four youth workers from the Diocese of Bristol travelled to Northern Italy to broaden the link with the Lutheran Church in Bavaria over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.
Transforming minds with distinctive values
First published 22nd October 2013What does Christian education look like and how is it better?
Bishop Lee talks about his fight against cancer
First published 4th November 2013Bishop Lee has appeared on ITV West talking on his experience fighting cancer.
Learning to live with the questions
First published 7th November 2013There are questions, particularly about death, which we will never be able to answer in this life because we dont yet have the benefit of that heavenly perspective.The single date on the headstone is always a stark reminder to me of the day, seven ye
Bishop Mike's Diocesan Synod address - Sept 2013
First published 21st September 2013In his address to Diocesan Synod on 7th December, Bishop Mike urged support for Foodbanks and spoke on measures to improve the operation of the Welfare System.Foodbanks are a symptom of a society that is far from well.Bishop MikeThe City Deanery moti
Equip Christians to share their faith
First published 23rd September 2013Bishop Mike encouraged churches to build their confidence in evangelism at Diocesan Synod and announced an Alpha initiative for 2014 when Archbishop Justin Welby visits the Diocese.
Week of prayer and fasting for social action
First published 21st December 2016During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Together4Bristol and Christian Action Bristol have called for a week of prayer and fasting to prepare for transformation of our city through engaging in social action.
Bishop Mike's Christmas Message
First published 20th December 2016Unforgiveness and Bitterness. As I write, the Pope has just pulled down the curtain on his year of mercy.
Telling the right story
First published 16th December 2016If you go to church over Christmas, you will almost certainly hear a history lesson.You will almost certainly hear St Luke say something like: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus. Luke reminds us of a history full of terrible kings
John Robinson Commemoration Day
First published 11th November 2013Around 70 people gathered at St Ambrose, Whitehall on 21 September for a Commemoration Day for Bishop John Robinson.
Update from Bishop Lee
First published 26th September 2013I confess I wasn't looking forward to my first doses of chemotherapy but the session went very well.
Bishops donate to charity instead of sending cards
First published 16th December 2016The Bishop of Bristol has opted to give money to charity rather than sending Christmas cards to clergy this year.
Bishop's Letter; Are we good news?
First published 19th October 2013Bishop Mike encourages us to build our confidence in sharing our faith.The only purpose of the Church is to go out to tell the world the good news about Jesus Christ.
Access to water changing lives
First published 9th May 2014In 2013, six visitors from North Wiltshire Deanery spent time with the Kigezi Diocese Water & Sanitation Programme in Kabale.
Joy replaces pain
First published 30th September 2013I began to become aware of a joy and peace within that I never imagined. To my relief, depression, nightmares and unexplained illnesses in my body gradually faded.
Is this plan radical enough?
First published 19th September 2015Watch here Here is Bishop Mike's inaugural address given at the first meeting of the new Diocesan Synod on Saturday 19 September.
A peace that passes understanding
First published 1st October 2013This is what has been missing from my life, this is the way that I want to live my life.
Prince one of many baptisms
First published 22nd October 2013As the Archbishop of Canterbury prepares to christen HRH Prince George today, he will do so in the company of priests across our diocese who are welcoming individuals, families, children and adults into their parish churches this week.
Christmas Starts with Christ
First published 27th November 2013The Diocese of Bristol is at the heart of a major campaign to remind people that Christmas starts with Christ this Advent and the difference it makes to the world we live in.
Of sleep and kind truth
First published 1st October 2013As I have mentioned elsewhere, chemotherapy has had a massive impact on my sleep patterns. Knowing this was on the cards Liz decamped to the spare room the evening I had my first dose.
Back to Church School Sunday
First published 9th October 2013A group of parishes in North Wiltshire developed their links with local schools by having a schools celebration service on Back to Church Sunday.
Starting a journey
First published 1st October 2013I started a journey, of understanding who Jesus is, and who I am. Knowing Jesus has truly transformed my life.
Synod returns to Women Bishops
First published 8th November 2013General Synod meets later this month, returning not only to women bishops but also intentional evangelism, Church Schools and how the Synod is elected and conducts its business.
Grief & Loss: Post Script
First published 10th November 2013This article is an addendum to Bishop Lee's letter on grief and loss found here. In the EHS Daily Office there were a number of reflections that stood out and to which I found myself frequently returning.
Everesting challenge for church
First published 15th June 2017Determined cyclist Rich Wiles-Teoh has cycled the height of Everest to raise funds for St Andrews Church in Castle Combe.
A little story of growing numbers: building Messy Church
First published 9th July 2013Following our article of events and initiatives in the Diocese that promote welcome, hospitality, inclusivity or partnership, Alison Paginton tells us of a little story of growth from St Christophers Brislington.
Finding a way to worship
First published 7th October 2013Normally we pencil in Monday and Tuesday in the week after chemotherapy as fragile days and avoid any diary commitments.
Clergy kids live life to the max
First published 13th October 201330 young people from clergy families in the dioceses of Bristol and Bath & Wells had a fantastic weekend in North Devon last month, part of the whole life support we offer to clergy families.
A difference to everyday life
First published 13th October 2013My faith in God makes a very real difference to everyday life. The Alpha Course set my entire life on a new course and I wake up each morning and thank God.
Mar Thoma Bishop visits Bristol
First published 4th March 2013The Mar Thoma Bishop of North America and Europe, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, was in Bristol this weekend to visit members of the Mar Thoma parish of St Thomas, who share a building with St Anne's Anglican church, Eastville.
Spiritual gifts for Colerne
First published 4th March 2013A member of the congregation at Colerne parish church has put her artistic gifts to good use by creating a series of icons for the church's Lady Chapel.
Sanctity of Life / What does it mean to be a human?
First published 6th March 2013These two fun exercises are useful starting points for many discussions about how we value different life-forms and how we decide which are better than others.
St Matthew's Church Passion
First published 25th March 2013In an exciting project for Good Friday, St Matthews Kingsdown will be performing a passion play.
Fear of death
First published 26th March 2013I remember looking down at my blood-soaked trainers and thinking Well.
Pope Francis I
First published 14th March 2013I am delighted to hear of the election of Pope Francis I.
The Diagnostic Trap
First published 29th March 2013This past week in the media, I think following a press release from NICE, ( the National Institute of Clinical Excellence), the term conduct disorder has found its way into the public space.
Ministering in the public gaze
First published 8th April 2013Ordained and lay ministers from across the Diocese once again gathered on Maundy Thursday at Bristol Cathedral for the Chrism Eucharist and to renew their commitment to ministry.
Student Faith Crawl
First published 12th April 2013In March, the University of Bristol Chaplaincy organised a "Faith Crawl", enabling students from different faith backgrounds to engage with the city's different faith communities.
Ministers come together
First published 14th April 2013The first round of Clergy Day Conferences and the Chrism Eucharist brought licensed ministers together to be equipped for leading in mission in March 2013.The Chrism Eucharist is the annual opportunity for both lay and ordained licensed ministers to
Being stretched too thin?
First published 18th April 2013The last 3 or 4 months have been exceptionally busy. As well as doing my own job, I have also been helping to cover the job of a colleague who was away for nearly 3 months on paternity leave.
Bishop's Letter; Finding Home
First published 23rd April 2013This month Bishop Lee reminds us of the thousands of children who have little experience of a loving home and asks how the gospel can help us engage with such a challenge.
Lesson plans: How do we make moral choices?
First published 10th May 2013This unit explores how religious beliefs affect approaches to moral issues. This series of 9 or 10 lessons is intended to provide a set of learning activities for a Year 4 class (and may be adapted for a Y3 class).
Sowing seeds: church/school links
First published 13th May 2013The Department for Children and Young People is refreshing its initiative to encourage congregations across the Diocese to take the fruitful but sometimes neglected opportunity of engaging with schools in their communities.
Faith, Hope and ...Foodbanks?
First published 14th May 2013With the number of foodbanks rising to cope with growing demand, we take a step back to ask what the root causes might be, and what is the role of the church in its ministry to stand alongside those in poverty.
Christian Aid Week - video of the 'Bishops on Bikes' tour
First published 14th May 2013Bishop Ed Condry (Bishop of Ramsbury) and Bishop Lee Rayfield (Bishop of Swindon) cycled a gruelling 180 miles around Wiltshire in 2 days in April 2013, stopping off in 16 Christian Aid groups along the way.
‘This, then, is how you should pray…'
First published 21st May 2013Prayer draws us more closely into relationship with God, has an impact on the world and energises our Christian lives.
PCC Guide to Accounting
First published 12th April 2013In our December newsletter we gave details of the new Guide.Many parishes ordered copies and we have sent those out.
Welfare support handbook now available
First published 12th April 2013Welfare support - If you do a lot of community work or have several people on benefits you may want to ask the PCC to invest (45) in this to help you guide people through the changes: Welfare Benefits & Tax Credits Handbook.
Woolwich. Jesus Christ stood for unity and love. So do we.
First published 25th May 2013Bishop Mike HillWe wish to express our deep condolences to the family of Drummer Lee Rigby.
Lesson plans: What is important to me?
First published 10th May 2013This unit explores ideas of what it is to be human and relates them to religious and other beliefs.
Lesson plans: How should we live and who can inspire us?
First published 10th May 2013This unit explores positive examples of how to live, values and commitments of faith founders, how actions of people of faith have changed the world.
Lesson plans: What can we learn from the life and teaching of Jesus
First published 10th May 2013This unit explores aspects of the person, life and teaching of Jesus and how they relate to Christian life, practices, celebrations and the pattern of Christian festivals.
How enabling is your church?
First published 25th June 2013The Church needs to learn from the experience, insight and gifts of disabled people, writes Revd Canon Gill Behenna, Chaplain with the Deaf Community in Bristol and National Adviser for Deaf Ministry.
The Syria Conundrum
First published 14th June 2013News coming in overnight is that the American administration now confirms, what we have had circumstantial evidence of for a while, that the Syrian Government has used chemical weapons on its own people.
Running 125 miles for One25
First published 20th December 2017Over the course of November, four members of the Diocesan Office decided to run, walk, row, swim, cycle - or even crawl - 125 miles to raise money for the One25 project.
Thank you
First published 26th June 2013I was so grateful to everyone that came to the service on Saturday evening at Bristol Cathedral to mark the 10th anniversary of my time as Bishop of Bristol.
Lesson plans: What does it mean to belong to a religion? SIKHISM
First published 14th May 2013This unit explores aspects of Sikh festivals, celebrations, practices and communities and the beliefs to which they relate.
Listening to children and young people
First published 9th June 2015Don't assume you know what's best for us without our opinions. You don't.
Lesson plans: Why do religious books and teachings matter? THE BIBLE
First published 14th May 2013This unit explores how the Christian religion and beliefs express values and commitments in written form and how value is attached to the writings.
Sign up to the Church of England's Digital Charter
First published 4th July 2019The Church of England is encouraging Christians and churches to sign up to its pledge to make social media and the web a more positive place.
Mayday Mayday
First published 9th June 2015I would have described myself as a Christian, the type of good God fearing chap who worked hard, rarely went to Church other than Christmas and the odd Sunday. I had a firm belief in there being a God but very much intended to put off meeting him as
Letting go of your worries
First published 17th October 2017Ven Christine Froude, Archdeacon of Malmesbury, writes on holding on to worries:A young woman confidently walked around the room while carrying, in her raised hand, a glass of water.
Lesson plans: How do people express their beliefs and identity?
First published 14th May 2013This unit explores how religions and beliefs employ signs, symbols and the arts to express aspects of human nature.
Lesson plans: What do people believe about life?
First published 14th May 2013This unit explores ideas about the natural world and our place in it, and relates them to religious and other beliefs.
Come and hear Revd Prabhudas from Mission India
First published 10th June 2015Revd Prabhudas from Mission India will be in the UK in July and his visit will include a number of public events in North Wiltshire.
Lesson plans: What does it mean to belong to a religion? HINDUISM
First published 14th May 2013This unit explores aspects of festivals, celebrations, practices and communities and the beliefs to which they relate.
Sharing the Easter Experience
First published 7th April 2013As churches celebrated the heart of the Christian message this Easter, a number of churches have been finding innovative ways to share the story with children and adults alike through interactive Easter events.
The Caller
First published 12th April 2017Early on one summer morning