Here you can find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol.
News and updates
Christmas Greetings from the Bishop of Bristol
First published 21st December 2023The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol sends her Christmas Greetings to the Diocese.
Revd Sarah Hancox announced as new Priest-in-Charge of St Luke the Evangelist
First published 18th December 2023Revd Sarah Hancox announced as the new Priest-in-Charge of St Luke the Evangelist, Brislington
Christmas 2023 foodbanks and charities
First published 18th December 2023Charities and initiatives that are supporting people across the Diocese of Bristol this Christmas including food banks
Christmas 2023 Carols and events round-up
First published 7th December 2023A round-up of carol services and Christmas events happening across the Diocese in 2023
New diocesan Adviser for Ministerial Development announced
First published 7th December 2023The Diocese of Bristol is pleased to announce that Revd Jeremy Andrew has been appointed as the new diocesan Adviser for Ministerial Development.
Take part in our Safeguarding Audit Survey
First published 1st December 2023National Church have commissioned the INEQE Safeguarding Group to carry out Independent Safeguarding Audits of every diocese in the Church of England, and are currently undertaking an audit within the Diocese of Bristol. Fill out our Audit survey to have your say.
New Bishop of Swindon consecrated at Canterbury Cathedral
First published 30th November 2023On Thursday 30 November, the next Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Revd Neil Warwick was consecrated as Bishop at Canterbury Cathedral during a service led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Statement on the recent evacuation of Barton House, Bristol
First published 29th November 2023The Diocese of Bristol has been deeply concerned by the news that on 14 November hundreds of people were evacuated from Barton House in Barton Hill due to a recent building survey finding that there is a risk to the structure of the block.
Join us for Growing Faith Together
First published 22nd November 2023Come and be inspired by meeting people from across the diocese as we share the joys and hopes of walking and growing together in Christ at our Growing Faith Together conference
Bishop Viv's Diocesan Synod Address on Prayers of Love and Faith
First published 22nd November 2023Bishop Viv's address on Prayers of Love and Faith to the Diocesan Synod on Saturday 18 November.
Priest-in-Charge of St Peter's Chippenham, with Lacock and Bowden Hill announced
First published 21st November 2023Revd Simon Dunn to become the next Priest-in-Charge of St Peter's Chippenham, with Lacock and Bowden Hill.
General Synod backs trial blessing for same-sex couples
First published 17th November 2023Meeting in London on 13-15 November 2023, General Synod voted in favour of special services of prayer and dedication, asking for God’s blessing for same-sex couples.
Statement regarding the break-in at the Malmesbury Abbey
First published 16th November 2023At this difficult time, the Diocese of Bristol asks everybody to hold the Malmesbury Abbey and people affected by this event in their prayers, as we all hope for the stolen items to be successfully recovered and work together towards healing.
Priest-in-Charge of Pucklechurch & Abson, Wick with Doynton and Dyrham announced
First published 6th November 2023The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is delighted to announce that the Revd Canon Elaine Jones has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Pucklechurch and Abson, Wick with Doynton and Dyrham in the Kingswood and South Gloucestershire Deanery.
A statement from 42 bishops on LLF
First published 2nd November 2023A statement from 42 bishops on Living in Love and Faith
Reflection on Black History Month
First published 30th October 2023As Black History Month draws to a close we would like to offer reflections from Revd Dr Catherine Okoronkwo, Bishop’s Adviser on Racial Justice and Rashida Hartley, Diocesan Racial Justice Project Officer.
Statement from Bristol interfaith leaders on the violence in Israel-Palestine
First published 25th October 2023Joint statement from Bristol interfaith leaders on the escalation of violence in Israel-Palestine
The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull commends Salvation Army on their Anti-Slavery report
First published 18th October 2023The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull commends The Salvation Army on their recent Anti-Slavery Day annual report
Acting Archdeacon of Bristol and new Associate Archdeacon announced
First published 16th October 2023The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is very pleased to announce that Revd Becky Waring has been appointed as the Acting Archdeacon of Bristol and Revd Adam Beaumont as the new Associate Archdeacon across the Archdeaconries of Bristol and Malmesbury.
Call to pray for an end to violence in the Holy Land
First published 13th October 2023Speaking to the recent rise in conflict across Israel and Gaza, the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, has offered up words in sombre reflection.
Prayers of Love and Faith - An update from the House of Bishops
First published 12th October 2023Addressing House of Bishops decision regarding Prayers of Love and Faith
Revd Gaby Doherty to become Curate-in-Charge of St Stephen’s Southmead
First published 10th October 2023Revd Gaby Doherty to become Curate-in-Charge of St Stephen’s Southmead, City Deanery, Bristol Diocese
Welcome to our new Licensed Lay Ministers - October 2023
First published 9th October 2023Bishop Viv admitted four new Licensed Lay Ministers and welcomed Stephen from the Diocese of Gloucester on 7 October 2023.
New Rector of Lyddington and Wanborough, Bishopstone with Hinton Parva announced
First published 9th October 2023The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is delighted to announce that Revd Steve Paynter has been appointed as the next Rector of Lyddington and Wanborough, Bishopstone with Hinton Parva.
Connecting with our history at Westbury-on-Trym
First published 3rd October 2023A blog from Father Andre Hart at Westbury-on-Trym about his church's efforts to connect with its history
Revd Tim Jones to be Vicar of St Philip and St Jacob with Emmanuel Bristol
First published 2nd October 2023The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol is delighted to announce that Revd Tim Jones has been appointed as Vicar of St Philip and St Jacob with Emmanuel Bristol (Central) in City Deanery.
Hazelnut Community Farm to feature on BBC Songs of Praise
First published 27th September 2023Hazelnut Community Farm will be featured on BBC One’s Songs Of Praise on Sunday, 1st October at 1.15pm.
Henleaze church receives Gold Eco Church Award
First published 25th September 2023St Peter's, Henleaze becomes the first church building in the Diocese to be awarded the Eco Church Gold Award.
Revd Dr Andy Murray announced as new Dean of Priority Communities
First published 25th September 2023The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is delighted to announce that Revd Dr Andy Murray, Vicar of Lawrence Weston and Avonmouth, has been appointed Dean of Priority Communities in the Diocese of Bristol.
Bishop Viv's amendment clears final hurdle in House of Lords
First published 21st September 2023Legislation clarifying right of local authorities to support churches clears final hurdle in House of Lords.
Update on RAAC in diocesan church and school buildings
First published 20th September 2023Advice and guidance on RAAC in church and school buildings across the diocese.
Revd Rosy Ashley appointed as Adviser for Parish Development
First published 20th September 2023Revd Rosy Ashley appointed as Adviser for Parish Development
The Diocese of Bristol welcomes the 2023 DAC Conference
First published 8th September 2023The Diocese of Bristol welcomes the 2023 DAC Conference (Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches)
Revd Anjali Kanagaratnam appointed as diocesan Racial Justice Co-Ordinator
First published 2nd September 2023Revd Anjali Kanagaratnam to become Priest in Charge of the Benefice of South Severnside and Racial Justice Co-Ordinator in the Diocese of Bristol.
St Mary Redcliffe unveils new windows on 60th anniversary of Bristol Bus Boycott
First published 31st August 2023St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol unveils new stained glass windows to replace those commemorating slave trader Edward Colston with new designs celebrating Bristol's multicultural past and present
The Venerable Neil Warwick is announced as the next Bishop of Swindon
First published 24th August 2023The Venerable Neil Warwick, currently Archdeacon of Bristol, is to be the next Bishop of Swindon, Downing Street has announced today.
Revd Dr Anthea Colledge appointed as UWE Chaplain
First published 18th August 2023The Revd Dr Anthea Colledge appointed as new Chaplain to the University of the West of England from 1st December 2023.
Lee Barnes appointed as Adviser for Fresh Expressions of Church and Curacy
First published 4th August 2023Lee Barnes appointed as Adviser for Fresh Expressions of Church and Adviser for Curacy
Dementia Friendly Churches Focus and Awareness Day
First published 1st August 2023The Fromeside benefice and Yate Mission area recently held a Dementia Friendly Churches Focus and Awareness Day
Rev Bob Molton appointed Rector of the Braydon Brook Benefice
First published 27th July 2023Rev Bob Molton appointed Rector of the Braydon Brook Benefice
Future Safeguarding Programme for the Church to be led by Professor Alexis Jay
First published 25th July 2023Future Safeguarding Programme for the Church of England to be led by Professor Alexis Jay
Bishop Viv's week in the House of Lords 17 - 21 July 2023
First published 24th July 2023Here's a round-up of Bishop Viv's week as duty Bishop at the House of Lords between 17th and 21st July
Bishop Viv provides clarity on the future of diocesan links to Church of Uganda
First published 20th July 2023The Bishop of Bristol has expressed alarm over Ugandan President Museveni’s recent signing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, and the Church of Uganda’s support for the new law.
General Synod July 2023 roundup
First published 20th July 2023A round-up of the July 2023 General Synod
Wiltshire Churches Trust celebrates its 70th anniversary
First published 16th June 2023Wiltshire Churches Trust celebrates its 70th anniversary with a new logo at Tidcombe
Bishops ordain new deacons and priests in moving ceremonies at Bristol Cathedral
First published 5th July 2023Eight Priests and 13 Deacons were ordained at Bristol Cathedral across the weekend.
Churches Mutual launches rebrand and new website
First published 28th June 2023Churches Mutual, the credit union for churches across Britain, launches marketing campaign with rebrand and new website
Bristol West Chapter – Goes to Waste!
First published 28th June 2023Bristol West Deanery Chapter visits Wessex Water, to build on relationships with local businesses and raise the profile of local charities.
Lambeth Award for Bristol’s Vocations Champion
First published 27th June 2023The Revd Mark Nam was honoured by the Archbishop of Canterbury recently with a prestigious Lambeth Award.
Revd Phil Goodey appointed Vicar of Highworth
First published 24th June 2023We are delighted to announce that the Revd Phil Goodey has been appointed Vicar of Highworth with Sevenhampton and Inglesham, Hannington and Broad Blunsdon.
Report finds pioneering church heating trial an electrifying success
First published 16th June 2023St Matthew's Church, Kingsdown, has solved one of the biggest problems a church can face – how to achieve affordable low carbon heating.
Revd Sally Thomas has been appointed as the Vicar of St Edyth
First published 16th June 2023The Bishop of Bristol is delighted to announce that Revd Sally Thomas has been appointed as the Vicar of St Edyth in Bristol West Deanery.
Permission granted for replacement of Colston stained-glass at St Mary Redcliffe
First published 9th June 2023Permission has been granted to install new stained glass panels to replace those commemorating the slave trader Edward Colston.
A prayer list for our 2023 Ordinands
First published 15th June 2023A prayer for those being ordained from 1st-3rd July 2023.
Coronation Evensong at Bristol Cathedral
First published 9th May 2023Bishop Viv gave sermon at the Coronation Evensong service on Sunday 8 May at Bristol Cathedral, to mark the coronation of King Charles III.
Celebrating the 2023 DAC Awards
First published 12th May 2023The DAC Awards evening took place on 10 May at St Michael’s, Highworth. Find out who was recognised at the event.
Transformational funding announced
First published 1st June 2023We’re excited to announce that the National Church are fully supporting our ‘Transforming Church. Together’ (TCT) programme – beginning with £6.8m for the first three years!
Government agrees to Bishop Viv’s amendments to Levelling-Up Legislation
First published 25th May 2023Speaking in the House of Lords this week, Bishop Viv sought to clarify a grey area of law allowing great access to local grants for all churches.
New Priest in Charge appointed for St Gregory the Great, Horfield
First published 19th May 2023The Bishop of Bristol is delighted to announce that Fr. Jones Mutemwakwenda has been appointed as the Priest in Charge of St Gregory the Great, Horfield in City Deanery.
Get involved in climate action through your church!
First published 16th May 2023Humanity is facing one of the most serious issues of our time: climate change. There is a threat to all forms of life on our planet and the poorest countries are the most likely to suffer. It is a matter of justice.
Looking back at the Coronation: bringing the community together
First published 15th May 2023There were over 100 Coronation-themed events within this Diocese over the last two weeks: here is a taste of what was happening around the parishes.
New Bristol Bishop's Chaplain announced
First published 4th May 2023The Revd Lucy Cleland has been announced as the new Bishop’s Chaplain for Bristol this week. She will take up the post in August, once she has finished her current role.
Licensed Lay Minister receives prestigious Lord Mayor’s Medal
First published 26th April 2023Stockwood-based Licensed Lay Minister (LLM), Sue Farrance, has received the Lord Mayor’s Medal for her 10 years of service to the Operation Christmas Child project.
Bristol-based youth employment charity sees massive success
First published 25th April 2023Earlier this month, we were invited to watch 11 young people present their speeches as part of their graduation from the SPEAR Bristol Foundation.
Bishop of Bristol supports campaigners attending ‘The Big One’ climate protest
First published 19th April 2023This weekend members of churches from Bristol Diocese are travelling to London to take part in a 4-day climate protest.
Bishop Lee gives moving farewell prayer at Cathedral Chrism Service
First published 14th April 2023On Maundy Thursday, a Chrism Eucharist service was held at Bristol Cathedral. The Cathedral welcomed over a hundred people including licensed lay ministers, priests, diocesan staff and members of the public.
Beloved Churchwarden and Chaplain given Maundy money by His Majesty
First published 12th April 2023Margaret Morgan (right) and David Topp from the Diocese of Bristol received Maundy Coins from HM King Charles III last Thursday as part of the Maundy Service at York Minster.
Remarkable young cartoonist meets Bishop Viv
First published 5th April 2023Bishop Viv and David Stephenson, Bishop's Chaplain, met with creative young people last Sunday as part of St Michael's Highworth's Palm Sunday celebrations.
Female innovator’s grave restored and blessed
First published 31st March 2023Sarah Guppy was an extraordinary woman. Born in 1770 into a wealthy family, she was the first woman in the world to take out a patent for building a bridge.
The Human Library
First published 27th March 2023As part of our Diocesan vision to drive significant cultural and structural change on issues of racial justice, Racial Justice Project Officer Rashida Hartley is organising a Human Library event at St Mary Redcliffe.
The Mission and Ministry Support Team
First published 27th March 2023A newly formed team is now in place to continue its support to ministers in all stages of their ministry in the light of our Transforming Church.Together strategy.
Bishops comment on recent legislation passed by the Ugandan Parliament
First published 24th March 2023The Bishops of Bristol and Swindon expressed shock and deep concern on hearing of legislation passed by the Ugandan Parliament introducing capital and life imprisonment sentences for homosexual acts.
Address to the Synod
First published 22nd March 2023Read Bishop Viv's Presidential Address to the Diocesan Synod
Swindon churches launch Mission Project
First published 21st March 2023Three churches in Swindon are embarking on an exciting campaign to increase the part the Church plays in people’s lives in the town.
All Saints’ Clifton pick-up three awards
First published 16th March 2023All Saints’ church Clifton has won three prestigious awards in quick succession.
Six million donation for Malmesbury CofE Primary School
First published 2nd March 2023Malmesbury Primary School has received a donation of six million pounds from the James Dyson Foundation.
Adviser for Parish Discipleship and Evangelism
First published 23rd February 2023The Revd Chris Dobson has been appointed to the new role of Adviser for Parish Discipleship and Evangelism.
Bristol’s Minority Ethnic Vocation Champion meets national leader
First published 21st February 2023The Church of England’s Racial Justice Director, Revd Guy Hewitt met members of the Teahouse at the ‘Chinese and British’ exhibition at The British Library in London recently.
Beloved Community
First published 21st February 2023A place at the table for everyone. A one-day conference at Bristol Cathedral
Bishop's Chaplain
First published 13th February 2023Revd David Stephenson will be seconded from his parish ministry to work as Chaplain to the Bishop of Bristol
Turkey/Syria Earthquake - Donate today
First published 13th February 2023The devastating earthquakes which hit Turkey and Syria, killing thousand, still dominate the news.
Bishop Lee announces his retirement
First published 13th February 2023After 18 years service the Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield Bishop of Swindon will retire on Sunday 30 April 2023.
Bishop Martin consecrated
First published 7th February 2023Bishop Martin ordained and consecrated as Bishop of Kingston at Canterbury Cathedral
Meeting the King marks a special birthday
First published 6th February 2023The Revd Mark Nam birthday is crowned by a conversation with the new King
Living in Love and Faith
First published 2nd February 2023Personal Reflections from Bishop Lee on the College of Bishops’ recommendations to General Synod
New chair of Diocesan Safeguarding Steering Group
First published 31st January 2023David Niven has been appointed as the next Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Steering Group.
General Synod representation
First published 30th January 2023The Revd Canon Alice Kemp is Bristol's new General Synod representative.
Eight million stitches expressing God's love
First published 27th January 2023Threads through Creation is an extraordinary, uplifting art exhibition on show at Bath Abbey,
Lacock welcomes The Queen Consort
First published 26th January 2023Lacock was proud to welcome Her Majesty The Queen Consort to the village. She visited St Cyriac’s church to plant a commemorative tree...
Bishop of Bristol's statement on the proposal regarding same-sex relationships
First published 20th January 2023Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull's full statement on the proposal to the General Synod regarding same-sex relationships
Bristol minister leads national church service marking Chinese New Year
First published 18th January 2023The Revd Mark Nam, the Diocesan Minority Ethnic Vocations Champion, will lead the Church of England’s national online service this weekend (Sunday 22 Jan) marking Chinese New Year.
Bishop teams up with Swindon Town FC
First published 13th January 2023Following a 1,000 mile bike ride, the Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Revd Lee Rayfield is being supported by Swindon Town FC in raising funds for local families struggling with the rising cost of living.
New Rector - St John's Parks & St Andrew's Walcot Swindon
First published 12th January 2023The Revd Patrick (Patch) Webb appointed Rector of St John’s Parks and St Andrew’s, Walcot, Swindon
Looking down the backs of north Wiltshire’s spiritual sofas
First published 9th January 2023Jessica Price was appointed Youth Mission Enabler for the North Wiltshire Mission Area (NWMA) on 1st May 2022
Bishop Viv's Christmas message
First published 26th December 2022Appearing on BBC Radio Bristol, Bishop Viv offered a short Christmas message yesterday.
Watch: Funding for Transforming Church. Together passes first milestone
First published 21st December 2022The diocesan strategy, Transforming Church. Together has been affirmed by the National Church.
Bristol’s Bishop’s Chaplain appointed new Bishop of Kingston
First published 15th December 2022The Revd Canon Dr Martin Gainsborough, Chaplain to the Bishop of Bristol, has been appointed as the next Bishop of Kingston in the Diocese of Southwark.
Warm spaces open as polar blast strikes
First published 7th December 2022Christ Church, Downend opens its warm hub cafe every Thursday
National Chinese and British exhibition with Bristol links
First published 28th November 2022Comprising handwritten letters, photographs and oral histories, the new British Library Exhibition, “Chinese and British” has links to Bristol.
Presidential Address - November Synod
First published 22nd November 2022Bishop Viv's presidential address to Diocesan Synod
