Here you can find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol.
News and updates
The Advent Journey
First published 18th November 2016Advent is a season of expectation and preparation, as the Church prepares to celebrate the coming of Christ.
Church support for Scrap Metal Dealers Bill
First published 3rd November 2012Church of England bishops are calling on MPs to support the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill on 9 November 2012 to curb the epidemic of metal theft that continues to plague churches, war memorials, schools, heritage properties, rail and utility services and even hospitals across the UK.
Severnside Churches Celebrate Together
First published 12th September 2012Old Down Manor opened its doors to the Severnside Churches as they hosted an ecumenical Songs of Praise on 9 September.
Hope Bristol 2018 Launch Sunday
First published 20th October 2017HOPE Bristol 2018 is a five-day youth led mission (3 to 7 April 2018) partnering local churches with around 800 young people from across the country to show God's love in practical ways across Bristol. Over the five-day mission, teams of yo
St. Chad's Patchway wins Church School Award
First published 15th May 2011We are extremely proud to announce that St. Chad's Patchway C. of E. Primary School in South Gloucestershire has been named as Wales and West Regional Winner of the Church School Awards 2011!"
Review of Education Capital - Sebastian James Report
First published 15th May 2011This Review was commissioned by the Secretary of State for Education in 2010. It was led by Sebastian James, the Director of Operations for Dixons plc.
Spiritual leadership
First published 27th June 2011This presentation was given by Revd Canon David Hoyle at the Diocese's Headteachers' Conference on 6 May 2011.
Creative play with the Scrapstore Playpod in Pucklechurch
First published 5th July 2011The Scrapstore Playpod has revolutionised play at Pucklechurch Primary School. It essentially allows them to use manufacturing offcuts such as tubes, nets and hoops in their creative play.
Bristol NW Foodbank meets physical and spiritual needs
First published 31st August 2011With Harvest approaching, one woman's initiative in setting up a "foodbank" in north-west Bristol embodies God's spiritual and physical provision.
Introduction: After the riots...
First published 1st September 2011When rioting and looting ignited in London on 6 August and swept across England for almost four days, the nation and wider world stopped in shock to ask what was going on in our society.
Faith and worship at St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School
First published 14th September 2011St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School have launched anew website which includes a compelling summary and presentation about the role of faith and worship in their school life.
A Christmas sketch
First published 6th December 2011So, what is the nativity?
Brilliant New Collective Worship Site
First published 9th December 2011From the National Society: http://www.worshipworkshop.org.uk/
New Sikhism lesson plans for Awareness, Mystery and Value (Bristol LA)
First published 30th January 20128 lesson plans to cover Key Stage 2 Unit 10
Lay Ministers encouraged to preach a radical message
First published 20th February 2012Around 350 people joined Bishop Lee in the Bristol Cathedral on Saturday 18th February to witness the licensing of nine new lay ministers and the welcome of another new lay minister from Oxford Diocese.
Spiritual Development - progression in spirituality
First published 28th February 2012Inspectors also evaluate how well the school promotes the pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Key Stage 2 lesson plan: How should we live and who can inspire us?
First published 22nd March 2012Six lesson plans to coverKS2 Unit 9:How should we live and who can inspire us?
Olympics needn't be an Olympic task: advice and resources
First published 22nd March 2012With the London 2012 fast approaching in July and August, every community will be touched by the Games, and every church can play their part.
Bishops thank parishes for "playing their part"
First published 26th March 2012Bishop Mike and Bishop Lee have written to each parish in the Diocese reflecting on what has been achieved for the Kingdom of God in the last year.
After the riots (3)... in the riot van
First published 12th September 2011In the third of our "After the riots" series, Andy Paget, the senior police chaplain to Avon & Somerset Police reflects on the role of a chaplain in the middle of the riots conflict.
Jimmy Rocks, an evangelist at heart
First published 13th July 2011Jimmy Rocks is an Ordained Pioneer Minister at St Michael's Stoke Gifford and is motivated by a desire that others may come to know Jesus Christ as he did.
Come to us, or go to them?
First published 12th July 2011Here's an excellent video for your youth group.
After the riots (1)... the Church's response?
First published 2nd September 2011The riots in early August led people to ask fundamental questions about our society and culture. As a Church, how do we respond?
After the riots (2)... what young people think
First published 4th September 2011In the second of our "After the riots" series, Jim Davis of the Children's Society reflects on the differing responses of young people... and adults.
After the riots (4)... love thy neighbour
First published 19th September 2011In the fourth of our "After the riots" series of articles, Simon Bale, one of the Diocese's Social Responsibility Officers who is part of the ISR team, argues for the role of the Church in healing our neighbourhoods.
After the riots (5)... what about wealth?
First published 26th September 2011In the penultimate article of our After the riots series, Simon Topping challenges us to step back and be challenged by the radical notions in the Gospel of justice.
David Stevens, a life transformed, even until death
First published 17th January 2012Over the last year, David Stevens has shared how God transformed his life in a series of videos, right up to the point of his death this month.
I am becoming more convinced that 'lead...
First published 24th January 2012I am becoming more convinced that 'leadership' is the combination of 3 things.
RE and Reasoning Skills (Key Stage 3 / Key Stage 4)
First published 6th February 2012This presentation by RE specialist Dilywn Hunt explores reasons and reasoning, and how to help pupils marshal an argument.
Raising the profile of RE in your school
First published 6th February 2012A presentation on raising the profile of RE in your school from the 2012 SACRE conference by Dilwyn Hunt.
Teaching Christianity Well: The Key Ideas behind the Christian Story for Key Stage 2
First published 6th February 2012Ideas and resources for Key Stage 2 on explaining key themes in Christian belief and practice.
RE Through Games and Drama: the role of the RE Co-ordinator EYFS + KS1
First published 6th February 2012A presentation on RE through games and drama and the role of the RE-cordinator at EYFS and KS1 from the 2012 SACRE conference by Margaret James.
Assessment for Learning in RE (Key Stage 3 / Key Stage 4)
First published 6th February 2012Three presentations on Assessment for Learning in RE from the 2012 SACRE conference, by Esther Messinger, Julian Selman and Leah Osborne.
Getting to grips with AT2 to raise attainment in RE
First published 6th February 2012A presentation on getting to grips with AT2 to raise attainment in RE from the 2012 SACRE conference by Dilwyn Hunt.
Bishop's letter: Changing seasons through Lent
First published 6th February 2012This month Bishop Lee invites us to embrace Lent as a time for necessary endings so we can truly experience God's new beginnings.
Happy Who-mas?
First published 12th November 2013Three in five people polled say that Christmas is mainly for children. Its a sad fact therefore that 36% of children between ages 5 and 7 dont know whose birthday were celebrating on 25 December.
I was chatting with Tim Harle recently, ...
First published 12th March 2012I was chatting with Tim Harle recently, one of the leaders of the Voyage Leadership Programme, and we were reflecting on how few female writers on leadership there are.
My brush with the law
First published 8th May 2014On a day off, I decided to make a painting. I found a bench in the shade and made a picture of a street scene, omitting the police station sign which the observant artist had failed to notice.
Internet users warned of sex offending risks
First published 25th March 2012Avid internet users are being warned about the risks and dangers of online surfing in unknown areas.
Creative prayer ideas
First published 26th June 2011Are you in need of ideas for making prayer time during all-age services and children's work more engaging?
After the riots (6)... a time to act
First published 30th September 2011In the final article in our After the riots series, City Canon, Tim Higgins, issues a rallying cry to the local church.
Psalm 22.1&7-8; Daily reflections for Lent, Mar 22
First published 22nd March 2012My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?
The Diocese of Bristol - "a hopeful place indeed"
First published 9th November 2011Six months into her new role as an Archdeacon, Christine Froude reflects on what she has seen so far around the Diocese.
Bishop Mike explores Fairtrade in Uganda
First published 6th February 2011Bishop Mike visited a Ugandan tea plantation to discover what difference Fairtrade might make in developing countries.
Thy Kingdom Come - Take Part
First published 15th March 2017Thy Kingdom Come 25 May to 4 June 2017Join the global wave of prayer: Praying as churches, families and individuals that people come to know Jesus Christ.
The Bristol DAC Awards Scheme
First published 16th November 2016The Diocesan Advisory Committee forms a key part of the process by which parishes develop proposals for their buildings and obtain consent to carry out work.
Bishop's Letter: Holy disruption and the prayer Jesus taught
First published 20th February 2016This month Bishop Lee reminds us that God's Kingdom is often unsettling and messy. If we are going to pray Your Kingdom come in spirit and in truth let us be ready to welcome rather than resist this.
Llamas stop traffic as they make their way to church service
First published 20th January 2017Llamas carrying wise men took part in a special service at All Saints Church, Bristol. The animals were part of the Epiphany celebrations at the Clifton church.
'Too much politics'
First published 18th May 2017With the up-coming General Election next month, the Revd Canon Professor Martin Gainsborough, Canon Theologian at Bristol Cathedral, shares his thoughts on what we need to live in harmony with others. [Readings: Acts 7: 55 to end
Walking with our children in faith
First published 8th October 2015On the day I was pretty nervous. We had to stand at the front of the church and explain why we were choosing to be baptised. We said it in our own words.Back in the summer, five members of the same family - Dad Matt, Callum (17), Alby (9), Jack (5) a
#justpray
First published 2nd December 2015A new website aimed at encouraging people to pray has been released by the Church of England.
Q&A with David Hoyle, new Dean of Bristol
First published 7th June 2010"What would my super power be? I sing like a walrus, I want to sing like an angel."
Lee Barnes
First published 22nd June 2010Lee Barnes was ordained Deacon in 2009 and ordained Priest a year later. He is a curate at Malmesbury.
Hilary Blancharde
First published 22nd June 2010Hilary Blancharde was ordained Deacon in 2009 and priested in July 2010. She is curate of Holy Trinity Horfield.
Jo Northey
First published 22nd June 2010Jo Northey was ordained Deacon in July 2009 and priested in 2010. She is curate at Christ Church Swindon.
Caroline Yandell
First published 22nd June 2010Caroline Yandell was ordained Deacon in 2009 and priested in 2010. She is currently serving her curacy in Henleaze.
Tanya Lord
First published 22nd June 2010Tanya Lord was ordained Deacon in 2009 and priest in July 2010. She is curate of St Matthew and St Nathanael, Kingsdown.
Shirley Danby
First published 29th June 2010Shirley Danby was ordained deacon in July 2009 and will be priested on 3 July 2010. She serves as a curate in the Upper Thames Group of parishes in North Wiltshire.
Martin Gordon, A life lived in community
First published 30th June 2010There are a number of different perspectives from which ordination can be approached, and here Martin Gordon, who has worked in politics and international development, gives us an insight into the way his belief in community has underpinned his path to ordination.
Martin Gainsborough, From Vietnam to Barton Hill, university lecturer prepares for ordination
First published 30th June 2010Martin Gainsborough lectures in Politics at Bristol University, with a special interest is Vietnamese politics.
Barrie Green
First published 30th November 2009Barrie Green was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of St Pauls Parish in Bristol on Sunday 1st November.
Ruan Crew, Bristol student comes home
First published 30th June 2010Graduating from Bristol University he spent two years English teaching and Evangelism in Poland, followed by a move to the Netherlands with Dutch
Steve Wilkinson, out of the comfort zone
First published 30th June 2010Steve Wilkinson knows what it is like to live a life where he is consistently challenged to step out of his comfort zone.
Alice Kemp, life in all its fullness
First published 30th June 2010Alice Kemp has had a challenging few years juggling training for ministry with caring for her disabled son and running a small business.
Matt Trendall, from rat race to a different reality
First published 30th June 2010Matt Trendall felt some sort of calling to ministry aged 21 but had a strong desire to go out into the real world first.
Leighton Carr, From House Builder to Church Builder
First published 1st July 2010Leighton Carr, Architect, seeker, teacher, designer, problem solver, imaginer, communicator and now ...Priest in the Church of England.
Creative curriculum planning
First published 31st August 2010Here are some tools to help with the planning of your RE lessons for Key Stages 1 and 2, connecting them with themes which will span the whole curriculum.
Changing poverty and injustice
First published 31st August 2010Here is some KS2 material which can be used to prompt discussion about poverty and injustice, and how and why Christians address these issues.
Beyond the grave
First published 31st August 2010Here are two resources to help consider the topic of death and what Christians believe happens after death.
The environment and religious beliefs
First published 31st August 2010Here are some resources to help consider questions about the environment and a variety of religious beliefs.
Anne Frank teaching material
First published 12th September 2010We have produced a range of lesson plans on the theme of Why did Anne Frank go into hiding?
Celebrating festivals
First published 12th September 2010What happens when Year 6 students feel that they have heard the same story, the same way, every year at festival time?
Erica Bebb
First published 22nd June 2010Erica Bebb was ordained Deacon in July 2009 and priested on 3 July 2010. She is a curate at Sea Mills. Here she reflects gratefully on the opportunity for ordination.
St Stephen's reveals Reconciliation Reredos
First published 1st February 2011On Friday 21st January a piece of art history and hope for the future was unveiled in St Stephens Church, Bristol, with the Reconciliation Reredos.
A policy for Relationships and Sex Education
First published 4th February 2011This is a sample policy about Relationships and Sex Education which Church Schools can take and adapt.
Mission through partnership in East Bristol
First published 5th February 2011Revd Trevor Denley, an Ordained Local Minister in the East Bristol Partnership, gives an account of an Anglican and a Methodist Church working together in mission.
The Lord's Prayer
First published 15th April 2011These two PowerPoints present the Lord's Prayer, one traditional and the other a modern take on Jesus's words in Luke 11:1-4.
Key Stage 2 lesson plan: What can we learn from the life and teaching of Jesus?
First published 22nd March 2012Ten lesson plans to cover KS2 Unit 2: What can we learn from the life and teaching of Jesus? for the Awareness, Mystery and Value scheme of work.
Canon Nick Hay
First published 30th November 2009Nick Hay was one of a number of clergy starting new roles in the Diocese over November 2009.
Hearing God's call, Chris Owen's and Helen Baber's stories
First published 11th May 2010Each year, dozens of people in the Diocese of Bristol are putting themselves forward for ordination or Licensed Lay Ministry.
Bishop's Letter; To sell or not to sell? The messy business of ethical investment
First published 25th September 2012This month Bishop Lee reflects on the work of the Ethical Investment Advisory Group and the decision to sell shares in News Corporation.
“Mixed economy†yields growth in Almondsbury
First published 4th February 2011As part of our Growth in Numbers series, Revd Philip Rowe tells how a "mixed economy" approach in Almondsbury, north of Bristol, has seen more people engaging in the life of the church.
10 ideas for rethinking Sunday School with youth
First published 29th March 2011This is a challenging article from the wonderful RETHINKING YOUTH MINISTRY.
Ministry Experience Scheme (MES)
First published 17th May 2017Do you want to explore whether God is calling you to ministry in the Church of England by gaining experience of what it is really like?
Update on St Michael on the Mount without
First published 3rd February 2017Representatives from the Diocese of Bristol, the Church Commissioners, Historic England and Bristol City Council met again at the end of January to progress work and plans on St Michael on the Mount without following the fire in October 2016.
Lesson plans: What does it mean to belong to a religion? ISLAM
First published 14th May 2013This unit explores aspects of festivals, celebrations, practices and communities and the beliefs to which they relate.
Dedicated to the cause
First published 23rd March 2015All the pain, betrayal, hate and everything else that I had bottled up over the years vanished like a popped balloon.I was raised in a Christian family and although my childhood was happy I was incredibly shy. In my teenage years, my closest friend m
An all-age Easter talk
First published 13th April 2011An inclusive All-age Easter talk involving children and young people...Buy some plastic Easter Eggs - the kind that open so that you can put things inside.
Gospel reflection
First published 14th April 2011This reflective podcast for young people was recorded for Clifton Diocese in Lent 2011. It is based on John 5.
Accessible confirmation service in Chippenham
First published 19th May 2016Three people have been confirmed at an accessible confirmation service at St Peter's Church, Chippenham.
Thank Your Vicar Week
First published 27th July 2016Church of England parishes and primary schools are getting Thank Your Vicar Week 16-23 October in the school or parish diary, when they will be celebrating the vital contribution their clergy make to the community.
Annual C in the Park service brings churches together
First published 18th July 2016Churches from across Bristol have taken part in an annual open air church service in a Downend park.
Lessons from the Peloton
First published 27th July 2016In this lighter summertime piece, Bishop Lee looks at the sport of road cycling to draw some parallels with what is expected of Christian disciples.
A Season of Invitation begins
First published 15th September 2016This month sees the start of A Season of Invitation, with people being encouraged to invite friends and families to special services at their church.
A time to speak
First published 27th July 2016There is no doubt that the events in Nice that have emerged overnight have sickened and horrified the people of this Diocese and the people of this nation.
Bishop's Letter: Protecting our children: the dark arts of negative influence…
First published 28th April 2015My heart skipped a beat when I heard on the radio earlier today that 10% of 12-13 year old children fear that they may have an addiction to pornography and a similar proportion have actually taken part in a sexually explicit video clip.
Sharing what works
First published 9th July 2019In September 2017, after much consultation and planning, work got underway on a project to Re-ignite St Andrews in Avonmouth, Bristol.
Bidding for Success - securing funding for your church project
First published 9th July 2019Reports and resources from the day.
Church & Environment Conference: 14 April 2018
First published 9th July 2019Diocesan Conference - 14th April 2018
Celebrating Bristol NW CAP Debt Centre
First published 22nd August 2019Celebrating the work of the Bristol NW CAP Debt Centre .
