Here you can find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol.
News and updates
Recent increase in roof metal theft
First published 22nd January 2019Over the past few weeks the Secretary to the DAC has received reports of metal theft, which has affected a number of churches in the Diocese of Bristol. This is not just a local problem.
The Journey - theatrical telling of the Christmas story
First published 22nd December 2018On the 9 December, people from across Swindon gathered for two performances of an immense, immersive theatrical telling of the Christmas story.
Church toddler group proves hit after first session
First published 22nd May 2017A new toddler group at St John the Baptist, Colerne, is already proving a success after its first session. This month the church launched Sparkles, aimed at children under five, and has already seen 26 children come along.
Pray for toddler groups
First published 25th May 2018Just imagine if your church discovered a way to effectively engage with over 50% of the local community. Just imagine if half of the young families in your area came along every week.
Christmas Greetings and office opening times
First published 20th December 2018Happy Christmas from the Diocesan Support Services team! Thank you to all who work so hard in our churches and communities - may you have a peaceful and blessed Christmas.
A Christmas message from Bishop Viv
First published 20th December 2018This Christmas message was originally given as at the Christmas Day Eucharist at Bristol Cathedral 2019.
Liz Townend appointed next Diocesan Director of Education
First published 13th December 2018Liz Townend has been appointed as the next Diocesan Director of Education and will take up her post on 1 March 2019, following the retirement of John Swainston.
Understanding Faith Journeys
First published 12th December 2018God with us. The 2018 Faith Journeys research, conducted by 9DOT for the Church of England, explores how people become aware of God's presence, are attracted to it, respond to it and are ultimately transformed by it.
Connections: Positive Parenting
First published 12th December 2018Being a parent is one of lifes greatest joys, but it is also one of its biggest challenges. There's hardly a mum or dad on earth who, at times, is not overawed by the task of parenting.
Very Revd Vivienne Faull announced as the Bishop of Bristol
First published 15th May 2018Her Majesty the Queen has appointed the Very Revd Vivienne Faull, currently Dean of York, as the 57th Bishop of Bristol.
Advance2020 - the gift of evangelism and a year of outreach
First published 12th December 2018Through Evangelist Group Mentoring Advance2020 are committed to equipping and empowering those who have a desire to prioritise the sharing of the gospel, be it from a stage or a one-to-one conversation.
Where are we on our Parish Share journey?
First published 25th June 2018Over the coming weeks your church will receive its Parish Share request for 2019. So how far have we come as a Diocese, and where are we heading on our shared Parish Share journey?
Church looking for groups to develop community hub in Bristol
First published 5th December 2018Organisations and charities are being invited by a Bristol church put forward ideas of how it can develop a hub for the city.Members of St Stephen's Church's PCC want to hear from groups who would be interested in forming a partnership with them
Diocesan vision and mission gets Synod backing
First published 20th November 2018Members of Diocesan Synod have overwhelmingly backed the plans and priorities for mission in the Diocese of Bristol for 2019.
Celebration to mark launch of new Swindon church
First published 28th November 2018Community and church leaders will celebrate the launch of a new church for Swindon this week.The civic service will take place at Pattern Church, which will be housed in the former Pattern Store. Services will take place at the location throughout De
Revd Christopher Bryan appointed Archdeacon of Malmesbury
First published 25th November 2018Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is delighted to announce the appointment of Revd Christopher Bryan as the new Archdeacon of Malmesbury.
Caring for Creation in Wroughton
First published 23rd October 2019During September, the parish of Wroughton and Wichelstowe joined churches around the country in celebrating the Season of Creation, with teaching and liturgy designed to help explore the diversity and wonder of God's creation.
Cycle of Prayer for the ministry of the Diocese
First published 20th November 2018Prayer is an amazing gift which strengthens our relationship with God; it has the power to change us and the world around us.
Walk and Pray in Your Community
First published 15th November 2018When did you last take a walk through your parish, praying for the people whose homes you pass and asking God to open hearts?
Podcast connects people with God in everyday life
First published 21st November 2018A new podcast and video series aims to help Christians grow as disciples in their daily walk with God.The fortnightly podcast, called Connection, has been created by Revd Hywel Snook, Associate Vicar in Yate, and Justin Blackett.
Parish Share 2019
First published 21st November 2018Diocesan Synod agreed overwhelmingly that Parish Share must continue to be a priority for parishes if the Diocese of Bristol is to achieve its ambitions for ongoing ministry across the Diocese.
Demonstrating the heart of Mothers' Union in Prisons
First published 16th November 2018To mark Prisons Week last month, members of the Bristol branch of Mothers' Union have been sharing how they have been working in different ways through the Prison Service.
A God who keeps His promises - Revd Christopher Bryan
First published 13th November 2018As we approach the season of Advent, Revd Christopher Bryan considers where Christians find their hope:It is dark inside the church, and hushed, but with the background rustling and breathing of many people waiting in silence. A match is struck,
Diocesan Synod - November 2018
First published 12th November 2018The next meeting of the Diocesan Synod will be on Saturday 17 November at Freshbrook Church, Swindon. This will be a full day session.
Connections: Dementia Friendly Cafe
First published 9th November 2018People living with dementia in Clifton have been given a safe place to meet and chat.All Saints Church in Clifton runs a dementia accessible cafe, Friends on Friday, for people with dementia, along with their family and friends.
Connections: Football Focus
First published 9th November 2018Sports ministry through football is helping the church in Lockleaze to connect with its community. Revd Dave Jeal, vicar at St James Lockleaze and chaplain for Bristol Rovers, is encouraging congregations to form their own teams.
Nation's bells to ring out together to mark Armistice Centenary
First published 19th October 2018On 11 November 2018, 100 years since Armistice, bells will ring out in unison from churches and cathedrals in villages, towns and cities across the country.
#FollowTheStar - Christmas 2018
First published 1st November 2018#FollowTheStar, the Church of Englands national Advent and Christmas campaign for 2018, is inviting people across the country to experience the Christmas journey this year.
As one door closes, another opens: A thank you from Christine Froude
First published 1st November 2018Ive said that so often to people facing changes in their lives.The certainty that, no matter how much we may want to we cant keep looking back over our shoulder at what was, for if we do we miss what lies ahead, what God has in store for us.Im tellin
The Genuine Spirit of Christmas - Revd Sheila Melot
First published 1st November 2018Revd Sheila Melot, Seniors Minister at B&A Church, asks what our Christmas services are saying to our communities.
Simplicity beyond complexity - Revd Lee Barnes
First published 23rd October 2018Revd Lee Barnes, Priest-in-charge of Holy Trinity, Hotwells and St Stephen's Bristol, on rediscovering confidence in the good news of Jesus.
50th church joins the Parish Giving Scheme
First published 23rd October 2018Over the past year, churches of all shapes and sizes have embraced the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) - and this week sees the 50th church in the Diocese offer this new method of planned giving to their congregation.
Service of Welcome and Enthronement for Bishop of Bristol
First published 20th October 2018The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, was formally welcomed to the Diocese at a service in Bristol Cathedral this weekend. Representatives of churches and communities from across the Diocese gathered to witness her enthronement.
Making Disciples: Dice and PCCs
First published 24th September 2018Has your PCC discussed 'Making disciples in your parish' yet? Making disciples in your parish seeks to resource and support parishes in developing mission and ministry in some key areas of church life.
Appointment of new Chaplain to the Bishop of Bristol
First published 17th October 2018Bishop Vivienne Faull is delighted to announce that Revd Canon Prof Martin Gainsborough has been appointed as Chaplain to the Bishop of Bristol from 1 January 2019.He will succeed Revd Paul van Rossum, who is retiring at the end of the year.
Folk-based album based on Psalms released by Bristol vicar and son
First published 11th October 2018Bristol vicar - and award-winning composer - Steven Faux has teamed up with his son, Clem, to produce a new album. You Are is a contemporary folk-based album of songs based on the Book of Psalms and is the fourth in a series of albums.
Graham Archer seconded as Acting Archdeacon of Malmesbury
First published 4th October 2018Revd Canon Graham Archer, Director of Ministry at CPAS, has been seconded as Acting Archdeacon of Malmesbury. Following Ven Christine Froudes retirement on 30 September 2018.
St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze wins National Lottery support
First published 2nd October 2018We are delighted to announce that St Marys Church Lydiard Tregoze, which lies on the western edge of Swindon in historic Lydiard Park, has received a confirmed National Lottery grant award from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
New Stewardship and Fundraising guides
First published 25th September 2018Three newly published guides are available to support your church's stewardship and fundraising activities.
Thy Kingdom Come: The story so far...
First published 25th September 2018FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS BETWEEN ASCENSION AND PENTECOST, MILLIONS OF CHRISTIANS ACROSS THE WORLD HAVE UNITED IN PRAYER FOR OTHERS TO COME TO FAITH IN CHRIST. THIS MOVEMENT IS CALLED THY KINGDOM COME.
Church reimagined for new generation as doors reopen after 60 years
First published 25th September 2018Community and church leaders will celebrate the re-opening of St Nicholas Church on Baldwin Street as it prepares to welcome its first visitors this coming Sunday.
Could you be the next Archdeacon of Malmesbury?
First published 20th September 2018Enabling mission across a varied area as part of a changing senior team. We're looking for the next Archdeacon of Malmesbury, to bring passion, energy and focus as they work with an archdeaconry that includes every kind of ministry context.
Who do you say that I am? - Revd Canon Prof Martin Gainsborough
First published 17th September 2018Revd Canon Prof Martin Gainsborough, Canon Theologian at Bristol Cathedral, asks how God acts.I want to tell you about Carol not her real name. Carol is in her 30s.
An Eco Christmas tree
First published 2nd December 2019Going green proved the inspiration for members of St Martin's in Knowle when it came time to decorate the church building for Christmas. Clare Hensmen tells us how they came up with the idea - and how other churches could easily do something similar:
Youthwork Sunday launched
First published 17th September 2018Do you want to get your church thinking and praying about young people?Do you want them to join in with celebrating what God is doing in young people's lives, and dream about what else might be possible?
Bristol Cursillistas attend annual National Ultreya
First published 17th September 2018Four Cursillistas from Bristol Anglican Cursillo attended the annual National Ultreya in Chelmsford during September. Angela Smith, Lay Director, reflects on the gathering.
Bishops adopt international definition of antisemitism
First published 13th September 2018The bishops of the Church of England have formally adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
Street Pastors looking for new volunteers
First published 11th September 2018Could you take to the streets of Bristol on a Friday or Saturday night to help those enjoying an evening on the town? Street Pastors in Bristol is looking for more volunteers to join them as they patrol the city's streets.
Time for a Change - Revd Dr Emma Ineson
First published 7th September 2018As we enter a new season, Revd Dr Emma Ineson, Principal of Trinity College Bristol and Bishop Designate of Penrith, thinks about life's many changes.Change is in the air.
Hundreds turn out for first Big Green Picnic
First published 5th September 2018Picnickers packed up their hampers for the first Big Green Picnic in Bristol this summer. More than 200 people headed to College Green to tuck into their environmentally-friendly lunches and to hear from speakers.
Photo exhibition at Cathedral captures poignance of war graves
First published 24th August 2018Bristol Cathedral will be hosting a significant photography exhibition this autumn, remembering those who lost their lives in the First World War.
New website to help keep historic churches safe
First published 24th August 2018MaintenanceBooker is a new website set up to help keep historic churches safe for the future. Set up by the National Churches Trust and 2buy2, MaintenanceBooker helps churches to prevent problems such as leaking roofs and crumbling stonework. Churche
Things I have learned - Chris Priddy
First published 14th August 2018Chris Priddy took up the post of Head of Parish and External Relations at the Diocese of Bristol on 1 September 2015. Here he reflects on his experience during the last three years.
Running the Race - Revd Canon Nicola Stanley
First published 21st August 2018Following a summer of sport, Revd Canon Nicola Stanley, Precentor of Bristol Cathedral, reflects on the link between Christians and athletes.
Becoming a Dementia-Friendly Church
First published 20th August 2018A new resource pack has been put together by Churches Together in Bristol which aims to bring together a variety of tools and information which may be of use in helping churches to become more dementia friendly.
New resource to support Stats for Mission Annual Return
First published 17th August 2018Behind every statistic captured by the National Church's Annual Return is a human being encountering and worshipping God.
Journey's End - Remembrance film screening for churches
First published 17th August 2018As part of the British commemoration of the First World War centenary, a film adaptation of the play Journey's End by R. C. Sherriff was filmed and released.
School opera celebrates church bells in Almondsbury
First published 17th August 2018Pupils at two schools have performed a new opera celebrating the restoration of the set of bells in St Marys Almondsbury.
St Alban Choir
First published 4th February 2018A church choir is making connections with the community.St Alban Choir, based at The Church in Westbury Park, currently sees 30 children and adults singing in at least one service every week.
Have your say on plans for growth at Frenchay CE Primary
First published 16th August 2018South Gloucestershire Council is asking for comments on plans to expand Frenchay CE VC Primary School and transfer it to a new site.There are currently proposals to increase the number of places available at the school from 140 to 420 with
Lament and the Rawness of Pain - Revd Sheila Melot
First published 13th August 2018In our latest blog, Revd Sheila Melot, Seniors Minister at B&A Church, explores the experience of grief:The Christian faith embraces Good Friday and Easter Sunday: grief and death, then joy and new life. But sometimes ones personal experienc
Become a governor at a Church of England School
First published 9th August 2018Could you volunteer and become a school governor? Do you want to make a difference to the lives of children, young people and your local community? Do you enjoy working as part of a team? Are you willing to challenge and ask questions?
Saying Goodbye service
First published 16th August 2018A special service for parents to remember children who have been lost is taking place at Malmesbury Abbey in September.The Saying Goodbye Services are remembrance services for people who have lost a child at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in inf
Alpha and Omega - Canon David Froude
First published 8th August 2018Canon David Froude, Chair of the House of Laity, Bristol Diocesan Synod, reflects on endings - and new beginnings. I know someone who hates goodbyes. So much so that often those words are avoided, face to face is minimised, and we move on quickly.
Autumn and Winter Aid Appeal for Syria, Lebanon and Iraq
First published 7th August 2018During September The Church in Westbury Park is asking for peeople to bring items and money to be sent to those in the most dire need in refugee camps in Syria and Iraq.Below is a list of those items which are needed.
Ride and Stride 2018
First published 7th August 2018This year's annual Ride+Stride event, which takes place throughout Wiltshire on Saturday 8 September, is the perfect chance to visit some of the county's beautiful churches.
Ability Sunday 2018 - Celebrating Gifts
First published 7th August 2018Churches are being invited to join together and mark out 9 September for Ability Sunday a special day in their community.
Revd Canon Michael Roden announced as new Canon Chancellor
First published 6th August 2018Bristol Cathedral has announced the appointment of Revd Canon Michael Roden as Canon Chancellor.
Bristol's Big Green Picnic
First published 30th July 2018Working with Bristol Cathedral were hosting an environmentally-friendly picnic on College Green and wed love for you to join us! 11.30AM - 2PM WEDNESDAY 29 AUGUST 2018 College Green, Bristol.
A new Heaven and a new Earth - Canon Professor Martin Gainsborough
First published 25th July 2018Canon Professor Martin Gainsborough, a member of General Synod for the Diocese of Bristol, assesses General Synods vote on disinvestment.
Life to the Little Max
First published 24th July 2018Back in June, a small group of clergy children from Bristol Diocese met others from Bath and Wells for a fun day out at Crealy Adventure Park in North Devon.Called Little Max, the day trip was organised to build on the current pastoral supp
Celebrating all God's people - Revd Mat Ineson
First published 12th July 2018Revd Mat Ineson, Vicar at St Mary's Stoke Bishop, on equipping the people of God to minister to the world. The beginning of July was special for Bristol Diocese. We celebrated ordinations to the offices of Deacon, Priest and Bishop.
Consecration of Vivienne Faull as Bishop of Bristol
First published 12th July 2018The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull was consecrated as the 56th Bishop of Bristol by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, in a service at St Paul's Cathedral, London, on 3 June.
Archdeacon's Visitation Charge to Churchwardens
First published 18th June 2018"Searching through my bedside cabinet I came across an old birthday card from my parents the last one I received that they had both signed."
New worship and prayer materials to commemorate First World War
First published 27th June 2018The Church of England has launched new worship and prayer resources to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.
Mossy Church brings families closer to God and nature
First published 27th July 2016Families have been getting back to nature as they celebrated a new church service in the great outdoors.Children and adults from Wroughton Parish Church ventured into Kings Farm Wood on Sunday as they looked to encounter God through the natural world.
Mossy Church brings families closer to God and nature
First published 14th July 2016Families have been getting back to nature as they celebrated a new church service in the great outdoors.Children and adults from Wroughton Parish Church ventured into Kings Farm Wood on Sunday as they looked to encounter God through the natural world.
Alex Gregory, a year 11 Student from St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School reflects on valuable lesson
First published 27th April 2012Reflection by Alex Gregory, Year 11, who, along with Georgia Cooke, visited Ikoba February 2012.
Groups from Bristol visiting Uganda
First published 13th July 2012Jimmy Rocks, Curate at St Michael's Stoke Gifford, is currently leading a team of young people in Ankole Diocese. They are travelling across the diocese and sharing faith and life in different secondary schools.
New Micro-Finance initiative in Kitgum
First published 16th July 2012Five Talentsrecently started a new micro-finance project in Kitgum, North Uganda. Kitgum has been linked to Bristol West Deanery for many years and we have helped to support them through some of the traumas associated with the LRA.
Ugandan visitors light up Bristol West Deanery
First published 16th July 2012Bristol West Deanery hosted Bishop Johnson Gakumba and two other visitors from the Diocese of Northern Uganda for 18 days in May 2012.
Young people returning from Uganda with renewed faith
First published 27th July 2012July 2012 and a group of 13 young people and leaders from St Michael, Stoke Gifford travelled to Mbarara in Uganda as part of the Bristol Uganda Diocesan link.
Golden moment for Uganda
First published 13th August 2012Bristol Uganda Link congratulates Stephen Kiprotich on his outstanding achievement in gaining a Gold medal in the 2012 London Olympic Marathon.
Visit to the Diocese of Northern Uganda Gulu
First published 4th September 2012Keren Lewis visited Gulu in June 2012 as part of the Bristol West Uganda link, she writes: I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit the Diocese of Northern Uganda for 3 days this June.
Christian Aid Tax Bus visits College Green
First published 6th September 2012On Monday 3rd September the Christian Aid Tax Bus stopped off in Bristol.
Doctor and Lawyer visit Uganda
First published 17th September 2012Caroline Yandell and Sarah Thomas from Bristol West Deanery are spending three weeks in Uganda building relationships and sharing learning from the 20th September 2012.
Climate Change - an alternative view!
First published 17th September 2012Paul Kerensa, resident comedian with Operation Noah, gives a different take on Climate Change... it makes you think!
Latest news from Caroline and Sarah
First published 3rd October 2012Caroline Yandell and Sarah Thomas from St Peter's Church, Henleaze are currently spending three weeks in Uganda dividing their time between Mukono and Gulu, half way through their trip they give a brief update.
Further news from Caroline and Sarah in Gulu
First published 11th October 2012A brief update on our adventures in Uganda...Caroline Yandell and Sarah Thomas are spending 3 weeks in Uganda as part of our Diocesan link.
Museveni's Prayer
First published 19th October 2012I wonder how people in the UK would react if David Cameron were to pray a public prayer like this one that President Yoweri Museveni prayed in Namboole as part of the celebrations for 50 years of independence?
Church of Uganda welcomes new Archbishop
First published 12th November 20128th November 2012. Rev. Canon George Bagamuhunda, the Provincial Secretary for the Church of Uganda, has issued the following statement in response to the appointment of the Rt. Rev. Justin Welby as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.
Working together
First published 13th November 2012The Bristol-Uganda link is committed to working where possible with other partners to maximize the effectiveness of our links.
Over 120 clergy and lay leaders attend Leadership Conferences in Uganda
First published 1st February 2013A team from Bristol Diocese visited Uganda in January 2013 to lead two conferences reflecting on Christian leadership.
New book from the Archbishop of Uganda
First published 13th May 2013More than one wife.
New Agricultural Project in Northern Uganda
First published 13th May 2013Bristol Diocese has links with three diocese in North West Uganda through the Bristol West Deanery.
Floods in South Rwenzori
First published 15th May 2013Please pray for the Diocese of South Rwenzori.
North Wiltshire Team visiting Kigezi Diocese
First published 4th June 2013On Tuesday 4th June 6 members of North Wiltshire Deanery depart for Uganda for a two week visit to the Diocese of Kigezi.
When aid works and why - link to an article by our new Archbishop
First published 11th June 2013In April 2013 Archbishop Justin Welby wrote an interesting reflection on Aid .
Community and church development in Uganda
First published 30th July 2013Later this year Andrew Doarks and a small team from Bristol South Deanery will be visiting Mbale and North Mbale.
Seven Days, Seven Ascents!
First published 30th July 2013Jeanette Plumb our diocesan Safeguarding officer writes:If anyone hasnt got sponsorship overload & would like to donate to one of the Uganda projects supported by the Diocese.