5 April – Easter Day, Matthew 28.1-10 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2And
Year: 2026
Parish Accessibility Fund
The Church of England ‘Parish Accessibility Fund’ offered through the Disability Project aims to help parishes to enhance accessibility and inclusion for those who are Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent. https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/barrier-free-belonging/parish-accessibility-fund
‘Courage to care’ safeguarding day
A healthy church community is a space where people feel safe, valued, and comfortable exploring faith together. It’s deeply embedded in our calling as Christians to love and care for
Children to bury time capsule at St Lawrence
Children at St Lawrence Church, Lechlade have gathered materials to fill a time capsule to bury under the new floor as part of Project Inspire restoration and reordering scheme. The
General Synod February 2026 – Representatives’ Report for Deaneries
This report summarises the key discussions, decisions, and outcomes from the February 2026 sessions of the General Synod, highlighting matters of interest arising from representatives’ contributions. Introduction “This was another
Teenager leads digital ministry at ENC
A 17-year-old member of the worshipping community at Emmanuel Network Church (ENC) is helping to reshape the church’s worship and communications. Zach Callaghan has been volunteering his creative media skills
Message from Bishop Robert, 24 March 2026
Each year I try to spend most of Holy Week with one of our benefices, sharing the journey we take from Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, through to the Last Supper and betrayal on Maundy Thursday, standing by the cross on Good Friday, and then to the glimmering hope and joy of Easter morning with its promise of new life for all in the resurrection.
Understanding VAT Zero-Rating for Church Works
The Church of England has provided the following guidance following the closure of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS): ‘Most repairs, maintenance, and conservation work to churches are
Installation of Archbishop Sarah Mullally
More than two thousand people from across the country and around the world will attend the Installation of Archbishop Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury in Canterbury Cathedral
Palestine/Israel:British-Irish Parliamentary cooperation – calls for Government action
Bishop Rachel has signed the following letter, which sets out urgent concerns and specific requests to the Government regarding the deteriorating situation in Palestine and the need for immediate international
Appointment of the new Archdeacon of Gloucester
Bishop Rachel has today announced the appointment of the new Archdeacon of Gloucester, the Revd John Whittaker.
Open The Gospel – 29 March – Palm Sunday, Matthew 21.1-11
29 March – Palm Sunday, Matthew 21.1-11 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go
Justice, mercy and hope
Exploring how churches and Christian-based organisations might more deeply support people in prison and those returning to their communities.
Eco Church: Worship and Teaching
Continuing our reflection on the Eco Church categories as we work towards an Eco Office Silver award, this week we focus on Worship and Teaching. The Worship and Teaching category
Community Climate Change Fund available
Gloucestershire County Council’s Community Climate Change Fund is offering £100,000 in grant funding to communities across Gloucestershire to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle the impact of climate change. Eligible
The Rural Missioner’s Guild launches
The Arthur Rank Centre is delighted to announce the launch of the Rural Missioner’s Guild, a new ecumenical fellowship created to support, connect and encourage those involved in rural mission
“Choral singing has helped my faith grow”
For 11-year-old Evie, becoming a chorister at Gloucester Cathedral has strengthened her faith, her confidence, a sense of responsibility, and her musical talent.
Message from Bishop Rachel, 17 March 2026
Last month the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, told a security summit that the rules-based world order no longer exists.
Open The Gospel – 22 March – The Fifth Sunday of Lent, John 11.1 – 45
22 March – The Fifth Sunday of Lent, John 11.1 – 45 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2Mary was
Message from Bishop Robert, 10 March 2026
I find it slightly sobering to realise that it is almost forty years since I began training for ordination at Lincoln Theological College in September 1986. Though the college is
Churches unite for climate and nature
Seven churches from three deaneries came together at Holy Trinity Minchinhampton on 2 March for an Eco Church gathering, sharing ideas, prayer, and practical action to care for God’s creation.
A message from our bishops
At this year’s Chrism Eucharist, as we gather as a Diocese to renew our shared commitment to ministry, Bishop Rachel and I invite you to consider if you would join
Impact of Martyn’s Law on churches
Ecclesiastical Insurance has issued a guidance note on the impact on churches of The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, which came into force last
Open The Gospel – 15 March – The Fourth Sunday of Lent, John 9.1 – 41
15 March – The Fourth Sunday of Lent, John 9.1 – 41 As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this


