Jennie Johnson started as Director of the West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative (WMRJI) at the start of 2026.
Author: Katherine Clamp
Message from Bishop Robert, 2 June 2026
Having observed the great seasons of Lent and Easter, we now enter what the Church calls ‘Ordinary Time’.
Reflections from Bishop Rachel: Oranges and lemons
Reflections on the necessity of ‘both-and’ in standing against the actions of the government of Israel in relation to the people of Palestine, whilst also standing against antisemitism in the UK
Places of Worship Renewal Fund now open
The Places of Worship Renewal Fund established in place of the Listed Places of Worship VAT scheme is now open for applications. The announcement is on the DCMS website. We
Message from John Wittaker, Archdeacon of Gloucester Designate, 19 May 2026
John Wittaker has just started transitioning into his new role as Archdeacon of Gloucester, with a formal start in September. He shares this message for the week, as he starts
Message from Bishop Rachel, 5 May 2026
Our financial giving should never be about our left-over change, but it is always about transformational change…
Saying ‘yes’ to God
When the Revd Jo Pestell steps forward later this month to make a public vow of celibacy, she’ll be doing something rare, counter‑cultural and deeply personal. For the 54‑year‑old Gloucester
Statement in response to the rise of antisemitism in Britain
Bishop Rachel and the Bishops of Chelmsford, Norwich and Southwark have issued a joint statement condemning antisemitism.
82‑year‑old lifts weights to fund church heating
An 82‑year‑old former prison chaplain is proving you’re never too old to do some heavy lifting – by taking on a powerlifting challenge to raise money for his church.
Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 1926-2022
Today we hold before God the life and legacy of the late Queen, marking the centenary of her birth with gratitude and prayer.
Message from Bishop Rachel, 21 April 2026
As we live this season of Easter looking towards Ascension Day, followed ten days later by the Feast of Pentecost, I want to encourage us to consider how we might set aside those ‘in-between days’ to focus on prayer.
Thy Kingdom Come 2026
Commit to daily prayer for five people you know, asking that they might experience the life-changing love of God.
Ducks raise funds for accessible path
A much‑loved Longhope tradition returned to the village on Saturday 11 April, as the Friends of Longhope Church (FOLC) held their first Duck Race in more than 28 years. The
Message from Bishop Robert, 14 April 2026
Many of you will know of my appointment, beginning this month, as the Church of England’s Lead Safeguarding Bishop.
Bishop Rachel’s Easter sermon 2026
…Earthly misuse of power and ‘might is right’, has not had the final word – and amazingly neither even has the power of death
Bishop Rachel’s Chrism Eucharist Sermon 2026
Thank you to you for the many stories of transformation – small and large – which you carry into here today – stories which speak of the abundance of God’s love and grace.
Livestream for Chrism Eucharist 2026
All are invited to a special service on Thursday 2 April at 11am, led by the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, which will include the blessing of
Message from Bishop Rachel, 31 March
As we walk through this week and recall the events which took place in Jerusalem that first Holy Week, it is poignant to remember that this year there are wartime restrictions in place in that land.
Question time with Bishop Rachel and Baroness Boycott
As part of Women’s History Month, Bishop Rachel took part in a question and answer session with Baroness Boycott about the role of women in government.
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.
Appointment of the new Archdeacon of Gloucester
Bishop Rachel has today announced the appointment of the new Archdeacon of Gloucester, the Revd John Whittaker.
Justice, mercy and hope
Exploring how churches and Christian-based organisations might more deeply support people in prison and those returning to their communities.
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.
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
