Yesterday in the Church’s calendar we marked the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (also known as Candlemas), 40 days after Christmas (Luke 2:22-40).
Author: Katherine Clamp
Message from Bishop Robert, 27 January
Telling a better story of Britain. Last week, at a meeting of the College of Bishops, we were challenged by Professor Luke Bretherton, Director of the McDonald Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Life at the University of Oxford …
Helen’s decade of service as a Link Officer
The Revd Helen Sammon, Diocesan Link Officer for our Western Tanganyika (DWT) partnership, has stepped down from her role after 10 years of dedicated service. She tells us about some
The life of a Waterways Chaplain
Charles Garven is a Waterways Chaplain and a Reader. He shares the everyday reality of his vocation as he lives, works and prays alongside the canal community. “The work of
Generations seeking stillness
Space, connection and silence were the focus for people at the latest Thriving Church event. 90 representatives from deaneries across the diocese gathered to consider the latest research into generational
Message from Bishop Rachel
Following this week’s meeting of the House of Bishops (referred to as HoB) and the issuing of a detailed statement ahead of the meeting of General Synod (referred to as GS) in February, I wanted to write something on behalf of myself and Bishop Robert to add something of our own perspective.
Record your church’s energy use
The Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) is now open for 2026 (to submit energy data from 2025). Completing the EFT is part of our shared journey to Net Zero Carbon —
Message from Bishop Rachel, 13 January 2026
Tomorrow I have a question in my name in the House of Lords, asking His Majesty’s Government ‘what assessment they have made of the impact of investment in early years
Sportily looks back on 2025
As we step into 2026, Sportily is looking forward in hopeful anticipation and looking back to celebrate all that was good in the previous year. Sportily is creating a network
Sharing faith this Lent
The most important thing is to be open and to be sharing the stories of Jesus at work in our lives with the people around us.
Chorister voice trials applications open
If you know a child who would jump at the opportunity to sing in the Gloucester Cathedral choir, chorister voice trials taking place in March could be a gateway to
Book club sparks confidence
St Catharine’s Church in Gloucester has started a book club to support and encourage those learning English who are part of the church community.
Message from Bishop Robert, 6 January 2026
As we step into this new year, Bishop Rachel and I want to begin by offering our thanks for your extraordinary hard work over the Christmas season.
Live nativity trail draws hundreds to Mickleton
A live animal nativity trail at St Lawrence Church, Mickleton attracted more than 400 people to hear the familiar Christmas story. Children were invited to be part of the experience,
Ecclesiastical’s stance on SmartWater
Ecclesiastical Insurance has asked us to share the following information about their stance on SmartWater. Cover is subject to external metal being protected and registered by SmartWater or an alternative
Carol service saved by Minor Repairs Fund
Holy Trinity Church, Tibberton re-opened in time for its Christmas carol service in a large part thanks to the Minor Repairs and Improvements Fund. When parts of the barrel nave
Living Christ’s mercy, justice and hope
An in-person event for organisations, churches and individuals wanting to deepen their involvement or develop a Christian response to people in prison and those leaving prison.
Youth Voices on justice
Bishop Rachel brought the voices and views of generation alpha about the criminal justice system to a gathering of law and policy makers
Message to our Jewish friends and neighbours
A message from Bishop Rachel and Bishop Robert to our Jewish friends and neighbours.
Message from Bishop Robert, 9 December 2025
For me, this last weekend was one full of joy and promise as I shared with two of our parishes in acts of worship that beautifully embodied the spirit of Advent.
CDM outcome: Tim Hastie-Smith
Bishop Rachel is pleased to share the following information with you: On 25 February 2025, the National Safeguarding Team announced that, following an independent process after the Makin review, it
Voices of Youth
‘Don’t build more prisons, provide more support, facilities and opportunities for young people’.
New guidance to help churches prove due regard to Net Zero Carbon
The Diocese of Gloucester’s Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) has published new guidance to help churches pay due regard to Church of England’s Net Zero Carbon ambition when making decisions or
