Given at Gloucester Cathedral, 25 December 2025
Author: Katherine Clamp
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
Message from Bishop Robert, 11 November 2025
Stepping into the role of Lead Bishop for Safeguarding
Bishop Robert to be new Lead Safeguarding Bishop
Bishop Robert is to be the Church of England’s new Lead Safeguarding Bishop, taking over from Bishop Joanne Grenfell who leaves the role at the end of March 2026, when
Message from Bishop Robert, 14 October
Have you ever paused to consider how many statistics appear in the Bible? From the censuses in Numbers and Ezra, to the count of 153 fish in John, numbers are woven throughout Scripture. Some are symbolic, others practical—but all contribute to the rich tapestry of our faith story.
Bishops pray Gaza ceasefire deal brings immediate relief and comfort
A group of bishops with a close interest in the Holy Land have welcomed the Gaza peace deal, praying that it will “bring immediate relief and comfort”. The Bishop of
Message from Bishop Rachel, 7 October 2025
Last Friday I was glad to visit members of the Hebrew Synagogue in Cheltenham following the shocking attack on the synagogue in Manchester. Antisemitism is abhorrent and is leading to
Initial Lottery support for Blockley Church improvements
Blockley Church has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Building on Blockley’s History Project. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the project aims to
New General Synod representatives for the Diocese of Gloucester
We can share that one new member of the House of Clergy and one new member of the House of Laity have been elected to represent the Diocese of Gloucester
Bishop Rachel welcomes the announcement of the next Archbishop of Canterbury
As Bishop Sarah Mullally is announced as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop Rachel welcomes her appointment. Bishop Rachel said, “On this historic day, I warmly welcome Bishop Sarah’s
The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE to become 106th Archbishop of Canterbury
His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, Downing Street
Message from Canon Sandra
This week our message is from the Revd Canon Dr Sandra Millar, Director of Mission and Ministry. The Kingdom of God is justice and joy. On Tuesday afternoon more than
Greetings from Bishop Rachel on Rosh Hashanah
Greetings on the festival of Jewish new year (Rosh Hashanah) from sundown 22 September to nightfall Sept 24: “At this time of Rosh Hashanah, I send my heartfelt good wishes
Bishops welcome recognition of Palestinian state
A group of bishops with a close interest in the Holy Land have welcomed the announcement that the UK has formally recognised a Palestinian state. The Bishop of Southwark, Christopher
Poppy Fields to come to Gloucester Cathedral
This autumn, Gloucester Cathedral will once again be transformed by the lights and sounds of the projection art gallery of Luxmuralis. The exhibit, entitled Poppy Fields will run from Friday 17
