Stepping into the role of Lead Bishop for Safeguarding
Author: Katherine Clamp
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
Message from Bishop Robert, 16 September 2025
I had the immense privilege last week of leading the retreat for those to be ordained deacon in the Diocese of Chelmsford where I was myself ordained in 1989.
Message from Bishop Rachel, 9 September 2025
Over the coming weeks a number of bishops have committed to participate in 40 days of shared prayer and fasting as we continue to pray for the Church, and for
Bishop Rachel’s sermon: Tenth anniversary of consecration
22 July 2025, The Feast of Mary Magdalene Click here to watch the livestream of the service. Thank you for being here. Thank you to those across this diocese for
Archbishop of York’s statement on Gaza
Bishop Rachel and Bishop Robert wholeheartedly welcome the statement made by the Archbishop of York regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza. This statement follows in full. “With each passing day
Message from Bishop Rachel, 22 July 2025
As I write this letter, I cannot quite believe that it is 10 years since my consecration in Canterbury Cathedral. As I give thanks today I do so with a grateful heart, and I am looking forward to the special Evensong at the cathedral this evening at 5.30pm.
Message from Bishop Robert, 15 July 2025
It’s always a delight to visit our church schools, especially in these last couple of weeks of the summer term, as the children and staff approach the end of the
‘Picking up the pieces’ for responsible, relational and restorative justice system
Bishop Rachel has joined with Christian leaders calling on the government to work in partnership with churches, communities, and faith-based organisations to tackle a failing criminal justice system.
Bishops call on government to take action over settler violence
Bishop Rachel has joined with the bishops of Norwich, Southwark and Chelmsford in writing an open letter to The Guardian over settler violence against Palestinian communities, particularly in Taybeh, the
Message from Bishop Rachel, 8 July 2025
For all sorts of reasons, I have been thinking a lot about the significance of numbers this week. Some of those numbers are about anniversaries: On Sunday it was a
Leadership award connects children and care homes
Children at Christ Church School in Cheltenham have been learning what it takes to be a great leader, completing the Archbishop of York’s Young Leader Award (AYLA). The qualities of
Outdoor baptism and confirmation in Quedgeley
Six people were confirmed with one adult and a teenager baptised before their confirmation, in a joyful outdoor service at St James’ Quedgeley. The Revd Dr Mark Siddall, Priest in
