When devastating floods hit Nepal on 26 August, communities were left facing terrible loss. At St Stephen’s, the church’s Fairtrade work is helping to support those affected, one purchase at
Author: Natalie Sansom
Tewkesbury Abbey welcomes Bayeux Tapestry replica
Tewkesbury Abbey has brought one of England’s most famous historical stories to life with a new exhibition featuring a full-size printed reproduction of the Bayeux Tapestry. ‘From Conquest to Kingdom
A joyful celebration of Black History Month
Gloucester Cathedral was filled with music, worship, stories and conversation on Sunday 25 October as people gathered for a special service celebrating Black History Month. The service, titled ‘One in
Coaley Primary celebrates positive Ofsted report
From helping children grow in confidence to making sure every pupil feels included, Coaley Primary Academy’s latest Ofsted report highlights the school’s focus on helping children learn, develop and feel
“.. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
Earlier this month I participated in a secondary school assembly at The Cotswold School which was focused on the theme of justice.
Give to Go Green grants are now open
Is your parish looking to make its church building or hall greener? The National Net Zero Carbon Programme’s Give to Go Green scheme could help you make it happen. The
Serving God as a Reader: Richard’s faith journey
Reader Richard Spencer shares how an extraordinary experience in the late 70s started him on a faith journey that has changed his life forever. Although Richard went to church when
Called by God, encouraged by God’s people
In last week’s Bulletin I reflected on how we navigate change in the life of the Church. One of the realities we must face is that the future shape of
Results of General Synod elections
We are delighted to announce the results of the recent General Synod elections, welcoming seven representatives who will help bring the voices and experiences of our diocesan community to the
Church House on the way to Eco Gold
Back in February and March, we shared how Church House was working towards the Eco Office Silver Award across the five Eco Church categories. Since achieving Silver, our commitment to
Children’s climate plea heads to Parliament
A creative project in Cirencester is preparing to take its message to the House of Commons. “Please do something.” The same words appeared time and again on postcards written by
Navigating change with confidence and hope
Last week it was a privilege to gather with Area Deans and Lay Chairs, members of the Bishop’s Staff Team and others for a day of thoughtful and constructive conversation
Buildings Management Portal now live
Buildings Management Portal (BMP), the successor to the Online Faculty System is now live. All users will need to register to use the new system to create new applications and
Prisons Week, 11 October to 17 October
Bishop Rachel shares the following message ahead of Prisons Week. This Prisons Week, I invite you to join me in prayer. There are excellent resources available to support daily prayer
Kathryn’s experience as a Gloucestershire Nightstop host
Following the promotion of Gloucestershire Nightstop as one of the charities supported by the diocese last Christmas, GDBF employee Kathryn Warner and her husband Rich decided to explore the possibility
Bishop Rachel’s Presidential Address from Diocesan Synod, 3 October 2026
Paul writes to the Philippians: ‘I thank my God every time I remember you, 4 constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, 5 because of your sharing
Mission grant helps St Edward’s welcome families and visitors
At St Edward’s, Stow-on-the-Wold, a diocesan Mission Grant Scheme award has helped the church create a more welcoming and engaging space for visitors, families and anyone curious about faith. With
White Privilege: A blog by Trevor Henry
During Black History Month this October, we are pleased to share a thought-provoking blog by Trevor Henry, a churchwarden and worshipper at St James and All Saints Gloucester. In this
Using Safeguarding Hubs
Safeguarding Hubs provide parishes with a simple, secure and practical way to manage safeguarding administration in one place. Designed specifically for the Church of England, the Hub helps churches stay
Every life remembered: Lessons from 1,000 funerals
After leading more than 1,000 funerals Phil Jaekel has learned that no life is ordinary. As a Reader and Lay Funeral Minister in the Diocese of Gloucester, Phil has stood
Message from Bishop Robert, 29 September 2026
Last week I had the privilege of preaching at St Paul’s Cathedral, at a special service recognising and celebrating the ministry of Parish Safeguarding Officers from across the Church of
Common Ground Award 2026 to 2027
There’s an opportunity for us to invest in the life of our church and the wider community. The Common Ground Award 2026 to 2027 is now open, with applications closing
Message from Bishop Rachel, 22 September 2026
Last week, Bishop Robert and I spent four days in Oxford with the bishops across the Church of England. A lot of our time was spent with several distinguished speakers
The Racial Justice Advisory Group
The Racial Justice Advisory Group (RJAG) is the advisory body leading on racial justice across the Diocese of Gloucester. Racial justice is part of our everyday life as Christians and


