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
Category: Latest news
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
Buildings Management Portal Registration and Access
The Church of England is introducing the Building Management Portal, which will replace the Online Faculty System for applications relating to works on churches, their contents, and churchyards, with a
Minor Repairs & Improvements Fund (MR&IF) 2026-2028
Thanks to the Church Commissioners, the Minor Repairs & Improvements Fund (MR&IF) is now open to applications. Two submission deadlines have so far been set. These are 30th October 2026
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
Celebrating Lay Ministry
On Saturday 19 September, the Cathedral hosted a special day celebrating lay ministry across the Diocese, bringing together Readers, lay ministers and others involved in the life of the Church.
Children and Families Advisor – Full Time
Children and Families Advisor Band 4: FTE £35,856 – £42,811 per annum a generous non-contributory pension scheme Full time (35 hours) flexible for weekends/evenings The Diocese of Gloucester is seeking
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 Action Group
The Racial Justice Action 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
Church seeks art and community future
St Stephen’s Cheltenham is looking at how its building could have a wider role in the community, while continuing to hold regular worship. A team at the church are exploring
Sportily backs call to transform PE
Sportily is supporting a campaign encouraging primary schools to rethink physical education, championing a more inclusive, play-based approach that helps every child experience the joy of movement. As part of
New tool to streamline funding applications
If you are a churchwarden, PCC secretary or volunteer who has been asked, ‘could you see if there are any grants we can apply for?’, you will know that finding
Arson incidents
Whilst the increase in arson incidents seen in recent months has not been specific to churches, it serves as a useful reminder of the importance of reviewing measures to protect
A quick note about carbon survey approaches
We’ve recently heard from a parish that was contacted by an organisation called NECRA CIC, offering a carbon survey and certificate for their church building. After looking into the information
