The Places of Worship Renewal Fund established in place of the Listed Places of Worship VAT scheme is now open for applications. The announcement is on the DCMS website. We
Category: Latest news
Churches Count on Nature 2026
Churches across England and Wales are being encouraged to take part in Churches Count on Nature 2026, which will take place from Saturday 6 June to Sunday 14 June as
Shifting gears: How to nourish ourselves
The Net Zero Carbon Project Manager for the Diocese of Gloucester, Erica Siddall, reflects on the hope she has found through the Laudato Si’ Movement, which connects faith, hope, and
Sanctuary Sunday
Every year on 20 June, the UNHCR marks World Refugee Day. This was established in 2001 on the 50thAnniversary of the Geneva Convention of the Rights of Refugees. The Convention
Climate leadership survey for Oxford University research
Church leaders, Divinity students or those in ministerial training, and congregation members are invited to take part in a research project exploring climate leadership within the Church, being undertaken through
Record retention schedule: New best practice guide on record and information management
A new document sets out best practice on what paper and digital records your church should keep, for how long, and which can be disposed of or archived. It’s called
Message from John Wittaker, Archdeacon of Gloucester Designate, 19 May 2026
John Wittaker has just started transitioning into his new role as Archdeacon of Gloucester, with a formal start in September. He shares this message for the week, as he starts
Message from Bishop Rachel, 12 May 2026
On Thursday 14 May we will celebrate Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter Day. Following his resurrection, Jesus spoke with his disciples about continuing to live and share his teachings;
News from The Diocese of Dornakal
The Diocese of Gloucester is in partnership with the Diocese of Dornakal in India. These links across cultures allow friendships to develop, helping people to understand one another better while
St Cyr’s Church set for major revamp
New plans unveiled to revitalise St Cyr’s Church, are designed to secure its future and enhance its role at the heart of Stonehouse. The proposed improvements include the creation of
Ideas for parishes to take action for racial justice
The West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative (WMRJI) has shared a new resource: Creativity for Belonging: 10 Parish Actions for Racial Justice It offers a range of simple and practical ideas
Grants for church wildlife gardens
To help churches care for their churchyards as spaces of welcome, wellbeing and biodiversity, grants of up to £250 are available to support simple, practical environmental projects.
Creation Care: Recommended reads from Craig Bishop
The Revd Canon Craig Bishop, Rector of St James’ Church, Chipping Campden, shares a selection of books that have informed his thinking on Creation Care. In the reflections that follow,
Message from Bishop Rachel, 5 May 2026
Our financial giving should never be about our left-over change, but it is always about transformational change…
Message from Bishop Robert, 28 April 2026
There is nothing quite like coming home. Coming home at the end of a long day working, or from a trip away, or even a short break or holiday. The activities we were engaged in may have been joyful or challenging, uplifting or discouraging, but coming home promises a space to relax, to be oneself, and to recuperate, recalibrate, and rest.
Saying ‘yes’ to God
When the Revd Jo Pestell steps forward later this month to make a public vow of celibacy, she’ll be doing something rare, counter‑cultural and deeply personal. For the 54‑year‑old Gloucester
Wild Worship at Tewkesbury Abbey
Connecting with God’s creation is key to Wild Worship sessions happening in the grounds of Tewkesbury Abbey.
GDBF supports affordable housing at Innsworth
The Diocese of Gloucester is proud to have supported the official opening of the Church Housing Association’s first housing scheme at Innsworth.
Statement in response to the rise of antisemitism in Britain
Bishop Rachel and the Bishops of Chelmsford, Norwich and Southwark have issued a joint statement condemning antisemitism.
82‑year‑old lifts weights to fund church heating
An 82‑year‑old former prison chaplain is proving you’re never too old to do some heavy lifting – by taking on a powerlifting challenge to raise money for his church.
Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 1926-2022
Today we hold before God the life and legacy of the late Queen, marking the centenary of her birth with gratitude and prayer.
Message from Bishop Rachel, 21 April 2026
As we live this season of Easter looking towards Ascension Day, followed ten days later by the Feast of Pentecost, I want to encourage us to consider how we might set aside those ‘in-between days’ to focus on prayer.
Thy Kingdom Come 2026
Commit to daily prayer for five people you know, asking that they might experience the life-changing love of God.
Ducks raise funds for accessible path
A much‑loved Longhope tradition returned to the village on Saturday 11 April, as the Friends of Longhope Church (FOLC) held their first Duck Race in more than 28 years. The
