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.
Category: Latest news
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
Message from Bishop Robert, 14 April 2026
Many of you will know of my appointment, beginning this month, as the Church of England’s Lead Safeguarding Bishop.
Donkey joins Palm Sunday procession
There was a very special guest at St Lawrence, Barnwood this Palm Sunday. She had four legs, a gentle nature, and plenty of charm.
Bishop Rachel’s Easter sermon 2026
…Earthly misuse of power and ‘might is right’, has not had the final word – and amazingly neither even has the power of death
Bishop Rachel’s Chrism Eucharist Sermon 2026
Thank you to you for the many stories of transformation – small and large – which you carry into here today – stories which speak of the abundance of God’s love and grace.
Livestream for Chrism Eucharist 2026
All are invited to a special service on Thursday 2 April at 11am, led by the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, which will include the blessing of
Message from Bishop Rachel, 31 March
As we walk through this week and recall the events which took place in Jerusalem that first Holy Week, it is poignant to remember that this year there are wartime restrictions in place in that land.
Sharing faith this Lent
The most important thing is to be open and to be sharing the stories of Jesus at work in our lives with the people around us.
On our way to net zero carbon
The concept of net zero carbon can sometimes seem complicated, hard to reach, and a little overwhelming. However many worshipping communities in the Diocese of Gloucester are already well on
Synod backs sustainable church flowers
A motion encouraging the use of sustainable church flowers has been passed by General Synod.
St Peter’s Eco Church Silver
St Peter’s Church in Stratton, Cirencester has achieved the Silver Eco Church award, recognising the church’s growing commitment to caring for creation
Faith stories: Barnaby’s transformation
“I no longer feel alone. My heart’s been completely transformed. I’ve got so much joy in what I do now.”
Question time with Bishop Rachel and Baroness Boycott
As part of Women’s History Month, Bishop Rachel took part in a question and answer session with Baroness Boycott about the role of women in government.
Parish Accessibility Fund
The Church of England ‘Parish Accessibility Fund’ offered through the Disability Project aims to help parishes to enhance accessibility and inclusion for those who are Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent. https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/barrier-free-belonging/parish-accessibility-fund
‘Courage to care’ safeguarding day
A healthy church community is a space where people feel safe, valued, and comfortable exploring faith together. It’s deeply embedded in our calling as Christians to love and care for


