“Evangelism, do we really need to talk about this right now? “We’re up to our armpits in Christmas stuff, volunteering to steward services, preparing oranges, counting candles, arranging flowers and
Category: Latest news
Christmas 2024 message from the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek
The Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek has used her 2024 message to remind us that God’s love and hope are powerfully present as a calm amid the noise of the world, if we only listen.
Racial Justice Sunday 2025: Resources now live
Racial Justice Sunday is on 9 February 2025 and this year Churches Together in Britain and Ireland have produced resources on the theme ‘Coat of many colours’. The Racial Justice Sunday
Bishop Rachel’s Christmas 2024 message to worshipping communities
“This year, there have been times when I’ve been with God in prayer and felt overwhelmed by so many issues in the Church, in our nation, and across our world.
Bishop Rachel’s Christmas 2024 message to children and schools
This is a special Christmas message for all the children in the Diocese of Gloucester from Bishop Rachel. Teachers, Sunday club leaders, parents, foundation governors, clergy, Bishop’s Visitors to Schools,
Blue Christmas services, for stillness and calm in a busy season
For many, Christmas is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration, but for others, it can be overwhelming, and it can magnify feelings like anxiety, pain and loneliness. In recognition
Mike Williams to retire after 51 years of dedicated service
Mike Williams, currently a Reader in the benefice of Hardwicke, Elmore with Longley, is set to retire after 51 years of service to the Church of England and 31 years
A message from Bishop Rachel, 10 December 2024
On Monday I was in HMP Wormwood Scrubs for a ‘Thank you’ event for prison chaplains in England and Wales. The various speakers used the words ‘hope’ and ‘joy’ in their words of thanks, and they were words to which I returned when I spoke at the prison carol service in the evening.
Safeguarding bishops apologise to survivors following Archbishop’s speech
Bishops Joanne Grenfell, (Bishop of Stepney and Lead Safeguarding Bishop for the Church of England), Julie Conalty (Bishop of Birkenhead and Deputy Lead Safeguarding Bishop) and Robert Springett (Bishop of
A message from Bishop Rachel on the Archbishop’s valedictory speech
As a member of the Lords Spiritual and as your diocesan bishop, I was deeply saddened and perturbed by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s valedictory speech in the House of Lords yesterday (5 December 2024).
Message from Bishop Rachel, 3 December 2024
Last Tuesday Bishop Robert wrote of White Ribbon Day linked to the International 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which for over thirty years has run from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Partner Diocese of Western Tanganyika to ordain women
The Diocese of Western Tanganyika, one of our global diocesan partnerships, made history this October when the Diocesan Synod approved Bishop Emmanuel’s proposal to allow the ordination of women. The
Festive services around the diocese this Christmas
If you’re looking to sing, worship, or celebrate the joy of the season, here is a round-up of festive services happening around the diocese this Christmas. For Blue Christmas services
DAC Secretary urges parishes to speak out on Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme ending
Adam Klups, DAC Secretary and Care of Churches and DAC Team Leader has asked parishes to urgently consider writing to the DCMS Secretary of State and their local MPs, to
An invitation to our Faithful Generations events in February
This is a warm invitation to everyone of grandparent generation, and to the children they love and care for in their families, churches and communities. You are invited to Gloucester
From Thornbury with love: Christmas messages and aid head to Ukraine
Thornbury Benefice has joined forces with the local community and is continuing its support for people living in war-torn areas of Ukraine, providing essential supplies and Christmas messages with the
Stranger to friend: Resources for a welcoming church
Advent and Christmas are on the way and most of our worshipping communities will be welcoming people who may not often come to church. Some of these people may be
Six diocesan schools selected for national Net Zero project
Six schools in the Diocese of Gloucester have been selected to be part of the Let’s Go Zero project, a national campaign uniting teachers, pupils, parents and schools to become
Stolen altar cross mysteriously returned after 30 years
A 9-inch silver altar cross, taken from All Saints’ Church in North Cerney 30 years ago has reappeared.
Message from Bishop Robert, 26 November 2024
Yesterday, Monday, was ‘White Ribbon Day’, a day linked to the 16 days of activism against gender violence. White Ribbon’s focus is on addressing violence by men against women and girls.
A message from Bishop Rachel and Bishop Robert, Friday 15 November
We are acutely aware that this past week in the life of the Church of England has been turbulent and painful, particularly for victims and survivors of abuse, who must
Support for your Eco Church journey before end-of-year changes
The current questionnaire for the Eco Church programme will soon be updated, and we encourage churches to complete the next Eco Church award level (bronze, silver or gold) before it
Local schoolchildren call on world leaders at COP29 to act on climate change
“They need to listen to us, if they don’t listen, it will be their fault. We need them to take action, otherwise it will be a lie and how will
Help our global neighbours in South Sudan this Christmas by supporting Christian Aid
The Diocese of Gloucester is supporting Christian Aid this Christmas, and we are asking communities to contribute to their 2024 Christmas Appeal which focuses on the plight of refugees in
