Standing in the rain during a walk by Ripon College Cuddesdon, Denise found herself surrounded by bright yellow fields. They immediately reminded her of the terraced yellow fields of China,
Category: Latest news
Message from Bishop Robert, 30 June 2026
At the ordination services last weekend, Bishop Rachel reminded those gathered that “the Church is the Body of Christ, the people of God and the dwelling-place of the Holy Spirit.”
Faith, family and calling: Lorna’s story
When Lorna Theophilus met a female priest who was also raising young children, something shifted. “It was the first time I’d seen somebody who was like me,” she said. She
Little Pilgrims, summer digital campaign
This summer, throughout July and August, we’ll be running a social media campaign called ‘Little Pilgrims’. The aim is to help families discover (or rediscover) our church buildings, not just
Bishop Rachel joins ‘Time to Act’ campaign
Bishop Rachel is continuing to raise her voice for justice and peace across Palestine and Israel, adding her support to the national ‘Time To Act’ campaign. She said: “As Christians
Message from Bishop Rachel, 23 June 2026
This week I will be on retreat with our ordinands as they prepare for their ordination as deacon or priest this weekend.
Great Get Together conversations
Bishop Rachel has hosted a Great Get Together, aiming to give people opportunities to reflect on the things that draw us together and the things that separate us. The Great
Message from Bishop Rachel and Bishop Robert: Historical adoption practices
The Church of England has today apologised for its role in historical adoption practices, particularly in mother and baby homes. You can read the full apology and report on the
Message from Bishop Robert, 16 June 2026
It was a great privilege last weekend to be in our link diocese of Västerås in Sweden as the guest of Bishop Mikael Mogren, joining in their ordination services. On
Updated guidance on drones
The drone guidance has been updated to reflect the latest Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) framework (2026), including the introduction of Flyer ID and Operator ID requirements, UK class marks, and
A pilgrimage of remembrance: ‘In Monty’s Footsteps’
Pilgrimage is being rediscovered not only as travel, but as a way of prayer, reflection and connection.
10:10 Circle for 2026/27
We are delighted to let you know that the third cohort of the 10:10 Circle is starting in the autumn. Four days have been booked to meet with people who
Andy’s journey from headteacher to ordinand
When Andy Everett is ordained deacon this summer, it will mark the culmination of a journey that began more than 35 years ago as a student teacher. Kathryn, the woman
Churches gather to bless River Avon
On Sunday 14 June, Tewkesbury Abbey and St Mary’s Magdalene, Twyning will celebrate and bless the River Avon as part of a wider group of churches that are coming together
Message from Bishop Rachel, 9 June 2026
If you ever travel to London from this part of the world, you will arrive at Paddington station, and like me you may enjoy watching children and adults alike sitting next to the statue of Paddington Bear as they pose for a photograph.
Ordinations 2026: Livestream
This weekend, family, friends, clergy and congregations from across the diocese gathered at Gloucester Cathedral to watch and celebrate the ordinations of 18 candidates. The following candidates were ordained as
Sea Sunday 2026
Churches across the UK and around the world are being invited to take part in Sea Sunday 2026, a global day of prayer, reflection and action for the 1.9 million
Jennie Johnson on racial justice
Jennie Johnson started as Director of the West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative (WMRJI) at the start of 2026.
Message from Bishop Robert, 2 June 2026
Having observed the great seasons of Lent and Easter, we now enter what the Church calls ‘Ordinary Time’.
Reflections from Bishop Rachel: Oranges and lemons
Reflections on the necessity of ‘both-and’ in standing against the actions of the government of Israel in relation to the people of Palestine, whilst also standing against antisemitism in the UK
Gloucester Cathedral awarded best cultural venue of the year
Gloucester Cathedral is celebrating after being named best cultural venue of the year at the prestigious SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle and Community Awards 2026. The award recognises the Cathedral’s outstanding contribution
New Chaplaincy School Connector for Cotswold School
After two years of partnership development and relationship building across the churches in the North Cotswolds, led by Deanery Youth Connector Amy Todd, The Cotswold School is delighted to welcome
Peace pilgrimage welcomes walkers
In August, all are warmly invited to take part in a special peace pilgrimage marking 800 years since the death of St Francis of Assisi. Whether you would like to
Sportily blog: Encounter spaces
Sportily is a Christian sports and physical activity organisation based in Gloucestershire, creating fun and welcoming spaces where people of all ages can get active, build friendships and explore faith


