Rachel and RECOGNISE

“We can learn so much from younger people. It’s a very two-way thing. It’s not just us providing and giving information and teaching and nurturing. It’s definitely a partnership in

Message from Bishop Rachel, 7 July 2026

‘An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, and

The Revd Canon Richard Mitchell

It is with sadness that we share the news of the death of the Revd Canon Richard Mitchell. Bishop Rachel writes, “Many of you will remember Richard, who retired from

Finding faith and joy on two wheels

The Revd Mark Siddall, Priest in Charge at St James, Quedgeley, has written a practical guide to help anyone considering cycling as their main form of transport. Written from years

Ordinations 2026: photos now available

This weekend, family, friends, clergy and congregations from across the diocese gathered at Gloucester Cathedral to celebrate the ordinations of 18 candidates. Priest photos: Album on Facebook Download in high

An update regarding the Living Alongside Bats in Churches Grant

The Bat Conservation Trust are excited to announce that the next round of applications will open 17 August 2026, and close at 10am on 26 October 2026. We encourage any

Celebrating Pride at St Mary’s

St Mary’s Thornbury welcomed around 70 children from Castle Secondary School who took part in the school’s Pride March on 22 June. During what was one of the warmest weeks

Denise: “It’s all about Jesus, wherever he sends us”

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,

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

National month of prayer for toddler groups – June 2026

‘Send a Sheep!’ June is the national month of prayer for toddler group ministries. Organised by 1277 Make Them Count – a Network of church-based Toddler Group leaders – the

Video and slides from safeguarding conference

Our recent diocesan safeguarding conference brought together clergy, parish safeguarding officers, pastoral visitors, youth and children’s workers, and volunteers from across the diocese for a day of learning, reflection and

Deanery Operations Lead: Application Form

Places of Worship Renewal Fund now open

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

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