At this year’s Chrism Eucharist, as we gather as a Diocese to renew our shared commitment to ministry, Bishop Rachel and I invite you to consider if you would join
Tag: Bishop Robert
Bishops’ collections charities 2026
Every year, Bishop Rachel and Bishop Robert select three charities, both local and international, to benefit from the funds raised through collections at the services they lead. Pictured: A church
Message from Bishop Robert, 27 January
Telling a better story of Britain. Last week, at a meeting of the College of Bishops, we were challenged by Professor Luke Bretherton, Director of the McDonald Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Life at the University of Oxford …
Message from Bishop Robert, 6 January 2026
As we step into this new year, Bishop Rachel and I want to begin by offering our thanks for your extraordinary hard work over the Christmas season.
Message from Bishop Robert, 9 December 2025
For me, this last weekend was one full of joy and promise as I shared with two of our parishes in acts of worship that beautifully embodied the spirit of Advent.
Message from Bishop Robert, 25 November 2025
Today, Tuesday 25 November, marks White Ribbon Day. It is followed by a call to 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, part of a powerful call to end violence
This Sunday is Safeguarding Sunday
Safeguarding Sunday is on 16 November and this year’s theme, ‘action speaks louder’, encourages people to move beyond talking about safeguarding and take meaningful steps towards creating safer spaces. Bishop
Message from Bishop Robert, 11 November 2025
Stepping into the role of Lead Bishop for Safeguarding
Bishop Robert to be new Lead Safeguarding Bishop
Bishop Robert is to be the Church of England’s new Lead Safeguarding Bishop, taking over from Bishop Joanne Grenfell who leaves the role at the end of March 2026, when
Message from Bishop Robert, 14 October
Have you ever paused to consider how many statistics appear in the Bible? From the censuses in Numbers and Ezra, to the count of 153 fish in John, numbers are woven throughout Scripture. Some are symbolic, others practical—but all contribute to the rich tapestry of our faith story.
Message from Bishop Robert, 30 September 2025
Creation is the setting for our salvation.
Message from Bishop Robert, 16 September 2025
I had the immense privilege last week of leading the retreat for those to be ordained deacon in the Diocese of Chelmsford where I was myself ordained in 1989.
Message from Bishop Robert, 2 September 2025
I had one of those supposedly small administrative tasks last week that turned into something of a saga. As a charity trustee, I had to confirm my identity with the
IMD 1-4: Confession, reconciliation and deliverance
Y2 and Y3 curates only 9.30am Eucharist at the cathedral Led by Bishop Robert and Revd Canon Howard Gilbert
Message from Bishop Robert, 15 July 2025
It’s always a delight to visit our church schools, especially in these last couple of weeks of the summer term, as the children and staff approach the end of the
Outdoor baptism and confirmation in Quedgeley
Six people were confirmed with one adult and a teenager baptised before their confirmation, in a joyful outdoor service at St James’ Quedgeley. The Revd Dr Mark Siddall, Priest in
Message from Bishop Robert, 1 July 2025
Christian people are always thankful people. This is at the heart of our primary action of worship when we break bread and share the common cup in the Eucharist –
Latest members admitted to the Company of St Kyneburga
12 people were admitted to the Company of St Kyneburga last Monday (16 June) – an annual tradition that recognises those who have made notable contributions to the Diocese of
Message from Bishop Robert, 16 June 2025
I very much hope that you will have some knowledge of the work that has been happening across our diocese on our Deanery Strategic Pathways. These plans, rooted in each
Young parents reflect on life in ministry
When a young parent is called to ordained ministry, it can have a huge impact not just on themselves, but on their whole family …
Message from Bishop Robert, 10 June 2025
Next Tuesday I have the privilege of admitting new members to the Company of Kyneburga at Evensong in the Cathedral. The Company of Kyneburga is group of those, predominantly but
Message from Bishop Robert, 27 May 2025
The ten days between the feast of the Ascension (Acts 1: 6f) when Jesus is taken into Heaven, and Pentecost (Acts 2: 1f) when the gift of the Holy Spirit
A message from Bishop Robert regarding Self-Supporting Ministry
A message from Bishop Robert regarding changes to the support offered to those in Self-Supporting Ministry. “I want to express heartfelt thanks to the Revd Canon Kay Mundy for her
Thy Kingdom Come 2025 – Light up the world in Prayer
From 29 May to 8 June 2025, Christians across the world are invited to unite in prayer as part of Thy Kingdom Come, an international, ecumenical movement that brings Christians


