News

Lay Gathering 2026

Together in Christ sharing hope: working together to transform our communities

Bishops bring sunshine and smiles to Frodsham Deanery

Bishop Mark and Bishop Julie spent two days in the Deanery of Frodsham, meeting worshippers, community groups, schoolchildren, volunteers and local leaders.

Celebrating Chaplaincy

Bishop Mark has thanked all those who work as licensed, employed or lead chaplains across the diocese, as well as praying for them and for all people involved in the many and varied types of chaplaincy.

Pride in Place – Proud of Blacon new Chair appointed

The Reverend Canon Christina (Tina) Upton is the newly appointed Chair for the Blacon Neighbourhood Board. 

Is Bubble Church for You?

We have a small number of grants available towards the start-up costs for this initiative and are targeting those parishes who are ranked the most deprived in the country or those who have a particular pocket of high deprivation in their parish.

Flourish Funding

The diocese has received funding for a second cohort of Flourish locations, building on the learning of the past two years, allowing four new locations to joining the Flourish network. 

Join the Everyday Faith conversation in Bidston

Fed up with football? Come and be part of the conversation this Wednesday 1 July with a fascinating foursome at our latest podcast recording event hosted by Rebecca Holland, Strategic Programme Manager. Meet our panelists:

Domestic Abuse in the spotlight at annual Safeguarding Event

Chester Diocese held its annual Safeguarding Event at Chester Cathedral on Tuesday 24 June 2026, renewing our commitment to victims and survivors and thanking those who work together make churches and cathedral communities safer for everyone.

Ordination of Priests

Congratulations to our nine new priests

Archbishop Sarah apologises for historic adoption practices in the Church of England.

The Diocese of Chester is seeking to understand how this has affected people locally.

Ebola Virus appeal for our Partner Dioceses in DR Congo

Bishop Mark has launched an appeal to help our Partner Dioceses to combat the dreadful Ebola virus

Praying for Peace in Our Communities

The Bishop of Birkenhead, Julie Conalty has joined church leaders from across Merseyside to invite Christians to join in prayer for peace ahead of a planned demonstration taking place in Walton on Saturday 13 June.

Blood Bikes recruit Bishop Mark as patron

Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes have announced The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner as their new patron.

Death of former Diocesan Secretary, Revd Peter Mills

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Revd Peter Mills, who passed away peacefully on 26 May 2026.

Funeral of Julie Withers

St Peter's Hale has announced the details of the funeral of Julie Withers.

It's Not Just Policy, It's Personal: 1-14 June 2026

A national campaign to raise awareness of how to recognise and report safeguarding concerns.

Recognise awards

RECOGNISE (6-12 July 2026) is a national week of recognition for everyone involved in ministry with children, young people, and their families (CYPF). 

Priesthood Ordinations 2026

Please be praying for our curates who will be being ordained priest in different locations across the diocese.

Archbishop Stephen's visit to Chester Diocese

A joyful celebration of Everyday Pilgrimage at Chester Cathedral rounded off the visit of the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell to the Diocese of Chester on Tuesday 2 June.

The Quiet Revival – one year on and withdrawal

The Bible Society has withdrawn the report after You Gov confirmed an error in the data. Mission Adviser, John Hellewell reflects on the questions we are left with.

Celebrating science club funding in Hyde

St George’s Hyde is one of fifteen churches and Christian organisations in the UK and Ireland to receive funding from Scientists in Congregations.

Keeping people safe: Resources for churches

A new section on the Church of England website signposts PCCs to existing mandatory and best practice information relating to protecting people from harm in a church setting.

Church attendance grows for fifth year in a row

Church of England congregations saw their fifth year of growth in a row in 2025 with steady increases in weekly and Sunday attendance and strong growth in Christmas and Easter services, an early snapshot of official figures shows.

Julie Withers

We are shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Julie Withers, Reader at St Peter’s Church, Hale. Julie was Chair of the House of Laity and held a number of diocesan and national roles on General Synod.

Sculptor Stephen Broadbent joins Everyday Faith Panel

Three christians with connections to the city of Chester, each with an interesting journey of faith to share, will come together for a podcast recording with a live audience at Chester Cathedral on Wednesday 20 May in the new Banking Hall venue

Foundations for Ministry celebration

This year 40 people from across Chester Diocese have been part of the Foundations for Ministry course.

From Birkenhead to Rome

From Birkenhead to Rome, the Diocese of Chester was very much part of a global story of prayer, encounter, and hope when Rev Dan Harris of Christ Church, Birkenhead took part in a landmark pilgrimage to Rome.

Everyday Pilgrimage with Archbishop Stephen

Come and meet the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell when he visits Chester Diocese as part of the Faith in the North project which celebrates stories of pilgrims, pilgrimages and pilgrim places.

Annual Safeguarding Service

The Bishop of Chester and The Dean warmly invite you to join them for the Annual Safeguarding Service.

Bishop wishes Michael Leyden well in journey north

Bishop Mark presents the Dean of Emmanuel College, Revd Canon Dr Michael Leyden, with a wonderfully crafted pastoral staff as he prepares to embark on a new journey as the Bishop of Penrith.

Sensible reading group

St Christopher’s, Pott Shrigley have been running book groups several times a week to study Sharon Garlough Brown’s four book novel series.

Helping people find their Christian voice

Mike Leigh, is an Anglican priest who expresses his ministry by helping people to build community and self-confidence through singing.

Bishop leads Motorbike Rideout

Over the Easter weekend, the Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner, led a scenic motorcycle ride through the picturesque lanes and villages of Cheshire.

Black Madonna: Motherhood, Grief and Hope

Chester Cathedral hosted a moving and intimate conversation between two mothers as part of the Cathedral's Assemble programme.

Christ the King - Vision Day, Birkenhead

Serve Christ – Show Love – Share Faith: Discerning Our Shape, Shaping Our Future

Rave Gospel

Bringing Worship to the Dancefloor Across the North West

Interim Diocesan Secretary and Safeguarding Update

The following staff changes will take effect from Monday 23 March 2026

Statement in response to UKIP 'Walk with Jesus Rally' Liverpool

The Bishop of Birkenhead, Julie Conalty has signed this joint statement by the Churches Together in Merseyside Region resisting any suggestion that this event speaks on our behalf.

Know Your Place

Chester Diocese launches new Parish Census Data Tool to support local mission.

Salt and Light Renewed

Reviewing Our Calling, Discerning Our Future in Macclesfield - a vision workshop at St Michael and All Angels.

Celebrating Neurodiversity

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16–22 March 2026), Sally Coles-Robertson from our Disability Forum recognises the contribution of our neurodivergent church members, clergy, ordinands, volunteers, and families.

Knutsford Deanery Visit Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 March 2026

Bishop Mark, Bishop Julie, and Bishop Sam spent two days experiencing the life of Knutsford Deanery, visiting parishes, schools, community groups, and emerging mission partnerships.

Congratulations Revd Canon Dr Michael Leyden, the new Bishop of Penrith!

The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner has offered its warmest congratulations to the Revd Canon Dr Michael Leyden following the announcement that Michael is to become the next Suffragan Bishop of Penrith in the Diocese of Carlisle.

Bubble Church First Baptisms

This Sunday marks an exciting milestone for Bubble Church at St Paul’s, Stalybridge as the team prepares to celebrate its first ever baptism within a Bubble Church service.

Wonderfully Made: Victoria’s Faith Journey

Born profoundly deaf, severely sight‑impaired, and living with multiple disabilities, Victoria Perez has never allowed the challenges of her early life to define her.

Archbishop Ande visit from DRC

Bishop Mark met with Archbishop Ande, Archbishop of the Province of the Congo and Bishop of Aru, during a recent visit that reaffirmed the deep and growing friendship between the two dioceses.

Give to Gain

Revd Lesley Currie, Dean of Women in Ministry reflects on the theme of this year's International Women's Day - Give to Gain

Interim Diocesan Secretary Appointment

The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner is pleased to announce the appointment of Seán Augustin as Interim Diocesan Secretary.

Hong Kong Christians in Stockport

New Christian Community at St Mary's, Stockport

Manifesto for Hope

Wirral churches are invited to discuss how faith communities, civic leaders, and local partners can work for justice, compassion and the common good in the Liverpool City Region.

New Leadership Development and Collaboration in Macclesfield

Youthscape Essentials is a 6-week course where teams from a range of churches can gather to learn about youthwork and to reflect together on the kind of leaders they want to be.

The Place of Endless Lights by Katy Hollamby

A Story for Anxious Times

Take the 10:15 Lenten Challenge

Starting on Ash Wednesday (18 February 2026), using our Facebook and Instagram pages, we are encouraging individuals and churches to take part in the 10:15 Lenten challenge by spending ten seconds praying these 15 words every day.

Wholehearted - Money and Discipleship

Valentines Day (14 February) marks the launch of a new resource to spark open, hopeful conversations about money and discipleship in Chester Diocese.

Revd Chris Blunt of Stockport Advocates for England’s Poorest Parishes in Synod Funding Debate

Revd Christopher Blunt, Rector of a Stockport parish in the top one per cent of deprived communities, addressed the General Synod on the future of Lowest Income Communities (LInC) funding on Tuesday 10 February 2026.

Home Office Faith Security Training

The Home Office has announced the launch of Faith Security Training (FST) – a free security awareness scheme designed specifically for faith communities across England and Wales.

Racial Justice Sunday Celebrated

Chester Diocese celebrated Racial Justice Sunday with activities and worship at St Mary’s Church, Stockport on Sunday 8 February.

Sharing hope in care

Revd Angela Askwith, St Peter’s, Delamere shares Pat’s story.

Great Budworth Deanery Visit Report

Bishop Mark, Bishop Julie and Bishop Sam visited churches, schools, business and community organisations during their visit to Great Budworth deanery.

Plough Sunday across Chester Diocese

Services highlight farming and rural pressures

When we ask, ‘Why me?’

Archdeacon Jane reflects on coping with disappointment and pain when things don’t go according to plan.

College of Canons

The following were licenced and installed at the Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary at Chester during Evensong on Sunday 1st February at 3pm.

Installation of John Murray as Chancellor and Lay Canon

John Murray was formally installed as Chancellor of the Diocese of Chester during a ceremony at Chester Cathedral on Sunday 1 February.

Free Funding Database Resource

The Dioceses of Manchester, Chester, Leeds and Blackburn (4 Communities) have developed a free funding database.

Diocesan Secretary/CEO Update

We are sad to have to announce that Jane Pleace has resigned from her position as Diocesan Secretary and CEO of the Diocesan Board of Finance.

Ministry Team Developments

We are delighted to share an update on the leadership and focus of the Ministry Team, which exists to support, resource and develop ordained and lay ministry across the diocese.

Northern churches invited to become ‘Pilgrim Places’

Faith in the North has announced a new suite of resources designed to help churches become welcoming, reflective spaces known as Pilgrim Places.

Kintsugi Hope Well-being Group

The diocese is running a course designed to help clergy explore how to maintain positive mental and emotional well-being in the midst of our busy lives

Manifesto for Hope

Around 100 civic leaders, senior faith representatives, and partners from across health and social care came together in a spirit of unity to celebrate the launch of the Manifesto for Hope for the Liverpool City Region.

Bishop Sam shares Joy of Christmas

Bishop Sam has been promoting the largest-ever Christmas initiative, The Joy of Christmas, inviting people everywhere to rediscover the hope and joy at the heart of the season.

National Church broadcasts Advent service from our Diocese

The Second Sunday of Advent service was broacast from Halecroft Grange Care Home, led by Alma Hepworth and Mother Clair Jaquiss.

Building Faith, Brick by Brick

Families gathered for a Brick Church Day at Norbury Church, Hazel Grove (15 November), part of the Chester Diocese Growing Faith Learning Hub.

Bishop of Chester features in Cheshire Life Christmas Edition

The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner is featured in this month’s festive edition of Cheshire Life magazine, offering readers a glimpse into his family's Christmas traditions as he reflects on the season.

If God Can Use Me, He Can Use You

Wendy Moss is a licensed lay minister at Holy Trinity Hurdsfield and will shortly be retiring from work to take on the part-time role of Hospital Chaplain at Macclesfield Hospital.

Melanesian Bishops Visit Chester Diocese

The Diocese of Chester welcomed two bishops from the Anglican Church of Melanesia: Bishop Steven Koete (Central Solomons) and Bishop Othniel Gamutu (Central Melanesia) from 14–20 November 2025.

Net Zero Carbon Project Officer

Airren Martin has joined the Diocese of Chester at Church House as the Net Zero Carbon Project Officer within the Outreach Team.

Bishop Mark in the House of Lords

The Bishop of Chester delivered his maiden speech in the House of Lords last week, a significant milestone for any new member.

Connecting Chelford awarded King's Award for Voluntary Service

Congratulations to Revd Fiona Robinson, Chair of Connecting Chelford and all the team on the news that they have received the highest award for voluntary service, equivalent to an MBE. A new Christian community has grown out of the initiative.

Belong Before You Believe: Alex’s Everyday Faith

Alex Walker is not your typical church organist. She’s a gym instructor, a mum who home schools, a charity volunteer, and above all, a Christian who lives her faith in everyday life. She's taking part in the Everyday Faith Podcast series.

Clergy Gathering 2025: A Time to Recharge and Connect

From 10th –13th November, clergy from all over the Diocese of Chester came together at The Hayes in Swanwick, Derbyshire, for three and a half days of renewal, reflection, and connection.

Blessings for Stillborn Babies

Bishop Julie Conalty has been part of a service to remember thousands of stillborn babies who were buried in unmarked communal graves during the 20th century at Landican Cemetery.

INEQE Audit - update

Thank you to everyone across the Diocese of Chester who took part in the recent INEQE audit. Your contributions—sharing your views and experiences— will be invaluable in making this process both robust and fair.

Five Bikes in Boga thanks to BBMF

The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner is delighted to pass on an exciting update from one of our our link dioceses in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

From little acorns

Michael Harvey, creator of Back to Church Sunday, invites you to discover ACORN – a simple, powerful way to live out God’s mission every day.

Putting the Art in Hartford

St John’s Arts Ministry in Hartford, led by artist Dee Rollinson and guided by Revd Mike Smith, brings together a skilled team to create a series of stunning installations and artworks to engage with God in new ways.

Bishop Mark gives Strategy Update at Synod

At the Diocesan Synod on 1 November, Bishop Mark spoke about the strategic vision for the Diocese and shared plans for the future.

COP30 Reflections and Prayer

Christine Wetherall is part of the Diocesan Environment Forum and a member of Heswall Lighthouse Church. As world leaders gather in Brasil this week she reflects on the climate crisis, why there is still hope and how the church must respond.

Divinity Knitivity Activity in Church Lawton

Christmas has come early to All Saints Church in Lawton where the team have brought the local community together in a creative way with the unveiling of its 'Knitivity', a 9 month project which culminates this October half-term.

Fr Michael Burgess of Oughtrington

The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner has spoken of his sadness on hearing of the death of Fr Michael Burgess of Oughtrington.

A Day of Ecumenical Collaboration

Three people (including one from our Diocese) from different Christian faiths work together to deliver a communications a training day.

Slave Trade Connections in Chester Diocese

To mark Black History Month, Dr Ben Fulford draws our attention to the stories behind memorials in our churches connected to hidden histories of oppression of black people in ways we're still learning about.

World Mental Health Day

Hazel Stoddart has been giving insights into the mental health of children and young people at a recent gathering of leaders at Foxhill House and Woodlands for World Mental Health Day. This is her report.

Licensing of new Lay Ministers

A licensing service at Chester Cathedral on 11 October, welcomed new Lay Ministers, Pastoral Workers and Readers, and celebrated the ministries of Readers and Pastoral Workers receiving Permission to Officiate or retiring from active ministry

Chester Retired Clergy Association Cancels Autumn Gathering

The Chester Retired Clergy Association, which serves the Archdeaconry of Chester, has announced the cancellation of its upcoming autumn meeting scheduled for 23rd October due to illness within the organising committee.

Frank's Everyday Faith life 'on the bins'

Refuse collector, Frank Pendlebury's journey of faith began by attending a Tea at the Tower event at St Helen's in Northwich where he went from bellringer to church warden. He's looking forward to taking part in our Everyday Faith Podcast series

Are you 'Resus Ready' in your Church?

Prior to ordination, Revd George Roach spent most of his life working in the emergency services. Now Vicar of St Michael’s and All Angels Runcorn, he is keen to raise awareness of Restart a Heart 2025.

Writing the journeys we never wanted to make

Chester Cathedral's Poet Emeritus, Julia McGuinness has recorded a podcast about her new book which explores the power of journalling as a healing tool. She's been in conversation with Peter Mackriell, Head of Counselling for Chester Diocese.

From better to well

The Archdeacon of Macclesfield, Ven Jane Proudfoot looks at how getting better is not necessarily the same as being well. 

St Mary's Stockport's major Lottery grant

St Mary’s in the Marketplace, Stockport, is celebrating the award of a development grant of £343,234 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, unlocking the potential for a further delivery grant of up to £2.5 million. 

Bishop Mark's message and prayer for the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop Sarah Mullally

The Bishop of Chester has expressed his congratulations to Dame Sarah Mullally on her appointment as Archbishop, and has assured her of the prayers and support of the Diocese of Chester.