News

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, which will be delivered on behalf of the Home Office by CDS Support.

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.

Safeguarding Advisers' Accreditation

We are pleased to announce that Sean Augustin and Lynn Everton have been officially certified as Diocesan Safeguarding officer and Deputy officer respectively. These are a more senior role to the Advisor role they previously held. 

Standing Firm in Power and Pride

Racial Justice Officer, Nadene Wright has created this music video for this year's Black History Month. She explains what it means to her and how churches might use it to reflect on this year's theme.

The Lord's Prayer in New Brighton

Revd Heather Atkinson of New Brighton challenged herself to make a video of people in her local community, outside of the church praying The Lord’s Prayer.  She shared her film with us and the truth about her hair raising experience off camera!

Headteacher, Cath’s Everyday Faith

Everyday Faith panel guest, Cath Speed from Hartford is Headteacher at Grappenhall St Wilfrid’s Church of England Primary School. 

Food for thought during Creationtide

During Creation Season, we’re invited to reflect on how our daily choices—especially around food—affect the environment and contribute to climate change.

Estate Agent Robert Reed's Every Day Faith

For over twenty years, Robert has built his career on a simple but profound principle: putting people before profit.

Abby Models Sustainable Fashion

To mark the Season of Creation, Children and Young Peoples’ Adviser and dairy farmer’s daughter, Abby Cooper took part in a fun fashion shoot out in the countryside in her home village of Farndon.

The Big Summer Safeguarding Survey Update

Over a thousand people responded to the safeguarding consultation this summer. Bishop Julie says thank you and has an update on the next steps.

Church Works Summit 27 February 2026

The ChurchWorks Summit at Central Hall, Westminster on 27 February 2026 is an opportunity for parishes to see the bigger picture of how the Church can work alongside government and public services for the good of local communities.

Understanding Microaggression

Racial Justice Officer, Nadene Wright unpacks the term, ‘microaggression’ as we prepare for Black History Month.

New Worshipping Communities ... church, but not as we know it

Strategic Programme Manager, Rebecca Holland looks ahead to three events for those exploring and developing fresh ways of being church - New Worshipping Communities

Made in God's Image

As we prepare for Disability Awareness Sunday, 28th September Revd Kathryn Elsmore reflects on what the theme 'Made in God's image' means to her and her disabled daughter, Cerys.

Notice of Appointment

The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary at Chester: Honorary Canons

Disability Awareness Sunday 28 September

24% of the UK's population identify themselves as disabled. Revd Emma Speake, Disability Adviser reflects on what that means for our parishes as we approach Disability Awareness Sunday

'Bra’vo! – a recycling project for Creationtide

Staff at Church House have been collecting bras for The Your Smalls Appeal.

Brick by brick and two by two at Chester Cathedral

Families from across Chester Diocese met at Chester Cathedral for family Bible brick building workshops led by Steve Guinness, The Brick Consultant (Winner of Channel 4’s LEGO® Masters).

Chester Diocesan Learning Trust Welcomes First Schools into New Education Trust

The official launch of the Chester Diocesan Learning Trust (CDLT) on 1 October 2025, marks a significant milestone in its mission to support Church of England schools across the region.

A reflection and prayer for the changing season from Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive

At the start of the new Church Year, Jane Pleace reflects on the first few months in her new role and looks ahead to the opportunities and challenges ahead this autumn

Learning to fly online!

New online as well as in person training to be an OWL (Occasional Worship Leader)

Ministry Toolbox - new bite-sized online training for clergy

Ministry Toolbox is a new series of hour-long, bite-sized, stand-alone sessions delivered for clergy via Zoom on weekday lunchtimes.

Everyday Faith Podcast Audiences Events coming your way!

Dates and venues for recorded conversations with live audiences in 2026

Standing Firm in Power and Pride

Nadene Wright, Racial Justice Officer for Chester Diocese looks ahead to Black History Month in October, and previews this year's theme, 'Standing Firm in Power and Pride'.

Focus on 'Risk' - new set of four short awareness videos for social media

The latest Speak Out, Stay Safe videos align with the icons used in the awareness poster entitled, ‘Recognising, Assessing and Managing Risk’.

Celebrating the Season of Creation

The Season of Creation is a time of celebration, reflection, and action, uniting Christians around the world in prayer and commitment to care for God’s creation.

Catalyst - fully funded training in ministry and mission with children and young people

Be equipped and inspired, whether you volunteer in a toddler group, helping at a youth club, doing a few Sunday morning sessions a month or running an outreach programme as a paid worker.

Guarding your church against theft of York Stone

Ecclesiastical Insurance have offered advice to help mitigate against the risk of theft, following a series of significant incidents in the north west region.

Training on ministry with families

Do you support families in your church? Are you interested in learning how to come alongside parents, carers, and grandparents facing the challenges of raising children today? A four week course starting 30 September 2025

Book for the next course for Occasional Worship Leaders (OWLs)

Our next 4-week course for those training to be Occasional Worship Leaders starts in Stalybridge on 17th September 2025. Also new online OWL training course starting Nov 6th.

Welcome Abby Cooper

Abby Cooper has joined the Outreach team at Church House, covering for Katy Herrera as Families, Children and Youth Adviser

Disability Awareness Sunday

Join churches across the UK – and beyond – as we celebrate Disability Awareness Sunday on 28 September 2025. This year’s theme reminds us that every person, disabled or not, reflects the image of God.

PREVENTION: safeguarding digital shorts

A second series of Speak Out, Stay Safe digital shorts has been produced, unpacking the theme of Prevention as one of the five National Standards of the Church of England

Healing Ministry Research

Diocesan Healing Adviser, Timothy Hupfield has an invitation to take part in new academic research by Chester University

Action Speaks Louder: Safeguarding Sunday, 16 November

Register now for free resources

Elizabeth's Foundations for Ministry Journey

Elizabeth Phillips works in Mental Health and is from St Nicholas Wallasey. Read on to find out why she and others found Foundations for Ministry so impactful and possibly life changing.

Resources for Parishes to promote the Big Summer Safeguarding Survery

The Big Summer Safeguarding Survey is underway across the diocese of Chester and the following communication tools are now available to help churches to encourage people to take part.

The course brought me closer to God

Martin Hodson St John the Baptist Great Meols talks about his experience of attending the Foundations for Ministry course.

Safeguarding Links on Parish Websites

As part of the transition to our new diocesan website and domain, we have identified that some parish websites may contain outdated links to safeguarding information hosted on the previous diocesan site. Your action is required to remain compliant.

Big Summer Safeguarding Survey

Your voice matters — please help us shape a safer Church.

Nothing like I expected, ... and so much more.

Emma from St Mary's, Nantwich talks about her journey

Summary of General Synod July 2025

The Church of England’s General Synod gathered in York for a five-day summer group of sessions (11–15 July 2025), addressing a wide range of theological, pastoral, and administrative matters

Can I have a Word?

Archdeacon Jane reflects on what it’s like to worship alone at home and on where our focus should be.

Fraud Alert

Fraudulent text messages have been sent to clergy claiming that they must submit their HLC return online or their stipend will be stopped. 

Faith, Fellowship, and Community in Chadkirk

Chadkirk Deanery enjoyed a visit from our three bishops, Bishops, Mark, Julie and Sam on their latest leg of their continuing circuit of Chester Diocese.

If He calls us ... He equips us!

SENCo and Inclusion Manager, Fiona Barrick explains how Foundations for Ministry equipped her on her journey

Big Butterfly Count

Diocesan Environment Adviser, Jill Elston invites churches to assess the health of our environment simply by counting butterflies.

Sometimes

A new book by Bishop Mark to help introduce people to Jesus

Parish Data Request

Calling all churchwardens and other officers who have taken on roles this year

Speak Out, Stay Safe goes digital

Safeguarding made simple for social media

Ordination of Deacons

Petertide ordinations at Chester Cathedral

Warrington Walking Day

Rev Robert Icke from Latchford Benefice reports from one of the biggest and oldest traditional walks of witness, Warrington Walking Day

Farming Ministry Rooted in Community

A reflection on rural mission from Revd Hana Amner

Speak Out, Stay Safe free resources

Order your free safeguarding campaign merchandise and printed literature NOW!

Flourish Baptisms and Confirmations

Flourish Coordinator, Sue Pocock reports on baptisms and confirmations at Winsford's new worshipping community.