LIFE Together builds on all that has happened over these last five years, as we have sought to shape ourselves as a Church in this diocese to share the abundance of life that is in Jesus Christ.
Tag: bishopsletter
Message from Bishop Rachel, 2 November 2021
‘… all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of theContinue reading
Message from Bishop Robert, 26 October 2021
The account of creation in Genesis chapter 1 contains the refrain as God makes the land, sea, plants and even us, men and women, that ‘God saw that it was good’. As humankind is created ‘in the image’ and ‘likeness’ of God we are blessed and given responsibility for the stewardship of the earth. In the image of the one who creates out of love, we are to care in the same way…
Message from Bishop Rachel, 19 October 2021
In the aftermath of the shocking murder of Sir David Amess, I was struck by some words I heard on the radio spoken by Bishop James Jones (Bishop of Liverpool prior to his retirement). He spoke about the way we treat one another and speak of those with whom we disagree, not least those who serve and lead publicly. He spoke of a society that so often lacks mercy.
Message from Bishop Robert, 12 October 2021
Being a disciple of Jesus is an adventure – it can unsettle, challenge, disturb us but always leads to life.
You will read elsewhere in today’s Bulletin of the continuing invitation to be engaged with ‘Living in Love and Faith’ the teaching document which as Bishops we have prepared about identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.
Message from Bishop Rachel, 5 October 2021
I have recently found myself in conversations about people’s concerns and disappointments that so much of the resolve to learn from the experience of pandemic and lockdown and to live differently, seems to be dissipating.
Message from Bishop Robert, 28 September 2021
“If we did not already know that we were living in anxious times, it took only the news last Thursday that some 20 garages across the country had run out of fuel, to there being queues on Friday and by Sunday over half of garages closed. Most of us know, in our heads at least, that provided we all act wisely and don’t panic, there won’t be a problem…
Message from Bishop Rachel, 21 September
In the Church’s calendar, today is the day when we remember Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. I am struck once again not only by Christ’s trust in him but also byContinue reading
Message from Bishop Robert, 14 September 2021
Like many of the lay and ordained leaders in our Diocese, I am currently undertaking my refresher safeguarding training. For me, this is three, three-hour sessions, all on Zoom, withContinue reading
Message from Bishop Rachel, 7 September
Such joy and pain are always present at the same time, and the one must never deny the existence of the other. Every day, unspeakable atrocities are taking place across our world affecting individuals and communities, many of whom we will never even hear about. This is true too of events of celebration and delight, and we are to be attentive to both.
A message from Bishop Robert
‘The beauty of the Church is seen in the relationships we share with God, in Jesus Christ, with each other and all among who we live, something made visible each time we celebrate the Eucharist together’.
Message from Bishop Rachel
As we begin to live life following the lifting of government restrictions, I am very clear that yesterday was not ‘release day’ or ‘freedom day’ or ‘going back to normal’. As one person commented on social media, 19 July is ‘responsibility day’.
Message from Bishop Robert
“But I have not done enough.” These words were said to me some years ago by a member of the congregation in the church of which I was the Rector, to explain why they could not go ahead and be confirmed. ‘I have not done enough… I don’t deserve it…’ of course, as I tried gently to explain, if any of us waited until we have done enough to be confirmed no one would ever be!
Message from Bishop Rachel
This summer we want to encourage the entire diocesan flock to live a restorative rhythm which holds play, rest and work in good balance…
Message from Bishop Rachel
Yesterday I arrived in Westminster for my week as duty bishop in the House of Lords. Following recent events there is much chatter of broken trust…
A message from Bishop Robert
An invitation to celebrate #ThankYouDay on Sunday 4 July and free resources to help your worshipping community take part.
Message from Bishop Rachel
Last weekend I had the joy of being with the curates of this diocese as they gathered for a weekend of teaching, prayer and reflection; and next week I will be on retreat with those among them preparing for ordination as deacons and priests.
Message from Bishop Robert.
For those who are blessed with more, as we are in this country, comes therefore greater responsibility. If we are to keep ‘the law and the prophets’, we have to take to heart the command of Jesus to ‘love our neighbours as ourselves’.
Message from Bishop Rachel: An invitation to share stories of LIFE
As we move into the month of June still learning to live with Covid-19, we do not know what the government guidelines will be for life beyond 21 June, but once again I want to say an enormous Thank You for our life together and for all you have held, led, and navigated over this past year. Thank you too for the way people are creating a wave of thanks, amid both lament and joy, within your local context…
Message from Bishop Robert
Over 8 million people in this country live in overcrowded, unaffordable and sub-standard accommodation, I cannot but recognise that this is both an affront to human dignity and a challenge to act …
Message from Bishop Rachel
As we prayerfully live these days between Ascension and Pentecost, and tentatively move forward from this time of lockdown into whatever the next season holds, this letter comes with continued thanks for …
Message from Bishop Rachel
On Thursday we will celebrate Ascension Day – a day of ending but not quite of clear new beginning.
Ascension Day marks the end of the story of Christ’s life on earth, and then comes a period of waiting, of wondering, of prayer. Once again there is unexpected change and disconcerting uncertainty, but this time it is lived with expectation (Acts 1:1-14).
Message from Bishop Robert
Next week, many of the communities of our Diocese will be taking part in fundraising for Christian Aid. This year’s campaign which runs alongside the vaccine thankfulness appeal and theContinue reading
70th anniversary of the Battle of the Imjin River
A message from Bishop Rachel Last Sunday I had the privilege of leading a short service to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Imjin River in theContinue reading
