Being a bishop can be a funny experience. Some people seem to think bishops are able to resolve every problem in the church. Others seem to think bishops are responsible for every problem in the church. Of course, neither extreme is true. Bishops are human beings like everyone else. God does not show favouritism (Acts…
From the Diocese: We continue to pray for all those involved in discerning the next Bishop of Oxford, and for all who are considering their personal calling in this time. Please do join us in prayer – you may like to share the prayer below with your communities, and you can find new prayer resources…
Franciscans will be celebrating the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi this summer and autumn. The Anglican Franciscan family will be making a pilgrimage of peace across the country, travelling from friary to friary, beginning this Saturday. The route will seen them pass through the Diocese of Oxford in the last…
A landmark move to bring religious education (RE) into England’s national curriculum for the first time has moved a step closer, following months of work by a national group that included Tony Wilson, chief executive officer at the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education (ODBE). The government announced this week that it will press ahead with…
The summer 2026 edition of our relaunched Pathways magazine is now available to pick up in churches. To give you a flavour of the content we are sharing this piece in which we talk to Reading vicar Revd Mark Nam about the growth of Hong Konger congregations in the Diocese of Oxford. We are keen to hear your…
We send heartfelt congratulations to Dave who will be ordained (along with 18 others) at Christ Church Cathedral on 4 July. They will go on to serve their curacies throughout the diocese. The ordination services will be led by Bishop Gavin and Bishop Dave. At 66, Dave Pizzey brings a lifetime of serving people to…
This message includes references to historical adoption practices, including the separation of mothers and babies, stigma, and experiences of trauma and lasting emotional harm. Today the Church of England has issued an apology to those harmed through homes and adoptions connected to the Church. We have also issued our own apology to those harmed through homes and…
A message from the Diocese….. We are in the process of creating a special book to mark Bishop Steven’s retirement – and we would be delighted if you could take the time to submit your message. You might want to let Bishop Steven know what he has meant to you and your congregation. Or you…
Bishop Steven and Imam Monawar Hussain have issued a statement criticising the decision of the Oxford Union to invite Tommy Robinson to speak at the University of Oxford debating society on 28 May. The co-chairs of the Oxfordshire Faith and Civic Leaders Forum and the Thames Valley Faith and Civic Leaders Forum said in their…
Bishop Richard Harries’ funeral and Requiem will be on Friday 29 May at 11am in St Mary’s Church, Barnes. Bishop Richard’s family have kindly supplied a video link for any members of the diocese who wish to join virtually.