Usually, when we say that we’re ‘glad to see the back’ of someone, we’re saying that we’re relieved that, with their departure, a difficult chapter is over. Not so, for me, with churchwardens. You see, very often, the view I have of churchwardens is of their backs as, wands in hand, they lead me into…
A message from the diocese After six years, we say a grateful goodbye to Come and See, our Lent course that has accompanied many on their journey of faith. Through reflections, conversations and shared learning, it has helped individuals and groups alike to explore discipleship more deeply and encounter God afresh during the season of…
Easter is the great turnaround. In fact, it’s the greatest turnaround the world has ever known, as we move from death to life, despair to joy, defeat to victory. Jesus died in agony on the cross on Good Friday, but was raised to new life – resurrection life – on Easter Day. And the central…
The final meeting of the Vacancy in See Committee on Tuesday marked a significant step forward in the process to appoint our next Bishop of Oxford. The Revd Canon Geoff Bayliss, Chair of the Committee, thanked everyone for their dedication throughout the process: “I pay tribute to all those who have formed part of the Committee, and all those…
A message from The Bishop of Buckingham, the Rt Revd Dave Bull Our new Neurodiversity Forum will serve people across the diocese. The forum is for lay and ordained people in leadership who identify as neurodivergent, whether they have been diagnosed or not. It will be a space to make connections, support and encourage each…
Save the date for Bishop Steven’s final service Bishop Steven’s final service before his retirement will be on Sunday 31 May at 5pm at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. Details of how to apply for a ticket will follow later.
A message from Bishop Steven…… I know that parishes all across the Diocese will be offering daily prayers for lasting peace in the Middle East this weekend, for our Prime Minister and government, our armed forces and for all those affected by the war. It may be helpful to read and reflect on this letter from…
A message from the diocese….. Come and See 2026 is now under way – but there is still time to get involved. Each Lent, Come and See delves into a new aspect of Christian faith, and this year we’re looking at the Eucharist. Come and See is perfect for new and established Christians alike, and…
Bishop Steven attended his final General Synod before his retirement, and was bid a fond farewell on the final day in York. At her first General Synod as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Sarah Mullally gave thanks to Bishop Steven for his “wisdom, care and focus” through his time as bishop, both…
General Synod last week gave its backing to?establishing?working and consultative groups?to?continue?work on?same-sex relationships and marriage?as its Living in Love and Faith?(LLF)?process?comes to a conclusion. Read the full story on the Church of England website. Reflecting on the issue on BBC Radio Oxford at the weekend, Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance Vice-Chair Julie Dziegiel said: “There has been…