Diocesan thanks to Allchurches Trust
The Diocesan Secretary, George Colville, has expressed his gratitude and thanks to Allchurches Trust for its annual grant of just over £160,000 which is given to the Diocesan Board of Finance.Â
News
Living in Love and Faith resources
The Church of England has published a landmark set of resources drawing together the Bible, theology, science and history with powerful real-life stories as it embarks on a new process of discernment and decision-making.
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New lockdown guidance for churches
The Church of England has published new guidance on its website. The document aims to help clergy and church leaders navigate to the sources of information to help parishes make decisions at a local level.
Quiet acts of remembrance and mourning
Last month, the Revd Jenny Bridgman unveiled a memorial stone dedicated to all lives lost through miscarriage, abortion and stillbirth. Since then, people from across the diocese have come to express their own quiet acts of remembrance.
#PrayerForTheNation
Bishop Mark has joined with the Archbishops and other senior church leaders to invite Christians across the nation to participate in a month of prayer as the second lockdown in England comes into force.
Be "calm, courageous and compassionate"
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have invited the nation to join them in prayer, in a message encouraging "calm, courageous and compassionate" responses to the difficulties of the second national lockdown in England.
Connecting without the internet
As we enter another period of lockdown some churches will be re-employing their newfound skills to continue their worship online. But the traditional telephone still has a part to play in keeping in touch with members of the community.
Archbishops join call to allow public worship
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, together with the Bishop of London, have joined national faith leaders in calling on the Government to permit public worship during the forthcoming lockdown in England.Â
Take up your cross
In the week the nation enters a second national lockdown the Archdeacon of Macclesfield, Ian Bishop, offers a personal video reflection and ponders what this challenging situation means for us as Christians.
Government guidance on Remembrance Sunday
The Government has today, Tuesday, published a guidance note about how Remembrance Sunday activities can take place in line with current COVID-19 restrictions and requirements in England.
Chester Diocesan News out now
In November's CDN, Bishop Keith writes about his decision to retire and there's a moving story about how an ordained couple in Altrincham unveiled a permanent memorial to remember children lost to miscarriage.
Ordinations to be broadcast live on 24 October
Twenty three people will be ordained Deacon tomorrow at Chester Cathedral in three separate services. Although the event is by invitation only, due to covid restrictions, the services will be broadcast live on YouTube
Publication of review into Bishop Whitsey
The Church of England has published the independent lessons learnt review concerning its handling of allegations against the late Victor Whitsey, formerly bishop in the Diocese of Chester from 1974 to 1981.
Over 17,000 services provided by C of E parishes
More than 17,000 online services and events are being provided by Church of England churches following the introduction of the lockdown and restrictions on public worship earlier this year, according to a new report.
Further COVID updates
The Church of England's Recovery Group has published a slew of updated advice following the introduction of the three-tier risk system last week. The updates cover funerals, confirmations, and baptisms, among other things.
Services in the Christmas Season
Due to the Coronavirus restrictions, Bishop Mark and Bishop Keith are today giving general permission to benefices to dispense with the requirement to hold a service of public worship on Sunday 27 December, if they wish.
Remembering and Remembrance
The central Church of England have produced a number of resources to help clergy and lay leaders prepare for All Saints' Day, All Souls’ Day and Remembrance in 2020. The resources include posters, prayers cards, liturgies and prayers.
Advice for clergy conducting weddings
The Church of England's Recovery Group has published details about the changes in advice for clergy conducting weddings. The changes are in response to the new three-tier system which came into effect this week.
Permitted activities under the three-tier system
The Church of England's Recovery Group has published details about the ways in which the three-tier system will impact on the main activities related to churches. You can view the information here.
Bishop Keith announces his retirement
Bishop Keith Sinclair, has announced that he is to retire on 08 March 2021, 14 years after he was consecrated. Read Keith's statement, and watch a conversation between him and Bishop Mark, recorded on the day of the announcement.
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Cathedral exhibition highlights modern slavery
A new exhibition opening at Chester Cathedral on Saturday 10 October will draw attention to the global issue of modern slavery. Human trafficking and modern slavery affect an estimated 40 million people worldwide. Â
Scarecrows form part of congregation
You could say that the team at Christ Church, Higher Bebington, were clutching at straws when they came up with their latest idea to connect with the local community, but things just grew from there.
Statement on publication of IICSA
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, IICSA, has published its report into the Anglican Church in England and Wales. Bishop Mark has issued a statement following the publication of the report.
Baby loss memorial service
An ordained couple in Timperley, who lost a child eight weeks into a pregnancy, will unveil a permanent memorial on Friday 9 October to help local people to remember children lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, and abortion.
Chester Diocesan News now available
Read the latest edition of the Chester Diocesan News, including coverage and photographs of a service at Chester Cathedral to mark Bishop Mark's start to public ministry, and a reflection from the bishop too.
Open letter ahead of IICSA report
Read the open letter from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the lead safeguarding bishop and the national director of safeguarding, shared ahead of IICSA publishing its overarching investigation report into the Church of England.
Bishop Mark welcomes 'Safe Spaces'
Bishop Mark has welcomed the launch of a new service providing vital support for survivors of church-related abuse. Safe Spaces, commissioned by the Church of England, will be run by Victim Support, an independent charity.
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Ordination and licensing services
A total of 21 men and women will be ordained priest at Chester Cathedral on Saturday 03 October. A further 14 men and women will be licensed as a Reader or Pastoral Worker at Chester Cathedral on Sunday 04 October.Â
Everyday faith in the work place
People across the Diocese of Chester have all been affected by the pandemic. This has presented various challenges in all kinds of ways We speak with four people from the diocese and ask them how their lives have changed.
Create an experience for visitors
Even in these times, there are ways to encourage and engage visitors as part of your mission of welcome, hospitality and faith journey from visitor to pilgrim. Emily Allen, Church Buildings Missioner, offers some ideas.
