Blogs - Diocese of Durham

Supporting our Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities

First published on: 29th November 2024

Following news of a dispersal order in Manchester last weekend, which resulted in large groups of young Gypsy and Traveller people being barred and escorted back to railway stations to leave the city, the Revd Nicky Chater urges us to understand the pain and anger felt by many Gypsy and Traveller families in our Diocese. She invites us to join together in prayer this Advent for those facing discrimination.

Event held to support church growth in social action, discipleship & mission

First published on: 25th July 2024

Last week, a jointly organised workshop was held by CTD(Communities Together Durham), CUF(Church Urban Fund) and Durham Diocese to learn more about the Growing Good Toolkit. Based on extensive research conducted by Theos and the GRA:CE Report, the toolkit gives churches, sessions to think about and work through to support them in growing through community engagement and serving ministry.

Pray Your Part

First published on: 12th June 2024

Bishop Sarah writes an Ad Clerum on the General Election. She talks about key ways we can all be involved including supporting others to play their part.

Raising God’s tent over Bishop Auckland, written by Catherine Knights

First published on: 17th May 2024

On Rogational Sunday (5 May), over 20 people representing different churches and denominations in Bishop Auckland engaged in Kingdom Prayers. Here, Catherine Knights talks about how God’s tent covered a wide area.

Another lambing season draws to a close

First published on: 23rd April 2024

When Samantha isn’t helping parish treasures with their cashbooks, she works on the family farm with her husband and two young daughters. They breed pedigree Swaledale sheep and Limousin cattle high up in the Yorkshire Dales. As the lambing season draws to a close for them, Samantha reflects on old and new testament offerings.

A reflection for Lent

First published on: 27th February 2024

In his latest blog, Paul reflects on giving things up for Lent. Not eating cakes or staying off the beer is only really a Lenten discipline if we use the time and resources we receive from doing it in to deepen our relationship with, and build our trust in, Jesus.

Finding racial hope in an election year

First published on: 27th February 2024

No Time To Wait report was published recently by North East Child Poverty Commission, and as the title suggests, there is no time to wait. Over one third of babies, children and young people in the region are growing up in poverty and one tenth are living below the very deep poverty line.

Put God at the centre of your New Year's resolutions

First published on: 24th January 2024

It’s the time of year to make New Year’s resolutions! The Giving team has put together some ideas for lasting and meaningful resolutions that will last past February. In his letter to the Philippians, Saint Paul writes: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength”. If God is the centre of our goals, we have a better chance for success.

A Christmas reflection from Revd Paul Child, Generous Giving Advisor

First published on: 13th December 2023

Paul reflects on the powerful role of music at Christmas time, from Christmas pop songs playing in shops to popular carols and one of his favourites - Bleak Midwinter. Carols help Christians, as well as those who don't go to church, understand something about the reason for the season – Jesus Christ, God incarnate, the word made flesh, given as the greatest gift to us over 2,000 years ago.

Bishop Paul's visit to Burundi and Rwanda

First published on: 16th August 2023

Bishop Paul and his wife Rosemary have recently returned from a two week visit to Burundi and Rwanda where they have longstanding links.