Blogs - Diocese of Durham

Durham Diocese deepens friendship with Nordkirche in Hamburg

First published on: 14th November 2025

Our long and joyful link with the Nordkirche—the Lutheran Church of Northern Germany—was renewed once again during a recent visit to Hamburg. The Nordkirche covers a huge area from Hamburg up to Lübeck and all the way east to the Polish border. One of our favourite shared traditions is attending each other’s ordination services. After hosting our German friends in Durham over the summer, it was our turn to visit them.

The joy of giving at Christmas

First published on: 12th November 2025

As Christmas approaches, I find myself reflecting on what generosity truly means from my childhood in Nigeria to my life here in England. I am reminded that generosity is more than gifts under a Christmas tree; it is opening our hearts, our homes, and our hands to feed, support and love others.

Worship Lock-in: A space to encounter God in Stockton-on-Tees

First published on: 20th February 2025

Looking for a place to worship freely, be refreshed, and meet with God? Stockton Parish Church invites you to its next Worship Lock-in on Sunday 23rd February—a time set apart for restoration and encounter.

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.