Next year, 2026, will mark a remarkable milestone in the life of Hereford Diocese – the 1350th anniversary of the Diocese of Hereford, founded in 676AD. The diocese, which covers the ancient kingdom of Mercia, includes many ancient churches whose foundations can be traced back to the Norman era.
The people of the diocese of Hereford are faithful; their history stretches back through generations who have lived and worked the land, and been part of their local church, in this part of the world, as well as newcomers who have invigorated local culture and worship. As we seek to celebrate our journey of faith together, we look back, thankful for the firm foundations we have, and forward with confidence for those who will come after us, continuing to look for God at work in our coimmunities and confidently proclaiming Christ, transforming lives.
For over a thousand years the people of Hereford Diocese have caught glimpses of God's magnificent glory; we can see this in the wonder of the Mappa Mundi found in Hereford Cathedral, created in medieval times to help people make sense of their world as they found it.
God of all creation we give you thanks for the physical beauty of our Diocese,
and the long history of Christian faith in this place.
Pour out your grace upon us
that, inspired by the witness of Dyfrig, Edfrith, and Milburga and the buildings built to your glory across the ages,
we may continue to plant your word, to nurture its growth among us, and to steward the ongoing harvest of the Kingdom of your love.
Through Jesus Christ our Saviour
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
One God, world without end.
Amen.
We can also see the glory celebrated in the design and craftsmanship found in the many beautiful, ancient Grade I and Grade II listed church buildings scattered throughout our landscape, where local people have celebrated their faith and marked out their lives for centuries.
It is the stories of the people who live and serve in our communities, keeping the faith alive today and encouraging future generations, that we will also seek to celebrate as part of the anniversary year.
To mark this jubilee, we have prepared an inspiring array of events that we hope will unite our entire diocesan family in celebration:
- Celebration services will bring our local communities together in thanksgiving at Hereford Cathedral and at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow.
- Special pilgrimages for communities will deepen our faith as we walk the ways of some of the many saints from Milburga to Dyfrig to the pilgrimage route of the Golden Valley where we will celebrate St Eadfrith.
- A programme of special events as part of Hereford Cathedral's Year of Storytelling will include a landmark exhibition of The Hereford Gospels – a special project gathering the stories of faith from people here in our diocese today and showcasing the original Hereford Gospels.
We hope that, alongside all the centrally planned events, many local events and activities will be hosted by our schools, parishes, and churches, and that the year of celebration will bring people together from across our diocese.
