News - Diocese of Hereford

South Shropshire Interfaith Forum holds silent peace vigil in Craven Arms

Published on: 25th October 2023

Local people: Christian, Jewish and Muslim joined together for a silent vigil held last Saturday at the Auction Yard, Craven Arms. They came together in response to the horrors of the past two weeks to pray for peace and unity as the war between Israel and Hamas continues. The group stood together outside Craven Arms Community Centre in South Shropshire to hold 30 minutes of silence for all those who have been killed on each side of this conflict and to pray for peace in the region.

A first for Kingsland CE primary school - awarded School of Sanctuary status

Published on: 3rd October 2023

Pupils, staff and parents at Kingsland Church of England Primary School in Herefordshire proudly celebrated becoming the first local school to be credited as a School of Sanctuary. This status is a recognition of the school’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of warmth, welcome, and inclusion for refugees and individuals seeking asylum.

Hopes and Dreams Kingsland CE Primary School

Linked partnership an expression of generosity

Published on: 26th July 2023

Every year a number of churches in deaneries across Hereford support young African students to train as priests as part of our linked partnership with Tanzania. As we celebrate our local ordinations, we delight in the news that four men in Africa have also felt that special call to serve God in dioceses across Tanzania.

To DDE or not to DDE an abridged letter on the next chapter for Education

Published on: 20th July 2023

I, along with my team, have oversight of all 78 Church of England schools across the diocese. I have loved this job.

How a churchyard labyrinth revealed a surprising discovery about prayer habits

Published on: 11th July 2023

At St Dubricius church, which is part of the Wye Reaches benefice, removing a 180-year-old tree from the churchyard created a perfect space for a stone labyrinth. Created in the summer of 2022 for an arts and crafts exhibition, the vicar, Revd Tim Starling, kept intending to tidy up the stone labyrinth until he noticed that it was still being used.

Bishop of Hereford launches clothing campaign to support those seeking asylum.

Published on: 15th June 2023

As part of Refugee Week 2023, The Diocese of Hereford has partnered with Mothers' Union Hereford to launch a clothing appeal, asking people to donate towards buying new clothes for those seeking asylum who are currently being hosted in the county.

Village school children learn the joy of chat and a cuppa

Published on: 16th May 2023

Children in Year 6 at Christ Church CE Primary school in South Shropshire celebrated achieving their Archbishop’s Young Leader’s Award with a Community Tea party.

Bible Yarns – supporting wellbeing in a rural community

Published on: 11th May 2023

A small group of dedicated crafters in South Shropshire have been helping to spread the Good News of well-known Bible stories in the form of knitted tableaux. The knitted tableaux known locally as Bible Yarns has already visited many churches and has helped raise over two thousand pounds.

Kathy and David Bland attend Royal Garden Party

Published on: 9th May 2023

Earlier today, Kathy and David Bland attended the second Royal Garden party of the season and bumped into a familiar face from Hereford Diocese.

Growing local ministry: four new Local Pastoral Visitors commissioned

Published on: 2nd May 2023

Last Sunday, Four Local Pastoral Visitors were commissioned at St John’s, Ludlow, to serve with Revds Melia Cope and Richard Hill as part of the pastoral care team for the benefice. They are the first group of Local Pastoral Visitors to be commissioned in this new role in the diocese, but their service is rooted in the longstanding pastoral care which has been offered by laypeople in the benefice.