Members of Synod, I begin these remarks by formally offering a sincere welcome to Alan Smith, the First Church Estates Commissioner, who is spending the weekend with us. Alan, you are very welcome here, to the Church of England’s most northerly diocese, and we hope this visit will be the first of many.
Last weekend, Bishop Helen-Ann was delighted to welcome the First Church Estates Commissioner, Alan Smith, to our diocese.
The Bishop’s Christmas Appeal was launched back in November in aid of The People’s Kitchen, the Newcastle-based charity that supports people who may be homeless, unemployed, lonely or living in poverty.
Earlier this month, Bishop Helen-Ann spent time in the House of Lords, taking part in debates on domestic violence in young people, underinvestment in the North East and the impact of government policy on hospitality and retail sectors.
On 22 January, Bishop Helen-Ann spoke during the House of Lords debate on the impact of government policy on hospitality and retail sectors.
Racial Justice Sunday is an opportunity for churches to come together to reflect on the importance of racial justice and to celebrate the beauty of our differences. It reminds us that everyone is loved equally by God, and it calls us to stand against racism, treat one another with respect, and work together for a more just and welcoming world. Resources are available from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
A rural church has become the first in Newcastle Diocese to join a growing phenomenon which is enabling people to sleep over in places of worship.
Paul Rickeard, CEO at the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust, has been recognised in the 2026 New Years Honours list with an OBE.
Church of the Good Shepherd, Battle Hill, has supported its community in Wallsend this Christmas with carol singing and fundraising.
An update from Bishop Helen-Ann regarding LLF following a meeting of the House of Bishops today, Tuesday 16 December 2025.
Earlier this week, our Safeguarding Team hosted their first face-to-face Parish Safeguarding Officer event at Church House.
A church school located less than three miles from Sycamore Gap has received a sapling from the world famous tree.
On Saturday 6 December four new Non-Residentiary Canons were installed at Newcastle Cathedral. The Revd Dr Hannah Cleugh, The Revd Nigel Taylor, Jacqueline Atkinson and Chris Elder were installed during the Patronal Festival of St Nicholas by Bishop Mark while the Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox preached.
Over the past couple of months, one question has been something of a guiding light in my daily life and work: who is my neighbour? It’s a question asked of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel. Jesus’ answer comes in the form of the parable of the Good Samaritan, but it’s the question that led to that parable that I want us to keep in mind today.
Safeguarding Adults Week runs from 17th -21st November and is an annual, national event, where organisations come together to raise awareness of safeguarding issues in our communities.
Bishop Helen-Ann is delighted to launch her Christmas Appeal for 2025 – in aid of The People’s Kitchen. Based in Newcastle, the charity supports vulnerable people who may be homeless, unemployed, lonely or living in poverty.
Jackson, a chorister from Worcester Cathedral, has set himself the challenge of visiting every Anglican Cathedral in England, jumping at each one. Newcastle Cathedral was the 28th cathedral on Jackson’s jumping pilgrimage and was a particularly memorable visit because he was able to persuade the Very Revd Lee Batson to jump with him.
The Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, is pleased to announce the appointment of new Non-Residentiary Canons at Newcastle Cathedral.
Bishop Helen-Ann is currently taking part in the 13-member House of Lords Select Committee, taking evidence on the safeguarding and procedures in the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Watch clips of the discussions here.
On Saturday 18 October, we welcomed three new Readers to serve in our Diocese. Izzy McDonald-Booth, Jo McEvedy and Bec Scane were licensed by Bishop Mark during a special Eucharist service at Newcastle Cathedral.
Bishop Helen-Ann has been appointed to the House of Lords select committee examining Private Member's Bill on 'assisted dying'.
His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, Downing Street has announced.
On Saturday 27 September, the local community gathered together at Duke’s Secondary School to welcome and celebrate two new ministries within the Diocese - the Revd Allison Harding as Pioneer Minister, and Jon Wright as Youth and Children’s Enabler with Beyond Youth.
A former vicar of Berwick had the honour of attending The King's Annual Scottish Garden party this year.
Yesterday, two new LGBTQI+ Volunteer Chaplains were commissioned during a special Choral Evensong service at Newcastle Cathedral.
Bishop Helen-Ann is delighted to announce the appointment of Duncan Cox as the Bishop’s Advisor on Climate Justice and the Environment.
On Sunday 14 September, Newcastle Cathedral hosted a service to mark the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming the Diocese of Newcastle’s commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families.
On 12 September 2025, Bishop Helen-Ann spoke during the Second Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Read the full speech (below) or watch (above).
Hexham Abbey has announced a six-week programme of events to accompany a renowned exhibition which will take place there this autumn.
We have been made aware that our DBS administrator, APCS has encountered a data breach.
