News - Newcastle Diocese

Newcastle Cathedral's Story Chair Empowers Women in Criminal Justice System

First published on: 11th September 2023

A unique 'Story Chair' was unveiled on Friday 8 September in the Crypt of Newcastle Cathedral - a collaboration between national social justice charity Changing Lives, the School of Design at Northumbria University, Newcastle Cathedral and the North East Probation Service was designed with women with first-hand experience of the criminal justice system, as an abstract representation of their stories.

Singers turn out in numbers for BBC Songs of Praise in Newcastle

First published on: 23rd August 2023

Almost 500 people turned out to sing as the BBC brought Songs of Praise to Newcastle.

Rising Sun Festival brings neighbours together

First published on: 22nd August 2023

Churches in Newcastle Diocese have joined together for a special festival which saw children and families engage in fun and creative activities.

Silver success for church with clear environmental goals

First published on: 10th August 2023

A church in Newcastle Diocese has set its sights on gold after securing the silver award as part of the Eco Church initiative.

Talented musicians are In Harmony

First published on: 10th August 2023

The In Harmony Project, West Newcastle Symphony Orchestra, visited St. Matthew’s Elswick, Newcastle, for their Summer Community Concert.

Seeking, Sharing, and Sending in our communities

First published on: 10th August 2023

As we reflect on the Diocesan vision for turning outwards in mission and ministry and becoming younger and more diverse, the Revd Julie Mooney explains how this vision is being lived out at Church of the Good Shepherd, Battle Hill.

Church Commissioners' oil and gas decision - a diocesan response

First published on: 10th August 2023

The Church Commissioners for England, which manages the Church of England’s £10.3bn endowment fund, has decided to exclude all remaining oil and gas majors from its portfolio.

Christian content is making a big sound on the radio

First published on: 9th August 2023

For the past seven years, the Revd Sheila Hamil has been broadcasting voluntarily for Radio Tyneside, the long-established community and hospital station, which reaches 20,000 regular listeners, including patients at Tyneside’s main hospitals.

An opportunity to join BBC's Songs of Praise at Jesmond

First published on: 9th August 2023

The BBC's ever-popular Songs of Praise is coming to St George's Church in Jesmond - and people from across Newcastle Diocese can be part of it.

Sheep Ahoy! Shaun on the Tyne at Newcastle Cathedral

First published on: 4th August 2023

The Bishop of Newcastle and her husband Myles attended a special ‘Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne’ preview event, giving Bishop Helen-Ann an opportunity to meet the version of Shaun that is living in Newcastle Cathedral from 19 July - 27 September.

Hannah reflects on an extra-special Petertide Ordinations weekend

First published on: 4th August 2023

The Bishop of Newcastle ordained seven priests and three deacons during a big weekend at Newcastle Cathedral this summer but for Hannah Malcolm, who will be serving her curacy in the parish of Christ the King, it was an extra-special experience.

‘It’s the right time’ – Rachel leaves Children and Youth team in good hands

First published on: 4th August 2023

The Revd Rachel Scheffer is stepping back from her children and youth work role after “eight wonderful years.”

Bell ringer Mark answers his call to church

First published on: 3rd August 2023

A man who came to church initially to ring the bells is now embracing the full experience after he started attending services regularly.

Fun Lifepath event engages children in the Christian faith

First published on: 2nd August 2023

Since 2011, Lifepath Brinkburn has welcomed school groups each June. Kirstine Davis, the administrator of the scheme, explains what Lifepath is all about and how children can learn about the Christian faith in a fun and engaging way.

North Shields baby bank hub receives vital funding for upgrades

First published on: 28th July 2023

A North Tyneside baby bank, based at St. John's Church Percy Main, which supports struggling parents amid the cost of living crisis, has received a vital funding boost to upgrade its hub.

Lord Sentamu – statement from the Bishop of Newcastle

First published on: 27th July 2023

A statement from the Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley.

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School’s work tackling global poverty recognised with Christian Aid award

First published on: 25th July 2023

Felton Church of England Primary School has achieved Bronze Award status in Christian Aid’s Global Neighbours Scheme, an accreditation programme which helps pupils learn about global poverty and the Christian responsibility to tackle it

Stephen Tranter to be Newcastle’s new DDOV

First published on: 17th July 2023

The Revd Stephen Tranter has been announced as the new Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations in the Diocese of Newcastle.

Reverend Canon Lee Batson appointed as next Dean of Newcastle

First published on: 14th July 2023

The Bishop of Newcastle has appointed The Reverend Canon Lee Batson as the next Dean of Newcastle.

General Synod: Bishop Helen-Ann says rural communities must not be forgotten

First published on: 11th July 2023

Bishop of Newcastle calls for our rural communities not to be forgotten in debates about Climate Emergency.

MBE honour for priest who founded charity which supports ex-offenders

First published on: 5th July 2023

The Revd Fiona Sample, CEO of The Oswin Project, has reflected on the honour, after being awarded the MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list for 2023.

Schools looking strong with great outcomes for our children

First published on: 4th July 2023

That’s the reassuring message from Diocesan Director of Education (DDE) Paul Rickeard, at the midway point of an exceptional year.

Priest and Deacon Ordinations Petertide 2023

First published on: 1st July 2023

Today, Bishop Helen-Ann ordained seven priests in a service at Newcastle Cathedral.

Mystery pre-war Bible - helping police find its rightful owner

First published on: 29th June 2023

Police are trying to reunite a fascinating Bible with its rightful owner.

Nominations open for National Church Awards

First published on: 29th June 2023

Churches across the Diocese are being invited to enter nominations for this year's National Church Awards.

Faiths join together with Ukrainian families for peace vigil

First published on: 29th June 2023

Church communities joined together for a vigil to pray for peace in Ukraine and across the world.

Sarah makes a success of social work placement

First published on: 28th June 2023

Sarah White (pictured) became our first social work student when she joined the Diocesan safeguarding team at the end of January.

A trip down musical memory lane for school’s 60th anniversary

First published on: 22nd June 2023

Education in the village dates back to the 17th century, when children were taught within the porch at St Andrew’s Church. A purpose-built school was constructed during Victorian times and opened in 1852, before the school moved into its current building 60 years ago in 1953.

New vicar feels very much at home in Alnwick

First published on: 21st June 2023

The Revd Christian Mitchell, who prefers to be known as Mitch, first visited the historic town and surrounding areas back in 2016.

Lindisfarne’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land 2023

First published on: 19th June 2023

Revd Dr David Bryan, Principal of Lindisfarne College of Theology, gives his account of this year's memorable visit.