News


A weekend of celebration ahead at historic Blanchland Abbey 

First published on: 19th November 2024

The village of Blanchland is gearing up to celebrate the history of its 12th century abbey at a special event this weekend.

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Six new Non-Residentiary Canons announced

First published on: 15th November 2024

The Bishop of Newcastle, Rt Revd Helen-Ann Hartley, is pleased to announce that she has appointed six new Non-Residentiary (Honorary) Canons of Newcastle Cathedral.

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A statement from the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle

First published on: 13th November 2024

It is right that Archbishop Justin has resigned. This resignation does not solve the Church’s profound failure over safeguarding and the ongoing trauma caused to victims and survivors of church related abuse nor does it excuse others whose neglect of their duties is exposed by the Makin report.


Bishop Helen-Ann responds to Autumn Budget

First published on: 12th November 2024

On Monday 11 November, Bishop Helen-Ann responded to the Government's Autumn Budget during a debate in the House of Lords, addressing the impact on child poverty, farming and connectivity. Full speech included.

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A Statement from the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle

First published on: 11th November 2024

Please find below a statement from the Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle.


Church gets biggest upgrade in almost a century

First published on: 8th November 2024

St. James' and St Basil's Church, which is a community hub as well as a place of worship, has undergone its biggest upgrade of facilities since it opened 93 years ago.

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Bishop Helen-Ann's cat, Ebba, launches campaign to become Purr Minister

First published on: 4th November 2024

After spending several months kneading the purr-fect campaign, the UK’s paw-litical cats, including Bishop Helen-Ann's cat, Ebba, have officially launched their bid to become Britain’s meow-st influential feline in Purr Minister 2024, a competition organised by leading animal welfare charity Battersea.

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Youth ministry is flourishing at Holy Cross Fenham

First published on: 1st November 2024

Children and teenagers are playing an active role in the life of a Newcastle church – from reading the liturgy and leading prayers, to conducting Bible-themed puppet shows.

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Bishop Helen-Ann praises the community and voluntary sector in House of Lords

First published on: 1st November 2024

On 31 October 2024, Bishop Helen-Ann took part in the debate on 'The contribution of the community and voluntary sector to society across the United Kingdom'. You can read her full speech below. 

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Street Pastors Newcastle: Showing God's love through our actions

First published on: 31st October 2024

Street Pastors Newcastle plays a vital role in keeping people safe while they enjoy a night out in the bustling city centre on Friday and Saturday nights.  A dedicated team of trained volunteers from local churches is on the lookout for new members. 

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Safeguarding freedom of religious beliefs is a global responsibility

First published on: 29th October 2024

On Monday 28 October, Bishop Helen-Ann spoke in the House of Lords debate on freedom of religious belief in South Asia. 

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LGBTQI+ Lead Chaplain announced for Newcastle Diocese

First published on: 28th October 2024

​​​​​​​The Bishop of Newcastle is pleased to announce that the Reverend Emma Duff has been appointed to lead our chaplaincy service for LGBTQI+ communities within Newcastle Diocese.

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Building work reveals a glimpse into Byker’s exciting future

First published on: 22nd October 2024

An exciting project to transform a church into a state-of-the-art youth and community hub is beginning to take shape.

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Celebrations to mark the renaming of 177 year old Alnwick primary school

First published on: 11th October 2024

School children to be joined by the Duke of Northumberland, Archdeacon of Lindisfarne and Mayor of Alnwick as they celebrate the renaming of 177 year old primary school in Alnwick. 

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New Diocesan Director of Education for church schools in Newcastle and Durham

First published on: 4th October 2024

A new Diocesan Director of Education (DDE) to serve Church of England schools across both Newcastle and Durham dioceses has been appointed.

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Diocesan Synod: Bishop Helen-Ann's Presidential Address

First published on: 2nd October 2024

Diocesan Synod took place on Saturday 28 September at St Mary's Church, Monkseaton. Here is Bishop Helen-Ann's Presidential Address. 

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Sycamore Gap: One Year On

First published on: 27th September 2024

Today, Friday 27 September, Bishop Helen-Ann joined school children from across the region at The Sill to mark one year since the Sycamore Gap tree was illegally felled.

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The Revd Captain Katie Watson

First published on: 20th September 2024

A joint statement from Bishop Helen-Ann and Bishop Mark

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Happy 1st Birthday Beyond Youth

First published on: 12th September 2024

Last night, many people gathered together at Duke’s Secondary School in Ashington for an evening of celebration and reflection as Beyond Youth marked their first anniversary.

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New Principal of Lindisfarne College of Theology licensed

First published on: 11th September 2024

The Revd Dr Richard Briggs has been licensed as the new Principal of Lindisfarne College of Theology.

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People in the diocese contribute to an ‘amazing’ Great North Run

First published on: 10th September 2024

Many people across Newcastle Diocese played their part in this year’s highly successful Great North Run.

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The ‘rural survivor’ church in County Durham that’s about to see its future turn

First published on: 30th August 2024

All Saints Church in Muggleswick, like many historic rural churches is running at a loss but the dedicated tea at All Saints have decided to invest in their building. With help from the National Churches Trust, they hope to see the church remain open for worship while also becoming a destination for camping.

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Cycling Camino of St Cuthbert will raise vital funds for church buildings

First published on: 29th August 2024

The Revd Gill Alexander is raising money for St Cuthbert’s Haydon Bridge, and also Haydon Old Church, by cycling to all churches dedicated to St Cuthbert in the Diocese of Newcastle.

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Bishop’s Great North Run challenge in support of Newcastle Foodbank

First published on: 29th August 2024

It’s all systems go for Bishop Helen-Ann as she continues her preparations for this year’s Great North Run.

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Enormous embroidery heads for Hexham Abbey to explore creation in the Bible

First published on: 29th August 2024

From 9 October to 23 November, Hexham Abbey will play host to ‘Threads through Creation’, a stunning exhibition of twelve enormous, embroidered silk panels which explore the story of Creation in the Bible.

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Summer is brill in Battle Hill

First published on: 28th August 2024

Many churches often pause their regular activities during the school holidays. This year, Church of the Good Shepherd in Battle Hill decided to use this opportunity ­­­­­­­­­­­­to reach out to their local community in new ways.

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Newburn Church puts themselves on the map with community open day

First published on: 27th August 2024

In a bid to reach members of their local community, St. Michael and All Angels in Newburn organised a special open day. 

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Church schools named ‘Schools of Sanctuary’ in North Tyneside

First published on: 7th August 2024

Two church schools in North Tyneside have been awarded Schools of Sanctuary status – recognising their solidarity with and welcome for people seeking safety from war and persecution.

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Message to the Diocese from Bishop Helen-Ann following days of unrest in the UK

First published on: 6th August 2024

A week on from the devastating murders of innocent children in Southport, Bishop Helen-Ann has "utterly condemned" the violence and racism that has followed in towns and cities across the nation. She has called for unity, love and hope.

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Bishop Helen-Ann responds to the 'Better Community Sentencing' report

First published on: 26th July 2024

Bishop Helen-Ann responds to the 'Cutting crime: better community sentencing' report during a debate in the House of Lords this afternoon.

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