Death of King Harald V of Norway
First published on: 28th August 2026On behalf of the Diocese of Newcastle, Bishop Helen-Ann sends deepest condolences...
News
Funding to preserve the past and serve the future at St Cuthbert’s Norham
First published on: 13th August 2026St Cuthbert’s Church in Norham has almost reached its £380,000 fundraising target for an ambitious regeneration project.
Organ restored to former glory as part of church refurbishment
First published on: 12th August 2026A rare organ at a North Tyneside church has been restored as part of an ambitious project, which includes a wider programme of improvements.
Scaling the peaks to help save lives in North Tyneside
First published on: 12th August 2026A small team of climbers scaled England’s highest mountain to raise vital funds for two much-needed defibrillators in North Tyneside.
Inspirational Deaf Church celebrates 150th anniversary
First published on: 12th August 2026A chaplaincy which supports the spiritual and social needs of the Deaf is marking a significant milestone this year.
New memorial garden blessed at Dinnington church
First published on: 12th August 2026A new memorial garden at St Matthew’s Church has been blessed and commissioned during a well-attended service led by the Revd Mark Edwards MBE.
Looking towards a bright future with the Blanchland Abbey Project
First published on: 12th August 2026An exciting project to revitalise the village of Blanchland and build a sustainable future for its Abbey church is entering a critical new phase.
General Synod Seeks Diverse Voices
First published on: 7th August 2026The 2026 General Synod elections provide an important opportunity to strengthen the representation of voices minoritised by ethnicity. For this reason, we are encouraging clergy and lay people from minority ethnic backgrounds who may feel called to serve on General Synod, to explore this opportunity, learn more about the election process and consider whether this may be a next step in their ministry and leadership journey.
Bishop Helen-Ann supports undercover police surveillance bill
First published on: 17th July 2026On Friday 17 July, Bishop Helen-Ann spoke in the House of Lords in support of Baroness Hamwee's ‘Conduct of Undercover Policing and Surveillance Operatives' Bill. During her speech, Bishop Helen-Ann also paid tribute to PC Jess Turnbull of Northumberland Police. Read the full speech below or watch above.
Bishop Helen-Ann supports 'Genocide Determination' Bill
First published on: 17th July 2026On Friday 17 July, Bishop Helen-Ann spoke in support of Lord Alton of Liverpool’s ‘Genocide Determination’ Bill. Read her full speech below or watch it above.
Duke's Young Leaders celebrate course completion with London trip
First published on: 17th July 2026Young people from Duke's Secondary School marked the successful completion of their Growing Young Leaders course with a memorable trip to London on Tuesday 14th July, visiting the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
Bishop Helen-Ann comments on social mobility during House of Lords debate
First published on: 16th July 2026On Thursday 16 July, Bishop Helen-Ann spoke in the House of Lords during the debate on the Government's record on education, employment and welfare since 2024.
Bishop Helen-Ann in Lords debate on homelessness among early-release prisoners
First published on: 16th July 2026The House of Lords today debated the effectiveness of partnership working between prisons and local housing authorities in preventing homelessness and rough sleeping among prisoners released early.
Historic bell returns to Church of Our Lady, Seaton
First published on: 9th July 2026Tuesday 7 July 2026 saw a milestone moment for the Church of Our Lady, Seaton, as the church bell, thought to date to 1490, was returned to its home in the bell tower after a programme of repair and conservation.
Hexham Abbey gains support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund
First published on: 9th July 2026Hexham Abbey gains support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for plans to protect and share its heritage asset of international significance
Bishop Helen-Ann’s Presidential Address to Diocesan Synod
First published on: 7th July 2026Life in all its fullness: a renewed vision for the Diocese of Newcastle
Vicar reaches the heights for skydiving fundraiser
First published on: 29th June 2026A skydiving vicar has raised more than £2,500 for church and community funds after taking to the skies for the first time.
New deacons and priests ordained
First published on: 29th June 2026Over the weekend of Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June 2026, four new priests and two new deacons were ordained by Bishop Mark and Bishop Helen-Ann respectively during services at Newcastle Cathedral.
Holy Trinity welcomes more than 930 people during Jesmond Community Festival
First published on: 25th June 2026More than 930 people attended events hosted by Holy Trinity Jesmond during this year's Jesmond Community Festival, as the church opened its doors to the wider community through a month-long programme of activities.
Newcastle Cathedral welcomes school leavers for 2026
First published on: 19th June 2026This week, 500 Y4 and Y6 pupils from 16 different schools have been welcomed to Newcastle Cathedral for leavers’ services as they prepare to transition to new schools.
Bishop Helen-Ann marks Refugee Week at Seven Bridges Café
First published on: 19th June 2026Bishop Helen-Ann joined the regular Friday communal lunch at The Seven Bridges Café this afternoon as local organisations, volunteers and community members came together to mark the end of Refugee Week and explore how greater collaboration can benefit communities across Newcastle, particularly refugees and people seeking asylum.
Church of England apologises for role in post-war historical adoption practices
First published on: 18th June 2026Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley's response following the Church of England's apology for its role in post-war historical adoption practices and support for those affected.
Local church opens doors to NHS blood donors
First published on: 16th June 2026A local church is celebrating the success of a recent blood donation session that not only helped support the NHS but also highlighted the important role church buildings can play at the heart of their communities.
Hospital chaplain helps bring wedding blessing to grandmother’s bedside
First published on: 15th June 2026With the support of hospital chaplain Lloyd Brown and staff on the palliative care unit, a heartfelt blessing was arranged at Pat’s bedside, creating a treasured memory for the whole family.
First Pride in Place neighbourhood board chairs announced
First published on: 10th June 2026Two prominent local figures, Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley and Paul Hanson, have been appointed as the independent chairs of the neighbourhood boards that will oversee how £40 million of community funding is spent in Newcastle.
Stand for Synod
First published on: 8th June 2026New clergy and lay members are being elected to General Synod this year – and you are invited to stand as a candidate.
Young people enjoy adventure, reflection and faith on Northumberland residential
First published on: 8th June 2026A group of young people from across south-east Northumberland enjoyed an unforgettable two-night residential at Seahouses Hostel, combining outdoor adventure, friendship, faith exploration and personal reflection in some of the county’s most beautiful locations.
Bishop Mark attends ordination of first women priests in Diocese of Botswana
First published on: 28th May 2026On 17 May, Bishop Mark attended the ordination of the first women priests in our Link Diocese of Botswana. Below, he offers a brief reflection on this momentous occasion.
+Helen-Ann responds to King’s Speech during debate on Economy, Trade & the EU
First published on: 14th May 2026Following the King’s Speech which marked a new parliamentary year, on Thursday 14 May, Bishop Helen-Ann took part in a debate in the House of Lords on 'Economic Growth, Trade and EU Partnership'.
Meet our Ordinands 2026
First published on: 7th May 2026Petertide ordinations will take place on Saturday 27 June and Sunday 28 June at Newcastle Cathedral with four people being ordained as priests and two as deacons.
