Bishop of Newcastle welcomes kinship carer payment plan
First published on: 3rd March 2026The Bishop of Newcastle has welcomed a new government scheme for kinship carers in the North East.
News
Bishop Helen-Ann’s Presidential Address to Diocesan Synod
First published on: 2nd March 2026Members 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.
First Church Estates Commissioner visits Newcastle Diocese
First published on: 2nd March 2026Last weekend, Bishop Helen-Ann was delighted to welcome the First Church Estates Commissioner, Alan Smith, to our diocese.
Bishop’s appeal raises vital funds for the People’s Kitchen
First published on: 27th February 2026The 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.
Bishop Helen-Ann in the House of Lords: January round-up
First published on: 29th January 2026Earlier 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.
Bishop calls for sustainable vision for hospitality, retail & regional economy
First published on: 23rd January 2026On 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 2026
First published on: 16th January 2026Racial 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.
Champing offers a new way to welcome people into church
First published on: 9th January 2026A 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.
CEO of Diocesan Learning Trust awarded OBE in Honours List
First published on: 2nd January 2026Paul Rickeard, CEO at the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust, has been recognised in the 2026 New Years Honours list with an OBE.
Carols and fundraising in the community
First published on: 18th December 2025Church of the Good Shepherd, Battle Hill, has supported its community in Wallsend this Christmas with carol singing and fundraising.
LLF update from +Helen-Ann following House of Bishops meeting
First published on: 16th December 2025An update from Bishop Helen-Ann regarding LLF following a meeting of the House of Bishops today, Tuesday 16 December 2025.
Safeguarding Team thank PSOs at Church House gathering
First published on: 10th December 2025Earlier this week, our Safeguarding Team hosted their first face-to-face Parish Safeguarding Officer event at Church House.
‘Tree of Hope’ sapling planted at Henshaw CofE Primary
First published on: 10th December 2025A church school located less than three miles from Sycamore Gap has received a sapling from the world famous tree.
Four new Non-Residentiary Canons installed
First published on: 8th December 2025On 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.
Bishop Helen-Ann’s Presidential Address to Diocesan Synod
First published on: 2nd December 2025Over 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.
Newcastle Diocese marks Safeguarding Adults Week
First published on: 14th November 2025Safeguarding 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's Christmas Appeal 2025
First published on: 12th November 2025Bishop 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.
Leap of Faith for Cathedral Chorister
First published on: 5th November 2025Jackson, 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.
New Non-Residentiary Canons announced
First published on: 5th November 2025The 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 takes part in Select Committee for End of Life Bill
First published on: 30th October 2025Bishop 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.
New Readers Licensed
First published on: 18th October 2025On 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 of Newcastle appointed to Select Committee for Terminally Ill Adults Bill
First published on: 15th October 2025Bishop Helen-Ann has been appointed to the House of Lords select committee examining Private Member's Bill on 'assisted dying'.
The Rt Revd Sarah Mullally to become 106th Archbishop of Canterbury
First published on: 3rd October 2025His 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.
Celebrating New Ministries in South East Northumberland
First published on: 30th September 2025On 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.
King's Scottish Garden Party honour for Alan and Susan
First published on: 25th September 2025A former vicar of Berwick had the honour of attending The King's Annual Scottish Garden party this year.
Two New LGBTQI+ Volunteer Chaplains Commissioned
First published on: 22nd September 2025Yesterday, two new LGBTQI+ Volunteer Chaplains were commissioned during a special Choral Evensong service at Newcastle Cathedral.
Welcoming our new Bishop’s Advisor on Climate Justice and the Environment
First published on: 15th September 2025Bishop Helen-Ann is delighted to announce the appointment of Duncan Cox as the Bishop’s Advisor on Climate Justice and the Environment.
Armed Forces Covenant Service marks Battle of Britain’s 85th Anniversary
First published on: 15th September 2025On 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.
Bishop Helen-Ann speaks during the second reading of the End of Life Bill
First published on: 12th September 2025On 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 to host earth installation and associated events
First published on: 11th September 2025Hexham Abbey has announced a six-week programme of events to accompany a renowned exhibition which will take place there this autumn.
