News Stories
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11 July 2020
in Latest NewsJack Charlton RIP
The Right Reverend Christine Hardman, the Bishop of Newcastle, today issued this statement following news of the death of Jack Charlton. Read more
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1 July 2020
Understanding the body: A Christian approach to managing anxiety
St Luke’s Virtual Clergy Wellbeing Programme:
Understanding the body: A Christian approach to managing anxiety
In the second of this series of reflections on managing anxiety, Michèle Hampson shows us how we can incorporate a spiritual dimension into simple methods to still our bodies and minds.
Most anxiety management strategies focus on our bodily sensations, feelings and thoughts and ignore the spiritual dimension. Some of the popularity of yoga stems from its holistic approach. This reflection seeks to provide a Christian equivalent in relation to anxiety management.
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29 June 2020
in SafeguardingSafeguarding Training Officer Mark Bagnall
I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Mark Bagnall, the Diocese’s new Safeguarding Training Officer. My role is to ensure that the Foundation and Leadership modules are delivered in the Diocese. This is carried out in conjunction with the volunteer trainers. Read more
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29 June 2020
Raging against
After so many weeks of being constricted, and of fearing the possibility of an unseen but life- threatening virus, it is no surprise that feelings run high some days. Our internal ‘limbic’ brain systems have been functioning on high alert, and the natural human responses of fight, flight and freeze have come into play. These are instinctive and necessary for survival under threat; they are not in themselves wrong. What I have noticed is that the “fight” response appears to have risen hugely, and angry raging seems to surround us. Whether we focus that on the government, the church, the archbishops, our clergy, our lay people, our PCC, or any of the other bodies so easily criticised at this time, perhaps now is a time to rethink how we handle anger. There are societal wrongs and injustices we should find ways to protest and change where we can, but on a personal level we may need to seek to redeem our relationships and work through critical spirits. Read more
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23 June 2020
in Latest NewsReopening of church buildings for public worship in Newcastle Diocese
Please see below a joint statement from the Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Christine Hardman and the Bishop of Berwick, the Right Reverend Mark Tanner... Read more
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23 June 2020
Creating a safe space: a Christian perspective to managing anxiety
Michele Hampson shows how creating a safe space can help us respond to stress and anxiety, starting with an understanding of our natural biological reactions. A ‘safe space’ is one we can picture in detail and that we associate with a sense of peace. In this reflection we will first consider the rationale for this approach and then the steps involved. Read more
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22 June 2020
in Latest NewsBishop Christine thanks 'inspirational' volunteers during Covid crisis
Bishop Christine has paid tribute to volunteers who have kept people safe during the Covid crisis.
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16 June 2020
Here be dragons
Systemic facilitator and trainer Revd Hilary Ison shares reflections on responses to trauma to help us navigate these challenging times.
On a walk recently I was very glad of a map I had with me to help me navigate through unknown countryside. Maps are created when people have charted the terrain and noted the ways in which people have walked, to lay down the well-trodden paths.
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8 June 2020
in Latest NewsA touch of love or a touch that kills?
By the Revd Sarah Hills. I have been feeling, like very many of us over the last week, angry, sad, bewildered.
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5 June 2020
in Latest NewsCarol Butler appointed new Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Message from Bishop Christine: I am pleased to announce that Carol Butler, a specialist in safeguarding and risk management, is the new Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, succeeding Ruth Rogan who retires from the role at the end of this month. Read more