Stand for Synod campaign launched
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.
News
Young people enjoy adventure, reflection and faith on Northumberlandesidential
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.
A statement from +Helen-Ann following London attack against Jewish community
First published on: 30th April 2026Following the devastating attack which took place against the Jewish community in Golders Green yesterday, Bishop Helen-Ann has issued the following statement.
A celebration of Indian and Tamil hospitality at Kenton church
First published on: 28th April 2026Three families from the congregation of the Church of the Ascension, Kenton, hosted a memorable cultural evening on Saturday 25 April, inviting guests to explore Indian and Tamil traditions through Virunthombal - the art of hospitality.
Bishop Helen-Ann speaks during End of Life Bill final debate
First published on: 24th April 2026“Where questions of life, death, care and conscience are so closely intertwined, the quality of our scrutiny is not a procedural detail - it is a moral necessity.” Earlier today, Bishop Helen-Ann spoke during the final day of the Committee Stage for the End of Life Bill in the House of Lords, warning that it would be irresponsible to allow it to move forward until questions raised have been answered more fully and insisting that end of life care must be marked by compassion, clarity and a steadfast commitment to protect the vulnerable.
Running – a Lenten challenge to boost fitness and support good causes
First published on: 14th April 2026The Revd Stephanie Keates, Priest in Charge at St Aidan Billy Mill and St Hilda Marden with Preston Grange, will take on the Great North 10k in Newcastle, in July.
Bringing friendship and hope through church-run centre in Cramlington
First published on: 13th April 2026Church volunteers in Cramlington are playing their part in supporting those in need in their local community.
Dame Sarah Mullally installed as Archbishop of Canterbury
First published on: 26th March 2026On Wednesday 25 March, the Installation of the Most Revd and Right Hon Dame Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury took place at Canterbury Cathedral.
Bishop Helen-Ann calls for urgent action to tackle health inequalities
First published on: 26th March 2026“The rate of preventable deaths amongst those with learning disabilities is double that of the general population.” This afternoon, Bishop Helen-Ann took part in a short debate in the House of Lords, calling for urgent action to tackle health inequalities. “This is about accessing the right care at the right time, with appropriate reasonable adjustments in place.”
Bishop Helen-Ann speaks during Committee Stage of Terminally Ill Adults Bill
First published on: 20th March 2026Bishop Helen-Ann supported Amendments 171A and 174A during Day 12 of the Committee Stage of the Terminally Ill Adults Bill which would ensure advocates for women at risk of coercion. Bishop Helen-Ann also highlighted the importance of addressing language and communication barriers in sensitive end-of-life conversations.
Sycamore Gap sapling planted at Byker church following £4.2m transformation
First published on: 17th March 2026A sapling from the world famous Sycamore Gap tree has been planted in the grounds of a church in Byker.
Revd Canon Dr Jennifer Cooper to be next Canon Chancellor of St Albans Cathedral
First published on: 6th March 2026The Acting Bishop of St Albans has announced today that The Revd Canon Dr Jennifer Cooper, currently Director of Initial Ministerial Education (IME) in the dioceses of Newcastle and Durham, is to be the next Canon Chancellor of St Albans Cathedral.
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.
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.
