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.
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 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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
A nourishing project to get the community cooking
First published on: 18th August 2025A tasty initiative at Holy Saviour Sugley is using food as a way of reaching out to people and supporting them – just as Jesus loved to do.
New facilities help church to serve its community
First published on: 15th August 2025An ongoing project to upgrade facilities at a mid-century church is improving its ability to support the wider community.
Exciting plans for new community hub at St George’s Jesmond
First published on: 12th August 2025A historic church is embarking on an ambitious project, which will ensure it serves the community for generations to come.
Bishop Helen-Ann speaks during second reading of Universal Credit Bill
First published on: 23rd July 2025Bishop Helen-Ann spoke during the second reading of the Universal Credit Bill on 22 July 2025.
A proud history – school’s 300th anniversary celebrated at special service
First published on: 21st July 2025Children at Holy Trinity CofE School in Berwick have been learning about the rich history of their school, which is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year.
Bishop joins roundtable discussion on the North East's social economy
First published on: 16th July 2025Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University recently welcomed Bishop Helen-Ann to an event focusing on driving inclusive growth in the North East social economy.
Newcastle church becomes 100th nationally to win gold eco award
First published on: 2nd July 2025St Francis' Church, High Heaton, has become the 100th gold awarded Eco Church in England and Wales.
Generous Lent donations raise vital funds for children’s charity
First published on: 20th June 2025Bellingham Deanery Lent Collection raises £3,582 for Children North-East, a charity which helps transform the lives of babies, young people and families across our region.
Bishops respond to the Government Spending Review 2025
First published on: 11th June 2025The Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, and Bishop of Manchester, David Walker respond to the Chancellor's statement on the Comprehensive Spending Review.
Bishop Helen-Ann responds to proposed amendments to the Employment Rights Bill
First published on: 14th May 2025On 13 May 2025, Bishop Helen-Ann spoke on proposed amendments to the Employment Rights Bill during the Committee Stage in the House of Lords. Read her full speech below.
Lent challenge supports good causes at home and abroad
First published on: 2nd May 2025Generous churchgoers from Holy Cross Fenham gave up unwanted items from their houses during Lent – which will now be donated to charitable causes.
New director to lead enhanced safeguarding team at Newcastle Diocese
First published on: 25th April 2025New director to lead enhanced safeguarding team at Newcastle Diocese
Outgoing trustee privileged to serve charity which makes a real difference
First published on: 24th April 2025A retired priest has spoken of her “hugely rewarding” role with a charity which funds vital work in support of vulnerable people.
Congratulations to the Maundy Money recipients from Newcastle Diocese
First published on: 16th April 2025Congratulations to the recipients from the Newcastle Diocese who have been chosen to receive this year’s Maundy Money! His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen will attend the service on 17 April, at Durham Cathedral, where they will present Maundy Money to 152 recipients—76 men and 76 women—honouring their exceptional Christian service and reflecting the King’s age. Read more about some of the inspiring individuals receiving this special Maundy gift.
Local schools experience interactive ‘Holy Week in a Morning’
First published on: 10th April 2025During Lent, local school children took part in an engaging morning of hands-on activities to learn more about the events of Holy Week.
