Archbishops update their advice
The Archbishops have so far written twice to all clergy in parishes across the Church of England. They first wrote on Tuesday and then again on Thursday. Read both letters in full here.
News
Important update on clergy housing
Church House has issued some guidance to clergy households advising that although there is reduced service at this time, members of staff are on hand to provide whatever support they can.
Bishop Keith: "Join together in prayer"
The Bishop of Birkenhead, and Acting Bishop of Chester, Keith Sinclair, has written an open letter to the diocese thanking people for their response to the crisis and highlighting a national day of prayer this Sunday.
Archbishop to lead first national virtual service
Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby is to lead a national broadcast in response to the challenge of becoming a “different sort of church†in the face of the coronavirus crisis. The service will be broadcast on BBC radio on Sunday.
Bishop to pray for school staff and pupils
On the eve of school closures across the diocese, the Bishop of Birkenhead, Keith Sinclair, has written to head teachers to offer personal prayer and encouragement for all affected by the situation.
Updated guidance on weddings and baptisms
Guidance on weddings and baptisms during the current period of restrictions on public gatherings to combat coronavirus has been updated by the Church of England today (19 March).
Church House staffing
Church House has closed until further notice. A skeleton staff at Church House will continue to carry out urgent and essential functions and all contact details for staff at Church House and those working remotely can be found here.
Church of England to become radically different
Archbishops call for Church of England to become radically different as public worship put on hold to help stem spread of coronavirus. The archbishops said it was necessary to put public services on hold.
Diocesan Synod cancelled
Saturday's Diocesan Synod has been cancelled due to the developing Coronavirus situation. The decision was communicated by the Diocesan Secretary in consultation with the bishop and the Chairs of the Houses of Laity and Clergy.
Parishes to take urgent continuity planning
The Archdeacons of Macclesfield and Chester are requesting parishes to take urgent action to put into place the necessary steps to plan for further development of the Coronavirus situation.
Students offer prayer for appointment process
Students from Sir Thomas Boteler C of E High School have written prayers for all involved with appointing the next Bishop of Chester. The CNC is due to meet on Monday and Tuesday to interview candidates.
Updated guidance in relation to Common Cup
The archbishops have written to all clergy to inform them that updated guidance has been issued in relation to the suspension of the Common Cup in response to Coronavirus Covid-19.
Safeguarding "due regard", what does it mean?
The Church of England has issued a note to explain what "due regard" means in relation to safeguarding policy. It is a legal duty of clergy, readers, lay workers, churchwardens and PCC's to have "due regard" to safeguarding guidance.
The everyday faith of the MU in our diocese
This week, Wendy Sykes marks the first anniversary of her three-year term as local Mothers’ Union President. She leads the 72 branches in our diocese which are supporting our communities, especially families and those who are lonely.Â
New Director of Studies for Pastoral Workers
The Revd Jenny Bridgman has this week taken up her role as Director of Studies for Pastoral Workers in the Diocese of Chester. Jenny will be familiar to many in the diocese from her previous role as Assistant Director of Ordinands.
Ash Wednesday in Crewe
Revd Catherine Cleghorn, a curate of three churches in Crewe, St Andrew's, All Saints and St Peter's, ventures out onto the streets of the town to offer 'Ashes To Go' to people on Ash Wednesday.
Church House closed on Thursday 27 February
Church House will be closed to all visitors on Thursday 27 February. All Church House staff are taking part in a training day at Foxhill. We're sorry for the inconvenience this may cause.
40 small steps and prayers to protect creation
Thousands of people are expected to take part in the CofE's Lent campaign, a set of 40 daily reflections, actions and prayers. #LiveLent 2020 is based on the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Book, Saying Yes to Life, by Dr Ruth Valerio.
How are you observing Lent this year?
As Christians, Lent and the Easter story are at the heart of our faith. But the way in which we observe this important festival varies depending on your church tradition and orthodoxy. Here are a few things happening around the diocese.
Bishop urges abuse survivors to come forward
The Bishop of Birkenhead is urging anyone with information regarding church-related abuse to report it. The request comes as an independent review of safeguarding files gets underway in the diocese.
Employee Assistance Programme for all clergy
The Diocese of Chester has partnered with Health Assured to provide an Employee Assistance Programme for all clergy and Church House staff offering proactive advice on a range of matters.
General Synod round up
Following the meeting in February 2020 of the General Synod, the national assembly of the Church of England here is a round-up of what was discussed and voted on. The news is taken from the national media office.Â
Guidance for parishes on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Church of England’s Mission and Public Affairs division has published advice to parishes on practical steps to reduce the risk of infection from Coronavirus (COVID-19).
General Synod: Apology for racism
The General Synod voted today to apologise for racism experienced by black and minority ethnic people in the Church of England since the arrival of the Windrush generation.
CNC holds its first meeting
The Crown Nominations Commission has held its first meeting. The CNC is made up of six elected members from the diocese, six members of the General Synod, and the two archbishops.
How do you live out your faith day-to-day?
As Christians, we are called to live out our faith through our words, deeds and actions. Two Christians in our diocese share their thoughts on how they live out their faith day-to-day.
Reflection: What is God’s plan for you today?
The Archdeacon of Chester, Mike Gilbertson, reflects on the importance of living out our faith every day of the week, as we go about our own business. This was first published in February's CDN.
Bishop statement on quarantined Brits
The Bishop of Birkenhead, Keith Sinclair, has issued a short statement ahead of the arrival of 83 Britons from China to Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, where they will be quarantined for two weeks.
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Bishop announces details of safeguarding review
The Bishop of Birkenhead has announced details of Past Case Review 2 (PCR2), a new national past case review into the handling of safeguarding files in the Church. Â
Passion returns to Chester this Easter
The outdoor production of Chester City Passion, is once again going to be performed in Chester after a three year break. A huge turnout is predicted on the day of the performance, which takes place on Good Friday, 10 April 2020.
