Always With Me – Maria’s Living Hope Story
“Since Jesus came into my life, I’ve found peace.” Maria first encountered God in prayer during a difficult birth with her first daughter. After trying different churches and settling at St Leo’s with her children, she now daily experiences the comfort of the Holy Spirit’s presence with her through prayer and reading the Bible. Watch the video below to hear her story. https://youtu.be/tFTZvpHx5Ig Use this link to follow @storiesoflivinghope on Instagram to watch more inspiring and encouraging stories from across the diocese. We
November’s Diocesan Day of Prayer
We are excited to invite you to the next Diocesan Day of Prayer coming up on Thursday 13th November. As we continue to seek to develop opportunities to continue growing in prayer, for the November and December’s days of prayer we will be holding multiple gatherings across the diocese. Bishop Paul and Bishop Andy are looking forward to being present for all of these and do hope you will consider joining them where you can. On Thursday 13th November, we will
INEQE Safeguarding Audit: September Briefing
Preparation for the INEQE safeguarding audit in January 2026 is progressing well. The Diocese and Cathedral now have access to INEQE’s 360 Audit Tool, the secure online platform through which all evidence for the audit will be submitted. This marks a significant milestone in our preparations for the forthcoming INEQE safeguarding audit (6th–9th January 2026). In this month’s briefing, read a project update, hear how your parish can get involved, and hear from the new Cathedral Safeguarding Officer with the latest
Jesus Changed Me – Mike’s Living Hope Story
"When I got baptised, it felt like a massive weight was lifted from me." It was so great to sit down with Mike and hear some of his story and his love for the Bible. Mike had been a volunteer and then cleaner at his local church for many years, but still felt like there was something missing in his life. When his vicar invited him to be baptised at Easter, he decided to go for it and felt his
Announcement of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury
We welcome the announcement of Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. Our bishops Paul Williams (Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham) and Andy Emerton (Bishop of Sherwood) invite all our churches to give thanks to God and join in praying for the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate. Bishop Paul said, “I am holding Bishop Sarah in my prayers as she takes on this new and significant responsibility within the Church of England and across the Anglican Communion. Please pray that she will be
Start the Month in October with Bishop Paul and Sarah (185) – 3rd October 2025
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 In Start the Month for October, Bishop Paul and Sarah reflect on Psalm 73. Bishop Paul describes ‘four golden verses’ in which the psalmist is compelled to set aside self-interest to be set free by love for God. These verses remind us of the wonder of knowing Jesus, and the eternal hope that He holds out to us. Bishop
Diocesan Governance Review
As some of you are aware, we commissioned an external review of diocesan governance towards the end of 2024. This review recommended several changes to our internal administration, including to increase the level of support for the Archdeacons’ Team and create a dedicated part time role to cover off aspects of governance that are currently spread between several roles. Bishop’s Council, as the Trustee Body of SNDBF, accepted the recommendations of the review in full, including an increase in the overall central
Licensing of Liz Mack as Priest-In-Charge of the Benefice of Beckingham, Walkeringham, Misterton, West Stockwith, Clayworth & Gringley-on-the-Hill
It was a full church in Beckingham on Monday evening as the Revd Liz Mack was licensed by Bishop Andy as Priest in Charge of the Benefice of Beckingham, Walkeringham, Misterton, West Stockwith, Clayworth and Gringley-on-the-Hill (known locally as Oswaldbeck). Liz will also serve alongside the Revd Louise Bearder and the Revd Becky Hancock and the wider team as a Mission Associate as part of our Rural pilot. The reading from 1 Samuel 3 reminded those present to be expectant that
Fresh Encounter: Inspiring Worship, Nurturing Prayer
Diocesan Conference 2025 Programme Welcome to Diocesan Conference 2025! We hope that this will be a particularly practical conference, with lots of space to worship, pray and listen to God together, as well as time to deepen relationships and encourage one another. Below you can find more information about each session as well as the Prayer Labs taking place on Tuesday afternoon. Lions on the Road, Love in the Way - Bishop Paul Williams (Monday, 3pm) In the context of worship, Bishop Paul will
A Knock at the Door – Barbara’s Living Hope Story
"The church can build bridges that are made of hope, faith and love." It was so special to sit down with Barbara and hear some of her story of finding community in the local church. After her husband passed away and she had to close their business, Barbara found herself alone and isolated. Until one day she had a knock at the door from someone from her local church, asking if they could pray for her. She was invited to