Churches across Nottinghamshire Mark VE Day Anniversary with Bell Ringing Tribute
Church bells rang out across Nottinghamshire on Thursday 8th May 2025 as more than 50 churches took part in nationwide celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. The peals began at 6.30pm, echoing the moment in 1945 when the bells were first rung again after years of wartime silence. During World War II, UK church bells had been silenced, reserved only to warn of invasion. Ringers from nearly 50 towers joined the commemorations, with some teams travelling between
Bishop Paul speaking at the VE Commemoration Debate
As part of the VE Day events this week, Bishop Paul spoke in the House of Lords on Friday in the VE Day Commemoration debate. In his speech he paid tribute to the armed forces chaplains that served with great distinction, as well as the The Notts Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry who were one of the four regiments tasked to lead the British assault landings on the normandy beaches on D-Day. He reflected on the tragedy felt across Nottingham 84 years ago
Vision Update Video
In this update video, Bishop Paul and Bishop Andy share an update on the vision and mission across our diocese, a year on from our vision refresh. https://youtu.be/OkUcpyApfXY They focus particularly on two of our 7 areas of focus, 'Nurturing Prayer' and 'Enabling Commitment' and also introduce 3 new funds designed to support churches across the diocese. You can find out more about these here: https://southwell.anglican.org/church-growth Thank you for all that you do in the life of your parish and ministry, and we
Bishop Paul’s Easter Sermon in Southwell Minster
In Bishop Paul's Easter sermon in the cathedral, he said, “because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, there is always hope.” “With all that is happening in our world at the moment, and maybe in our lives too, we need the Easter story as much as ever. Here is the true story of hope over despair, light over darkness, and the power of love over hatred, because of Jesus.” "Our Easter faith is about the love of God
Bishop Paul’s Christmas Sermon from Southwell Minster
‘How our hearts can find a home and be at rest in God’s love at Christmas’ In his Christmas sermon at the Midnight Communion in the Cathedral on Christmas Eve, Bishop Paul spoke about the way God’s peace can help our hearts to find rest and a true home in the love of Christ. He posed the question: “How do we find the peace about which the angels sang, when so many things in our lives and world seem to conspire to make
Revival at Christmas: Bishop Paul’s Christmas Message
What would a revival of faith look like in your life this Christmas? In his Advent & Christmas Message, Bishop Paul shares reflections on the gift of faith that Jesus brought into the world: ‘Despite the bleak midwinter, a humble stable houses a holy presence that has the power to rewrite history. The arrival of Jesus changes everything. This is why we are boldly praying for a spiritual revival, a revival of faith this Christmas.’ We warmly invite you to watch Bishop Paul’s
Bishop Paul speaks on BBC Radio Nottingham
Following the publication of the Makin Review and Resignation of Archbishop Justin, Bishop Paul has given an interview to BBC Radio Nottingham sharing his reaction, concern for the victims and survivors of abuse, and the work the Church is doing to ensure the safeguarding of those in its care. Listen below : If you or someone you know is affected by these findings please draw on the support and advice offered through the Safe Spaces Project Home - Safe Spaces England
A statement from the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, the Rt Revd Paul Williams.
Following the publication of the Makin review last week and the terrible abuse it identified along with failures to act in a way that would prevent further abuse, I fully respect and understand Archbishop Justin's decision to resign today, taking personal and institutional responsibility for the failures disclosed in the review. His decision in light of the review should serve to emphasise the responsibility we already have to continue implementing the important changes in the culture and safeguarding leadership that are
Bishop’s Address to Diocesan Synod – Luke 5:1-10
This is the transcript of Bishop Paul's address to Diocesan Synod on 12th October 2024. In Luke 5 Jesus begins the task of recruiting a team of people who will serve closely with him in establishing God’s kingdom on earth, and this is the same team that Jesus has called us to be a part of. In the Church of England calendar, on Thursday we remembered the witness of Saint Paulinus, who in 325 was sent as part of the Gregorian mission
Bishop Paul asks important question to the Foreign Secretary on opportunities with a new South African government to support key aid and development projects
In the House of Lords on Tuesday 21st May Bishop Paul asked a question of the Foreign Secretary on the support and links between our country and South Africa, including supporting NGOs and important strategic church partnerships. This holds particular significance for Southwell and Nottingham as our diocese has been linked with the Diocese of Natal, South Africa for over 20 years. You can watch the question and answer below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPQujk_uN_c