The Rocking Ceremony
At St Mary’s Blidwoth, Candlemas is celebrated with the Rocking Ceremony – a tradition that is thought to be unique to the village. The Rocking Ceremony was typical in churches dedicated to St Mary of the Purification all over Europe at one time, but it is believed that Blidworth’s church is the only one in the UK still dedicated to St Mary of the Purification and the only church anywhere continuing with this custom.
The Church of England’s Doctrine of Marriage
Bishop Paul has contributed to the paper on the Doctrine of Marriage, alongside a number of other bishops. This paper seeks to support clergy and congregations as they think and pray through the important issues and questions arising at this time in the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process.
Bishop Paul Confirms 64 Candidates
Last night, Sunday 15 January, Bishop Paul confirmed 64 people at St Nic’s, including 54 from Iran and Afghanistan. There were 4 candidates from St Nic’s, 5 from St John’s Beeston, and 55 from St Stephen’s in Hyson Green. Of those born in countries where Islam is the predominate religion, around a third had come to faith in Jesus since arriving in the UK. There was a moving testimony from one man who was forced to leave his home country because of
The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, Rt Revd Paul Williams, delivered his Christmas Sermon at the Midnight Service in the Cathedral Church of Southwell Minister
We are now just minutes away from Christmas Morning, but how would it be if we heard that at short notice Christmas had been cancelled this year. In the Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe, Mr Tumnus said to Lucy, “It is always winter in Narnia and has been for ever so long…always winter but never Christmas.” Can you imagine the dark nights closing in and the bitter cold of winter without the celebration of Christmas? C S Lewis understood what an unbearable
Christmas 2022 – Reflections, Carols & Prayers
This Christmas, we have been inspired by carols. Please find contemporary renditions and reflections about the Everlasting Light. You can jump to the section you would like to view by clicking the links below. Carols Reflections Prayers Chapter House Carols Recorded in the Chapter House of Southwell Minster, these Christmas classics are a great way to reflect on this Advent season together. In the Bleak Midwinter // Chapter House Carols Performed by Joanne Arton & Luke Resch - Trinity Church Nottingham and Tom Pearson - St John's Bilborough https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3WFRg001Vc O
Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham challenges government on national waiting time for children’s mental health services
The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Rt Revd Paul Williams has asked the government for a national review of waiting times for children and young people to access Child and Adolescent Mental Health services.
Bishop Paul’s Advent & Christmas Message 2022
In Bishop Paul's Advent & Christmas message for 2022, against the backdrop of a difficult year for many across the world and closer to home, he speaks about how "fear may stalk in the darkness of our sorrow and sadness or our uncertainties about the future, but it need not overwhelm us because the light of Christ, the Everlasting Light, shines in the darkness and his perfect love can cast out all fear."
Church School Leaders Conference: Courageous Advocacy
Over 100 delegates and stall holders gathered at The Hayes Conference Centre for the annual Diocesan Church School Leaders Conference which this year explored the theme of ‘Courageous Advocacy’.
Revd Ruth Colby is Licensed as Rector of the Fosse Group
The Reverend Ruth Colby was licensed as Rector of the Fosse Group Benefice by the Archdeacon of Nottingham, the Ven Phil Williams, acting on behalf of Bishop Andy. Revd Ruth was originally licensed as Priest-in-charge of the parishes on 2nd October 2019 in anticipation of the Pastoral Scheme that would create the new benefice. Last night’s service was a celebration of all that had been achieved in the first three years of Ruth's ministry in East Bridgford, Kneeton, Flintham, Car Colston and
Bishop Paul speaks on the Public Order Bill
The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, Bishop Paul Williams has challenged the government in a debate on the Public Order Bill. The controversial proposed legislation is passing through the House of Lords. It make provisions for new offences relating to public order, to stop and search powers and to police functions relating to public order. In the debate on the Committee stage of the proposed legislation, Bishop Paul supported an amendment asked the government to define more clearly what would constitute ‘serious