National Safeguarding Standards Workshops
The Church of England's National Safeguarding Standards were introduced in October 2023, having been in the process of development since 2020. The Standards are essential for the Church to understand the quality and the impact of all safeguarding activity. The intention is that all safeguarding activity in the church will relate to one or more of the standards. The Diocese needs to evidence full compliance by the end of December 2027, so we are keen to start this process early
Christingle Celebrations!
"Through the lighting of these Christingles, we thanked God for the joy, hope, love and peace that has been given to us in Jesus." The start of the Advent season has seen lots of Christingle services take place across the diocese, welcoming families into churches to discover more about the light of Christ and the hope that Jesus brings at Christmas. The Cranmer Group Over 100 people from local villages attended the Christingle Café Church, enjoying a bacon cob breakfast, a giant orange centerpiece, and the
National Teaching Awards Win
We're delighted to share that at the Pearson National Teaching Awards Ceremony last weekend two teachers from our church schools in Gamston and Sneinton received awards. Gethin Edwards from Pierrepont Gamston Primary School received the Teacher of the Year in a Primary School Silver Award, and Rachel Walker from Sneinton St Stephen’s CofE Primary School won the Digital Innovator of the Year Silver Award. The National Teaching Awards, organised by The Teaching Awards Trust, aim to recognise the incredible impact of
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
Archbishop of York’s Visit to the Diocese
"Each of us has a part to play in each other's lives, and stories for God's purposes in the world." Last weekend on the 22nd-24th November the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, took part in a missionary visit across our Diocese. Over the time he visited various organisations and churches, hearing what is happening in our diocese and sharing some of his story. On Friday afternoon, Archbishop Stephen visited Nottingham City Transport with our Workplace Chaplain, Revd. Jo Tatum. The team at
Enabling commitment through nurture courses this new year
It's been great to focus on prayer this Autumn as a diocese, one of our seven areas of focus. In the new year, we'd like to invite you to join us as we focus on enabling commitment. We're praying for 50 nurture courses to be running across the length and breadth of the diocese giving people to opportunity to take their first steps in deciding to follow Jesus. Let us know about your course here. Your church is likely to have contact
Diocesan Day of Prayer: 14th November and 12th December
It was wonderful to gather last week in the Southwell Minster State Chamber for the restart of the Diocesan Days of Prayer. The Diocesan Day of Prayer reflects one of our seven focus areas, ‘Nurturing Prayer’ which has inspired creative ways to engage in prayer, including the Prayer Run held during October half-term (21st–26th). This focus of prayer has shaped our autumn term as a diocese and prepared the ground as we enter the season of Advent in the coming weeks. The
West Bingham Deanery Parish Giving Scheme Launch
On Tuesday, 12th November, about 20 parish leaders came together for an engaging and informative evening at St Paul’s Wilford Hill marking the launch of the West Bingham Deanery Parish Giving Scheme. The evening was led by Andrew Little, Deanery Treasurer for West Bingham, and Conrad Oatey, Churchwarden at St Mary’s East Leake. Together, they delivered practical insights into the scheme, highlighting its benefits and offering valuable guidance to parish leadership teams. Andrew Little encapsulated the scheme’s purpose perfectly: “Created by the
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