Durham Diocese

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Alongside the Nationally produced prayers for the coming month of prayer, we want to encourage you to use these two more locally focussed prayers. +Paul and +Sarah Diocesan - Call to Prayer Loving God, as we pray for our nation in this time of trial, we pray for our Diocese. We pray...

Bishop Paul was at Durham Cathedral today (Sunday 19th July 2020) for the first Sunday in the Cathedral following the releasing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. He presided at the earlier service and preached at the 11.30 am service. A full transcript of his sermon follows. POST CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN First Sunday back in Durham...

Dear Sisters and Brothers, The announcement from the Prime Minister today of the permission to recommence public services of worship in our church buildings, from July 4th, is deeply welcome. It brings some joy after times of weeping. It is a positive sign of returning life to our communities.  It...

Responding to the Government announcement that church buildings will be able to reopen for public worship from 4th July, providing physical distancing remains in place, The Rt Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham said:  “I welcome the announcement that permission for public worship in our church buildings has been agreed...

Dear Sisters and Brothers, We write in these days after Pentecost.  One of the great early lessons for the disciples of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was that Jesus really meant it when he told them that the good news was for all nations. On the day of Pentecost...

Dear Brothers and Sisters, You will be aware that the Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick confirmed today that places of worship across England will be permitted to reopen for individual prayer from Monday 15 June. The statement https://www.gov.uk/government/news/places-of-worship-to-re-open-for-individual-prayer makes clear that new guidance will be published shortly to ensure that this limited re-opening...