Latest news

The latest news and features from the Diocese of Oxford. To contact the press office, please call 01865 208 277 (out of hours 07880 716761) or email communications@oxford.anglican.org.

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Confirmations and intergenerational church

First published on: 15th March 2023

The Bishop of Reading confirmed 18 teens and adults in services at St James Church, Southlake, and St Mary’s Purley in February.

Electric vehicle charging stations installed at Church House Oxford

First published on: 13th March 2023

The Diocese of Oxford, which recently announced a £10m programme of environmental works to improve the carbon footprint of vicarages, has taken the next step towards net zero with the installation of EV charging stations at Church House Oxford.

Communities mobilise to count endangered species in churchyards

First published on: 10th March 2023

Parishes can now register to participate in Churches Count on Nature, an annual scheme where people visit churchyards and record the plant and animal species they encounter.

Fully and truly ourselves

First published on: 8th March 2023

The Revd Laura Wheatley Downs, reflects on ministry as a female priest, her calling to ordination, and the role of women in the church for International Women's Day 2023.

There is no limit to what you can do

First published on: 8th March 2023

Dr Anna Thomas-Betts, shares her reflections on lay ministry, early faith influences, and the role of women in the church for International Women's Day 2023.

Growing a culture of gratitude in your church

First published on: 7th March 2023

Bernwode benefice has grown a culture of gratitude, taught the congregations about intentionally inviting their neighbours to church, and grown average Sunday attendance fourfold.

Ecumenical youth work

First published on: 6th March 2023

In South Oxfordshire, six local churches have formed an ecumenical partnership to develop work with, and among, the young people in Didcot, Harwell, Chilton, and the surrounding areas.

Tree planting in Greenham

First published on: 1st March 2023

Over 300 trees have been planted at St Mary’s Church, in Greenham, Newbury, as part of a project to redevelop the churchyard for the community.

Planting Hong Kong congregations

First published on: 27th February 2023

Trinity Church has seen itself grow from 120 people to just over 450 in just 10 months through a partnership with the local Hong Kong community.

Ukraine: One year on

First published on: 23rd February 2023

Hosts and guests reflect on their experience of 12 months of conflict in Ukraine and encourage people to come forward to host those still awaiting refuge.