Latest Diocesan News
Share this page
Bishop of Exeter Critical of Government Response to Rural and Coastal Housing Crisis
The Bishop of Exeter says that “systemic change” is needed to tackle the housing crisis in rural and coastal communities. Opening a House of Lords debate on housing on Monday, the Rt. Rev’d Robert Atwell, said: “The demand for social housing in rural areas is growing at ten times the rate of that in towns and cities. “In Devon, with the current rate of net additions to affordable housing stock, even if housing waiting lists…
Read More »
Devon Vicar Experiences Church as ‘Force for Good’ in Melanesia
A Vicar from Devon says the Anglican church in Melanesia has the potential to be a proactive ‘force for good’ in the face of the challenges the islands are facing, including rising sea-levels, pollution, political tensions and unemployment. The Rev’d Lydia Cook, Team Rector of the Otter Vale Mission Community, spent two weeks in May in the Pacific Solomon Islands. The trip was organised by the Devon-based charity, the Melanesian Mission UK, which supports the…
Read More »
Reflections on July General Synod
The July General Synod in York from 7 to 11 July included a number of reports, presentations, updates, debates and votes including on: safeguarding, climate change measures, the Living in Love and Faith proposals, the role of the parish, marriage fees, governance and prisoner rehabilitation. The Diocese of Exeter has nine General Synod representatives (five clergy and four lay people) who attended the five-day synod and took part in debates and votes. Here are some…
Read More »
Archbishop of York Tells Bishop of Exeter “Devon Will Miss You and So Will We”
The Archbishop of York has given a moving farewell tribute to the Bishop of Exeter at the July General Synod in York. It was Bishop Robert’s last General Synod before he retires in September and he was given a standing ovation following the Archbishop’s speech. In his address, the Most Rev’d Stephen Cottrell spoke about Bishop Robert’s years as a Benedictine Monk and said: “Someone once said to me of the Bishop of Exeter…
Read More »
16 New Reverends Ordained to Serve at Parishes Across Devon
16 new members of the clergy are beginning their new roles at parishes across Devon after being ordained at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 1 July. They include three members of the same family: Rev’d Julie Wheeler, her son, Rev’d Charles Wheeler and his wife, Rev’d Miriam Brandon-Wheeler. It is unusual for three members of the same family to enter the priesthood at the same time. Miriam said after the service: “It’s been great to walk…
Read More »
Three Members of the Same Family Among 16 New Clergy Being Ordained at Exeter Cathedral
A mother, her son and daughter-in-law say they are looking forward to being ordained together at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 1 July. Julie Wheeler, Charles Wheeler and Miriam Brandon-Wheeler are amongst 16 men and women from across Devon who will be ordained deacons during the service. It is unusual for three members of the same family to enter the priesthood at the same time. Charles, who took part the Church of England’s Ministry Experience scheme,…
Read More »