Latest Diocesan News
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Bishop of Exeter Calls for More Compassion at Chrism Service
The Bishop of Exeter called for “more compassion and less intolerance” at Exeter Cathedral’s annual Maundy Thursday Chrism Service. Clergy and lay ministers from across Devon gathered for the service, where it is traditional for them to reaffirm their ordination and licensing vows. At the service they also collect vials of consecrated oil (known as chrism oil) to take back to their own churches to use for anointing and blessing people. Bishop Robert began the…
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New Archdeacon of Plymouth Finds Hope in Small Churches Making a Big Impact
The new Archdeacon of Plymouth is the Rev’d Jane Bakker, who is currently Priest-in-Charge of a large parish in Southampton and was the former Area Dean. Rev’d Bakker grew up in Cambridge and joined the RAF as an assistant Air Traffic Controller before working in accounts and becoming a Management Accountant. She felt called to ordination soon after becoming a Christian and trained at Trinity College, Bristol, where she met her husband, Greg. She was…
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Prayers of Love and Faith Discussed by Exeter Diocesan Synod
The Church of England’s proposed Prayers of Love and Faith have been discussed by Exeter’s Diocesan Synod. The suite of prayers, which include prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and God’s blessing for same sex couples in a civil partnership or marriage, were approved by the General Synod in February. Two of the Diocese of Exeter’s General Synod representatives, Tim Hamilton (who voted against the Church of England motion) and Canon Morwenna Ludlow (who voted in favour…
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New Racial Justice Strategy and Charter for Diocese of Exeter
A new racial justice charter and strategy has been approved by the Diocese of Exeter’s synod. The legislative body for the Church of England in Devon voted in favour of the charter following a report presented by the Rev’d Tanya Hockley-Still, the diocese’s UK Minority Ethnic (UKME) Advisor. The charter includes a recognition that racism is a deep-seated issue in society and that it is important for the Diocese to “deal with racism on its…
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Diocese of Exeter Declares a Climate Emergency
The Diocese of Exeter has declared a climate emergency following a vote at its March Diocesan Synod. The motion to make a declaration of climate emergency and agree to sign the Devon Climate Declaration was approved by the overwhelming majority of the clergy, lay people and bishops who make up the Church of England in Devon’s legislative body. Sophie Phillips, Net Zero Carbon Officer for the diocese, told delegates “It is important that we speak…
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Devon Churches Connecting with Children, Families and Youth Through Mission and Growth Funding
Since its launch in 2022, the Diocese of Exeter Mission and Growth Fund has provided a number of grants for church projects across Devon. The aim of the £200,000 fund is to allow mission communities to develop projects aimed at growing new disciples amongst children, young people and families. The window to apply for a grant in 2023 opens on 1 April. Mission communities can apply for a grant of up to £20,000, though most…
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