The Diocese of Bristol, which includes the Deaneries of North Wiltshire and Swindon has received a grant of £6.8m, to be distributed over the course of three years, as part of its Transforming Church. Together (TC.T) programme.
This funding, provided by the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board of the Church of England, will significantly bolster support for parishes and allocate specific resources to crucial social action campaigns aimed at combating injustice.
Bishop of Bristol, The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, expressed her delight, stating, “This is truly fantastic news for the Bristol diocese and the tremendous work carried out by our churches, parishes, and communities. The grant will reinforce our parishes and deaneries, enabling them to collaborate on transformative initiatives that will positively impact the communities they serve.”
The TC.T strategy, which spans five years, was developed through extensive consultation with a diverse range of individuals and focuses on addressing the needs of both the local communities within the church and those beyond its walls.
What is ‘Transforming Church. Together’?
- Cultivating belonging in our communities by nurturing open, generous, creative, and brave partnerships with all our neighbours, and being more inclusive.
- Introducing people to the powerful message of Jesus by releasing, empowering and equipping our leaders and parishes to reach out and spread the Good News.
- Being recognised as a force for Gospel change by working within our communities to relieve hardship and amplify unheard voices.
- Building an environmentally sustainable diocese by encouraging worshippers to hear the cry of the Earth and work with us towards net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
- Securing the future of the Church by working with partners to generate funding, which maximises the impact of our transformation.
The diocese has outlined plans to forge enduring partnerships with public, private, and third-sector organisations, working collectively to fulfill the strategy’s aspirations. These include acknowledging the Church of England’s challenging past while actively striving to build a future where all voices are not only welcomed but also amplified.
Meanwhile, in Swindon, progress is being made on the establishment of a new church to cater specifically to the Eastern Swindon Villages area. This new place of worship will have its own dedicated priest and will be supported by a Children’s and Young Peoples Worker, as well as an operations administrator, ensuring the smooth functioning of its operations.
Additionally, the diocese has planned a pilot project involving the establishment of administrative centres across various locations. These centres aim to alleviate the administrative burden on clergy members, freeing up their time and energy to focus on wider community development, cultivating meaningful partnerships, and fostering supportive networks.
The grant awarded to the Diocese of Bristol represents a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to bring positive change and transformation to their communities. It is a testament to the commitment and vision of the church in recognising the challenges of the past and actively working towards a more inclusive and empowered future.
