Diocese of Exeter

15/06/2026

At our clergy conference, themed ‘Roots, Shoots and Fruits’, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, The Rt. Rev’d Dr. Rowan Williams, spoke to us about how to remain rooted in ministry.

15/06/2026

“You don’t go out into the garden and dig up the plants to see how they are growing. The timetable of grace is not up to us. Seeds grow at the rate they grow and souls grow at the rate they grow.”

It was great to hear from the Rt Rev’d Dr Rowan Williams, today’s keynote speaker at our clergy conference, Roots Shoots & Fruits. Rowan Williams was the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury, and is a theologian and poet. Today he spoke to our clergy about what it means to be rooted.

We also had an inspiring welcome from the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison.

Bishop Mike said in his conference opening address, ‘Whatever our ‘now’ is, now is a great time to be a Christian, but we have to get our story straight, if we don’t get our understanding of God’s Kingdom right, how can we know how to live our lives now? In this life we are spiritual beings having a physical experience, not physical beings with an occasional sense of goosebumps.”

15/06/2026

It’s great to see clergy from across Devon arriving for our 2026 clergy conference! We are looking forward to the next few fruitful days of gathering together.

The theme for this year’s conference is Roots, Shoots and Fruits. The theme has been chosen because it is universally part of the responsibility and joy for ordained ministers to plunge ever deeper into the mystery of faith, to deepen fellowship and to grow and enable others to do so too.

Mike Harrison Bishop James Grier Moira Astin Archdeacon Plymouth Archdeacon of Exeter Verena Breed Sharon Children's Mission Enabler Mission Shed Mission Shed Devon Royal Agricultural University Cirencester The Church of England

15/06/2026

Yesterday over 1,500 members gathered at St Paul's Cathedral to celebrate 150 years of Mothers' Union, giving thanks for a movement that has transformed lives through faith, compassion and service across the world. 💙

From humble beginnings in 1876 to a global community of millions, this milestone is a testament to the dedication of generations of members who have strengthened families, empowered communities and shared God's love in action.

As we celebrate our past, we also look ahead with renewed purpose, continuing to light the way for generations to come. Here's to the next 150 years of faith in action!

https://www.mothersunion.org/news-and-stories/150-years-anniversary-service-at-st-pauls-cathedral/

09/06/2026

06/06/2026

Congratulations to the 11 inspirational individuals who have been awarded a St Boniface Award in a special service at Exeter Cathedral today. It's great to hear of the inspiring ways they have been voluntarily serving people in their churches and communities, making outstanding contributions to the life of the church in Devon. Mike Harrison Bishop James Grier Archdeacon of Exeter Verena Breed Archdeacon Plymouth The Church of England Sharon Children's Mission Enabler Mission Shed

06/06/2026

We’re looking forward to the St Boniface awards taking place at Exeter Cathedral this afternoon. The St Boniface Awards celebrate lay people who have made outstanding contributions to the life of the church in Devon. Congratulations to the 11 recipients who will be receiving an award today! Mike Harrison Bishop James Grier Moira Astin Archdeacon Plymouth Archdeacon of Exeter Verena Breed