The Diocese of Peterborough

Home
United Kingdom
Peterborough
The Diocese of Peterborough

The Diocese of Peterborough is the Church of England in Northamptonshire, Peterborough and Rutland.

The Diocese unites around 350 Anglican churches across Northamptonshire, Peterborough and Rutland.

07/09/2026

We were honoured to welcome Bishop Debbie to King's today, as she presented a commemorative plaque recognising the outcome of our recent SIAMS inspection.

The inspection celebrated the way our Christian vision shapes every aspect of school life, noting that it enables both students and adults to flourish. Inspectors also highlighted our exceptional culture of inclusion, where every member of the community is valued and encouraged to discover their unique gifts, as well as the strong sense of belonging that exists throughout the school.

Pictured are Bishop Debbie Sellin and Headteacher John Harrison with the plaque, which marks this important recognition of the values and community that make King's such a special place to learn and grow.

31/08/2026

There is one week left until nominations close!

Civica, the organisation running the elections on behalf of the Church of England, will have emailed all electors a link to the nomination portal. The email will arrive from the following address: [email protected].

Find out more about Stand for Synod here: https://www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk/aboutus/governance/governance-noshow/elections-for-new-general-synod-members-in-2026.php

29/08/2026

A statement on the Big Church Festival.

Join me in praying for the friends, family and loved ones of those affected.

26/08/2026

Bishop Debbie visited FoodCycle Peterborough at Park Road Baptist Church on Sunday 6 July, meeting volunteers and experiencing firsthand a community initiative that provides free meals, friendship and practical support to local people.

The visit highlighted the impact of FoodCycle's weekly project, which brings together surplus food and dedicated volunteers to create nutritious three-course meals. Hosted every Monday at Park Road Baptist Church, the project welcomes up to 56 guests, offering not only food but also companionship and a warm, welcome to anyone, whatever their background, faith or identity.

Bishop Debbie was invited to FoodCycle by long-serving volunteers Annie and Rex Birchenough, who have been instrumental in running the Peterborough project. Both now in their mid-eighties, they are due to retire later this year after helping provide food and fellowship to thousands of people over the course of a decade of service.

As part of the visit Bishop Debbie joined volunteers in preparing and serving meals while learning more about the charity's work tackling food waste, hunger and social isolation.

FoodCycle's efforts begin early each week, with volunteers collecting donated food much of which comes from local supermarkets. The ingredients are then brought to the church, where a team of volunteers transform the donations into a three-course meal.

The project's commitment to reducing waste and supporting local communities extends beyond the dining table. Any surplus food not used in the meals is made available for guests to take home, while remaining items are distributed to other charitable organisations, including animal sanctuaries, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

Although FoodCycle and Park Road Baptist Church operate as separate organisations, their partnership demonstrates the valuable role churches can play in supporting community initiatives.

Bishop Debbie's visit celebrated the dedication of volunteers whose generosity makes the project possible and highlighted the positive difference that can be achieved when churches, charities and local communities work together.

24/08/2026

There are two weeks left until nominations close!

Civica, the organisation running the elections on behalf of the Church of England, will have emailed all electors a link to the nomination portal. The email will arrive from the following address: [email protected].

Find out more about Stand for Synod here: https://www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk/aboutus/governance/governance-noshow/elections-for-new-general-synod-members-in-2026.php

19/08/2026

Four children and youth ministers from the Diocese were among those invited to a special celebration at Lambeth Palace in July as part of RECOGNISE 2026, a national initiative honouring those who serve children, young people and families across the Church of England.

Hosted by Archbishop Sarah Mullally, the gathering brought together children's and youth ministry leaders from across the country to thank them for their commitment, compassion and dedication to nurturing faith and supporting young people in their communities.

RECOGNISE, held from 6–12 July, forms part of the Church of England’s 30k Project, which seeks to encourage and strengthen ministry among children, young people and families. Churches nationwide were invited to celebrate the sometimes unseen work of volunteers, lay ministers and clergy through thank-you events, prayers and social media tributes.

For Barbara Brazier from St Margaret's Church, Crick; Emma Croxon from Whitefriars Church, Rushden; Olivia Gilmore from St Peter and St Paul's Church, Uppingham and Helen Smedley from St Mary's Church, Rushden, attending the event was both an affirmation of their calling and an opportunity to connect with others sharing the same passion for ministry.

The celebration served as a powerful reminder of the vital role children’s and youth ministry plays in churches and communities. Through their work, ministers and volunteers help young people grow in faith, build confidence and experience the love of God in practical ways.

17/08/2026

Following a reorganisation in our Diocesan Library we have a desk / counter available. Approximate measurements are:

High desk area - 76cm short edge and 128cm long edge
Lower desk - 75cm short edge and 196cm long edge
(Please note the unit is extremely heavy, even when dismantled, and will require more than one person to lift it.)

The desk / counter is available to collect for free from our Bouverie Court Office in Northampton - Unit 1, 6 The Lakes, Northampton, NN4 7YD.

We would appreciate collection as soon as possible - preferably this week (commencing 17 August).

Please direct all enquiries to [email protected].

14/08/2026

Nominations open today!

Civica, the organisation running the elections on behalf of the Church of England, will email all electors a link to the nomination portal. The email will arrive from the following address: [email protected] and you may wish to add this address to your list of contacts now rather than risk it going into spam or being rejected by your internet provider.

Find out more about Stand for Synod here: https://www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk/aboutus/governance/governance-noshow/elections-for-new-general-synod-members-in-2026.php

12/08/2026

2026 marks a significant milestone for the Mothers’ Union as they celebrate 150 years since its founding. Established in 1876 by Mary Sumner, a vicar’s wife with a bold vision, the Mothers’ Union was founded on her belief that women, regardless of class or status, could come together in faith to support one another and strengthen family life within the Church.

Celebrations are taking place throughout the anniversary year at both national and local levels, with branches finding creative ways to mark the occasion while highlighting the charity’s ongoing mission.

Amongst those taking part in the celebrations is Jill Cannings of the Uppingham Mothers’ Union branch, who has become well known for combining fundraising efforts with personal challenges. To mark the organisation’s 140th anniversary in 2016, Jill completed a half marathon and played 140 holes of golf in a single week. Three years later, while serving as Diocesan President, she took part in a 70-kilometre prayer walk through eight deaneries over the course of a week.

This year, Jill returned to her local golf club to honour the Mothers’ Union’s landmark anniversary by aiming to complete 150 holes in a week.

The challenge took place between 1 and 6 June at Greetham Valley Golf Club. Throughout the week, supporters and fellow golfers were invited to join her on the course or meet her in the clubhouse for refreshments and encouragement.

Jill’s goal was not only to raise funds but also to increase awareness of the Mothers’ Union and the life-changing work it carries out locally, across the Diocese and around the world.

Despite facing changeable weather conditions during the week, Jill successfully completed the challenge, raising more than £800. The funds will help support the Mothers’ Union’s ministry and charitable projects within the Diocese, enabling the organisation to continue serving families and communities through faith-based outreach and support.

The achievement stands as a fitting tribute to the Mothers’ Union’s 150 years of service and reflects the dedication of volunteers who continue Mary Sumner’s vision of faith, fellowship and practical care for others.

Mothers' Union

11/08/2026

Last year Revd Dean Akrill from St Mary's Ketton spent six weeks travelling across India, visiting various projects, charities, temples and churches.

On Wednesday 16 September at 7pm, you can experience some of his journey: find out about street children in Madurai, Hindu Pilgrims in Varanasi, the Anglican Church in Jaipur, and much more, in this multimedia presentation.

Address

Diocesan Office, The Palace
Peterborough
PE11YB

Website

http://www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Diocese of Peterborough posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Place Of Worship

Send a message to The Diocese of Peterborough:

Want your place of worship to be the top-listed Place Of Worship in Peterborough?