News and Media - The Diocese of Salisbury

Origami helping HMP Erlestoke inmates rehabilitate

Helen Holtam MBE began Origami classes in HMP Erlestoke in 2017, as part of 'Friends of Erlestoke prison' group. Helen from there created 'Origami inside', her website to sell the items the prisoners make. All profits earned from the sale of the cards and sculptures go towards the rehabilitation of prisoners. The Origami allows prisoners to be creative and engage in an activity which is seen as therapeutic. One maker said, ‘I’ve been in prison for 14 years and never until today have I forgotten where I am for a whole morning’.

Prayers for Bradford on Avon as Storm Henk causes floods

Bradford on Avon’s flooding "was described as the worst seen since the 1980s and 40 houses in Marlborough were evacuated after water levels rose so high it became too dangerous for people to stay in their homes." Hundreds of businesses and homes have been damaged, with the recovery period unknown. Several roads and areas are still closed.

Christmas Round-Up!

Thank you to all of those who have tagged us and shared your Christmas events over the past few weeks. From outdoor carols to pantomime nativities, we hope you all enjoyed your celebrations. Check out what those across our diocese has been up to!

Anna Chaplaincy Commissioning in Guernsey

Last month, Beverley Linnecor was commissioned as an Anna Chaplain, after an agreement between the Diocese of Salisbury and BRF Ministries was extended to cover the Channel Islands.

What three words would you offer? Bishop Stephen's Christmas Day sermon

In his sermon Bishop Stephen referred to the 'what3words app' which he uses to find parishes and schools as he travels across the diocese, which is one of the largest in the Church of England. He reflected on just how many times three words are used in scripture to sum up what God is sharing with us, especially at Christmas.

Bishop Andrew's New Years Message 2024

Watch Bishop Andrew's New Years Message 2024

Bishop Appoints New Ecumenical Advisors

Rev Philip Bromiley and Chris Webb are appointed as the new ecumenical advisors for Ramsbury and Sherborne. (Wiltshire and Dorset)

COP28 and Our Response

COP28, the 28th Annual UN Global Climate Summit, has just concluded in Dubai. After a tense final two days, a ‘global stocktake’ decision was reached yesterday (13/12), known as the ‘UAE Consensus’. This stocktake acts as a climate report card, with the goal of measuring countries’ progress on actions to address climate change, against what was set out in the historic Paris Agreement (keeping temperatures as close to 1.5 degrees of warming as possible).

Bishop Stephen's Christmas Message 2023

Watch and read Bishop Stephen's Christmas message for 2023

St Mary’s and St Peter's and St Paul's Church Revamp!

St Mary’s and St Peter's and St Paul's Church have both revamped their churches contributing towards Net Zero and safer places of worship!