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The General Synod recently backed a Diocesan Synod Motion from the Diocese of Worcester encouraging churches and cathedrals to explore ways of arranging flowers that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible. The Sustainable Church Flowers movement began as a grassroots initiative in the small rural parish of Harpley, Worcestershire, when volunteers started exploring how traditional...

The General Synod recently voted to approve a new strategy designed to rebuild trust and deliver professional, independent safeguarding across the C of E. At the core of the reforms is the creation of a new national safeguarding charity. This organisation will operate independently of Church hierarchy, governed by a majority-independent Board. The charity’s lead...

General Synod has backed calls for the training of ordinands, curates and priests on how to support people with mental health needs, amid rising levels of mental health challenges in communities. In a debate on mental health and the Church, Synod members acknowledged the pressures facing clergy, and also requested that the National Society, which...

The General Synod has finalised plans to increase the number of young people able to take part in its debates, marking a significant step in strengthening youth representation at the heart of the Church of England’s decision making. The change means that a total of five young people will now be able to attend Synod,...

The cross of St George, the flag of England, should be celebrated as a symbol of unity in our nation, rooted in our Christian heritage, a group of leading Church of England bishops from across the country have said. In a joint statement, they urge people to embrace or rediscover our Christian heritage but also...

In pursuit of the C of E’s priority to grow younger and more diverse, the Strategic Mission and Ministry Board has agreed £0.6m investment with the charity Growing Hope. One in six children in England have additional needs, and 88 per cent of parents of children with additional needs say that attending church is currently...

The Archbishops’ Council is to award £600,000 to national charities for further work to support clergy well-being, including counselling and grants for those who face financial difficulties. The new grant will help clergy with everyday expenses such as energy costs, unexpected car repairs, and school uniforms and trips for clergy children. The Revd Ben Cahill-Nicholls,...

Bishop Sarah Mullally to be installed as Archbishop of Canterbury  We hold ‘national treasures for the common good’ – new repairs fund  Poverty, the care crisis and mental health – Synod discusses challenges Country’s most deprived parishes receive over £22m investment  Disability Project awarded £5 million in funding Bishop backs action to curb ‘truly appalling’...

The Church of England’s Director for Cathedral and Church buildings, Emily Gee, has welcomed the Government’s Places of Worship Renewal Fund, and its willingness to invest in repairs and improvements for eligible parish and cathedral church buildings. She said: “We also welcome the Government’s recognition of the special role of historic churches in national life – church buildings are national treasures for the common...

 A call for renewed commitment to supporting people who live in poverty was among the motions recently debated at February Synod (9th to 13th). The debate, marking 40 years since the landmark Faith in the City report, was among a series of key social challenges up for discussion, alongside the care system and the nation’s...

Three Church of England dioceses are receiving over £22 million to support parishes in some of the country’s most deprived areas, with programmes focused on revitalising churches, nurturing young disciples, and equipping leaders for mission. The Diocese of Exeter has agreed investment of £10m with the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB) in a...

The Church of England is awarding £5 million over the next three years to the Disability Project as part of its commitment to the participation of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people in the life of the Church. The Disability Project is to receive funding for a series of programmes between 2026 and 2028 including leadership...