A statement from the Bishop of Guildford on the death of Pope Francis
First published on: 22nd April 2025The Rt Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford shares his reflection following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
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The Rt Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford shares his reflection following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
The Diocese of Guildford currently has the highest number of Gold Eco Churches in the UK. The prestigious credential awarded by the Christian environmental charity, A Rocha UK, has been bestowed on five of the Diocese’s churches.
To support the ambition of growing younger, The Youth Catalyst Project has signed up with Youthscape to offer Launchpad within the Diocese of Guildford and currently runs one cohort a year. Each cohort will include up to 10 clergy who then join six lunchtime sessions, with the training facilitators also arranging a parish visit.
Bishop Andrew has officially opened the newly refurbished and extended administrative offices for the Diocese of Guildford, in the grounds of Guildford Cathedral.
The Revd Ruth Sheldon shares her experience from leading safeguarding ministry, and how she learnt that safeguarding was not just about disclosure and reporting, it was walking alongside vulnerable people in their time of need.
The Revd Tom Darwent shares his insight on embedding a positive and open safeguarding culture in his parish. This is the first in a series of case studies to highlight the collective responsibility we all have in protecting the vulnerable.
In January, the seven buildings across the diocese were awarded the Silver Eco Church Award, taking our awards tally over the century mark. Well done to all our Eco Churches!
The Diocese's hearing clinics, which are run in partnership with Sight for Surrey and the NHS, have seen a rise in visitors and a number of new clinic established over the last year.
The Rt Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford has called for individuals and local churches to donate to his charity’s Lent Appeal, to address the growing need across our communities.
To mark International Women’s Day (8 March), we celebrate the continuing rise of women called to ministry and other leadership roles within the church.