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Diocese of Gloucester

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Diocese of Gloucester
JurisdictionDiocese
NameGloucester
LatinDioecesis Glocestrensis
ProvinceProvince of Canterbury
Founded1541
CathedralGloucester Cathedral
BishopStephen Lake, Bishop of Gloucester
ArchdeaconriesCheltenham, Gloucester
Deaneries13
Parishes304
Churches335
Websitegloucester.anglican.org

Diocese of Gloucester. The Diocese of Gloucester is a Church of England diocese within the Province of Canterbury. Its territory covers the whole of Gloucestershire, excluding a small area in the north, and includes parts of neighboring counties. The cathedral and administrative centre is the historic Gloucester Cathedral, originally founded as an abbey dedicated to Saint Peter.

History

The diocese was founded in 1541 under King Henry VIII, following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, with the former Gloucester Abbey becoming the cathedral church. This period saw significant religious upheaval, influenced by the English Reformation and the subsequent Elizabethan Religious Settlement. Throughout the English Civil War, the city and cathedral were significant sites, notably during the Siege of Gloucester in 1643. The diocese's boundaries were adjusted in 1836 with the creation of the Diocese of Bristol and again in 1897 with the transfer of the Forest of Dean area from the Diocese of Hereford. The 20th century saw further administrative changes, including the creation of the suffragan Bishop of Tewkesbury in 1973 to assist with episcopal oversight across the region.

Organisation

The diocese is divided into two archdeaconries: the Archdeaconry of Cheltenham and the Archdeaconry of Gloucester. These are further subdivided into a total of thirteen deaneries, which provide local oversight for the 304 parishes. Governance is shared by the Bishop of Gloucester and the Diocesan Synod, with the Gloucester Cathedral Chapter responsible for the cathedral's life. Key administrative bodies include the Bishop's Council and the Diocesan Board of Finance, which manage mission, ministry, and financial resources across the county and its surrounds.

Bishops and other clergy

The diocesan bishop is the Bishop of Gloucester, Stephen Lake, who was installed in 2022. He is assisted by the suffragan Bishop of Tewkesbury, currently Robert Springett, and a team of archdeacons. The cathedral is led by the Dean of Gloucester, currently Stephen Marriott, supported by a canonry including the Canon Chancellor and the Canon Precentor. The diocese also licenses many priests, deacons, and lay ministers to serve in its parishes, with training coordinated through the Diocesan Ministry Team and partnerships with institutions like Ripon College Cuddesdon.

Churches

The diocese contains 335 churches, ranging from the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture and the burial place of King Edward II, to numerous historic parish churches. Notable examples include St Mary de Crypt in Gloucester, the Church of St John the Baptist, Cirencester, and Tewkesbury Abbey, which is renowned for its massive Norman tower. Many churches, such as St. Nicholas' Church, Gloucester and St. Mary's Church, Fairford with its famous medieval stained glass, are listed buildings of significant architectural and historical importance.

Education and social responsibility

The diocese is a major provider of education, responsible for 107 church schools across Gloucestershire, including primary and secondary academies like The Crypt School in Gloucester. Its work in social responsibility is coordinated through Gloucester Diocesan Board of Social Responsibility, engaging in issues such as poverty alleviation, rural ministry, and environmental stewardship. Key initiatives include the Gloucester City Mission and support for food bank networks across the county, often in partnership with organizations like Christians Against Poverty and local authorities.

See also

* Province of Canterbury * Diocese of Bristol * Diocese of Worcester * Church of England * Anglican Communion

Category:Diocese of Gloucester Category:Church of England dioceses Category:Religious organizations established in 1541 Category:1541 establishments in England