The latest news from across the Diocese of Durham.
Contact the Communications Team regarding a news story or press release.
Diocesan News
Staindrop CE Primary School appointed as Growing Faith Foundation Learning Hub
First published on: 18th December 2025Staindrop Church of England Primary School has been appointed as a Growing Faith Foundation (GFF) Learning Hub, becoming one of only 14 new hubs nationally to be launched by the Church of England in January 2026.
Festival brings 900th anniversary celebrations to fitting conclusion
First published on: 18th December 2025Bishop Sarah joined in the celebrations as St Andrew’s Church in Houghton-Le-Skerne marked a significant milestone in its history.
Prayer days for the next Bishop of Durham
First published on: 27th November 2025Interviews for the next Bishop of Durham will be taking place on 9 and 10 December. Durham Cathedral will be hosting a special time of 24/7 prayer to coincide with these, from Morning Prayer (8.30am) on 9th December to Morning Prayer (8.30am) on 10th December. Please do join us in prayer during these days, whether in person at the Cathedral, at your own church or from home.
Shoeboxes from St George’s – church continues to support disadvantaged children
First published on: 27th November 2025A Sunderland church is continuing a 35-year-old tradition of supporting disadvantaged children in the run-up to Christmas.
Return of popular Christmas tree festival
First published on: 25th November 2025Sedgefield’s much-loved Christmas Tree Festival is set to return for its fifth time, with organisers reporting an enthusiastic response from community groups. “We are delighted that 35 groups have responded so positively to the theme of ‘Christmas Stories / Christmas Books’,” said committee member Michael King.
150th anniversary celebration for St Simon's
First published on: 17th November 2025On the 26th October St Simon’s South Shields, which is now part of the Parish of Jarrow and Simonside, celebrated 150 years since the original parish of St Simon’s was created.
Stranton Bells ring out to launch 900th anniversary celebrations
First published on: 13th November 2025The sound of celebration filled the air in Hartlepool on the evening of 1st November, as the eight bells of Stranton All Saints Church rang out to mark the launch of a year-long programme of events celebrating the church’s 900th anniversary.
Bishop Sarah's Presidential Address at Diocesan Synod
First published on: 8th November 2025Read Bishop Sarah's full Presidential Address, given at Diocesan Synod on Saturday 8 November, below (or watch above).
Paper prayers take flight in Pelton
First published on: 6th November 2025Holy Trinity Church, Pelton, has unveiled a striking new art installation of origami doves - each one carrying a handwritten prayer from local schoolchildren, congregation members and visitors.
GATHER Church Teesdale launches wellbeing partnership with The Hearth
First published on: 24th October 2025GATHER Church Teesdale has announced a new partnership with The Hearth, part of The Auckland Project in Bishop Auckland, to promote wellbeing through a series of pilgrimage experiences each year. The initiative is designed especially for caregivers and those living with mental and emotional health challenges.
