Downing Street has announced today that Fiona Gibson will be the next Bishop of Taunton. She is currently the Archdeacon of Ludlow in the Diocese of Hereford, a role which she has held since 2021.
This year’s Safeguarding Sunday takes place on Sunday, 16 November. Find out how you can join with thousands of churches from diverse backgrounds and traditions to share the message of the importance of safeguarding and help protect vulnerable people.
Bishop Michael has shared a message following this morning's terrorist incident in Manchester.
People from across our diocese with a care for the environment came together at Flourish House, Wells on Monday, 22 September, for a Service of Celebration for Creation. Bishop Michael joined the diocesan environmental team and environmental champions from across the diocese to reflect on environmental matters and celebrate God’s wonderful creation.
On Monday, 15 September, over 2,500 primary and middle school children, plus school staff, from 20 schools across Somerset took part in the first of what will be a regular opportunity to join together online in worship throughout the academic year.
Bishop Michael has responded to the climate protest held at Bath Abbey on Saturday.
Bishop Michael responds to the data breach by Kennedys Law LLP, who are responsible for administering the independent safeguarding Redress Scheme for the Church of England.
Bishop Michael will be holding a prayer vigil for Gaza in the chapel at the Bishop’s Palace at 17:00 on Sunday, 3 August 2025. The vigil will be open for anyone to attend. Those who can’t join Bishop Michael at the chapel are being encouraged to join in and pray where they are, at a time to suit them.
Synod members gathered in York early this month for a five-day summer group of sessions. On the Saturday, Synod members turned to a motion from the Bishop of Hereford calling for a redistribution of Church funds.
Diocesan Synod, together with the Annual General Meeting of the Diocesan Board of Finance, took place on Wednesday, 9 July at Flourish House, Wells.
The results of the independent review into safeguarding in the Diocese of Bath and Wells and Wells Cathedral have been published today. INEQE, who are in the process of evaluating the quality of safeguarding practice in all Church of England dioceses across the country, undertook the audit of Bath and Wells in March 2025.
The House of Bishops, which has been meeting in York issued a statement on the situation in Gaza.
Bishop Ruth has sent a thank you message to all in the Diocese of Bath and Wells
On the day of His Holiness, Pope Francis' funeral, Bishop Michael has written to Bishop Bosco, the Bishop of Clifton, to share with him a message for the people of the Diocese of Clifton, as we hold them and all our brothers and sisters in the Catholic Church in our prayers today.
He said, "In our sorrow we give thanks for all that Francis brought to the role of Pope"
As the sun rose on Easter morning, outside Taunton Minster the community gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Christ and to witness the confirmation 12 people.
More than 500 clergy, lay leaders and people from across the diocese attended the Chrism Eucharist and had to opportunity to say farewell to Bishop Ruth, who was attending her last service as Bishop of Taunton.
In Holy Week Bishop Michael will be out and about around the diocese, joining in with churches as we journey toward Easter.
An update from Bishop Michael and Ben Goodhind, Safeguarding Manager as the two-week safeguarding audit visit to the diocese by INEQE, the independent auditors appointed to evaluate the quality of safeguarding practice in all Church of England dioceses across the country, comes to an end.
Bishop Michael has written to people across the diocese asking them to share their views on the recruitment of the next Bishop of Taunton.
