About the Diocese

The Cathedral, as mother church of the Diocese of Gloucester, serves the geographical area of the diocese which includes the County of Gloucestershire and part of South Gloucestershire. The Diocese has a rich mix of urban and rural, with areas of affluence and of deprivation. There are nearly 300 parishes (with around 400  church buildings) divided into 2 Archdeaconries, 9 deaneries and 91 benefices together with a mix of chaplaincies, fresh expressions and pioneer ministry, and over 100 church schools. There are approximately 150  licensed clergy alongside a significant number of clergy with Permission To Officiate, and lay leaders, including Readers. Gloucester itself is a diverse city. The ward in which the Cathedral sits is amongst the most socially and economically challenged in the county. 

The Diocesan LIFE vision is rooted in Jesus’ words in John 10.10: ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ Its four key themes are: 

  • Leadership 

  • Imagination 

  • Faith 

  • Engagement 

This vision was discerned in 2016 and refreshed in 2021. The spotlight of the Holy Spirit is now shining more strongly on these five specific LIFE commitments as we seek to join in with God’s work of transformation and pray for God’s kingdom to come on earth as in heaven 

• Being advocates for flourishing through initiatives which combat injustice, environmental destruction, exclusion and isolation 

• Encouraging new and courageous ways of worshipping in different places which connect with more people  

• Nurturing everyday disciples  

• Investing in people and programmes which excite young people to explore and grow in faith  

• Developing diverse lay and ordained leaders  

These have emerged from listening to stories from across the Diocese and noticing what is being lived, not least as we have continued to emerge from the months of a viral pandemic and as the process of shaping and implementing Deanery Strategic Plans continues. 

It is expected that the Dean will enable the cathedral to play a key role in the living of this vision 

As a Diocese, we are committed to the wellbeing of all who minister here. We are small enough to know each other well, to care across our traditions and rejoice in each other’s gifts. We are large enough to be well resourced as we live the present and continue to shape the future with imagination. The Bishops place a high value on being known by church and community leaders and engaging across the diocese to build positive networks of relationship.