News - Diocese of Durham

Lanchester EP School reach finals for two national awards for excellence

First published on: 19th June 2026

Lanchester EP school has recently reached the finals for two national awards for excellence. In the first, run by the Times Educational Supplement (the TES) the voluntary controlled church school has secured a place amongst the final eight schools across the UK in the category ‘The Primary School of the Year’. For the second award run by Pearson Education, the EP school has been awarded Silver for the ‘Making a Difference - Primary School of the Year’ award.

Next Archdeacon of Auckland announced

First published on: 21st June 2026

The Bishop of Durham is delighted to announce the appointment of the Revd Stephen Edmonds, currently Acting Archdeacon of Doncaster in the Diocese of Sheffield, as our next Archdeacon of Auckland.

Church of England apologises for role in post-war historical adoption practices

First published on: 18th June 2026

Bishop of Durham, Rick Simpson's response following the Church of England's apology for its role in post-war historical adoption practices and support for those affected.

Durham Cathedral welcomes school leavers for 2026

First published on: 10th June 2026

This week, more than 1800 year six pupils from 52 different schools have been welcomed to Durham Cathedral for leavers’ services as they prepare to transition to secondary school.

Stand for Synod

First published on: 8th June 2026

New clergy and lay members are being elected to General Synod this year – and you are invited to stand as a candidate.

Installation Service at Durham Cathedral for the new Bishop of Durham

First published on: 7th June 2026

A packed Durham Cathedral watched earlier today (Sunday) as the Right Reverend Rick Simpson was installed as the new Bishop of Durham.

New twist on traditional ceremony in riverside greeting for Bishop Rick

First published on: 5th June 2026

Earlier today, Friday 5 June, a special ceremony took place on the banks of the River Tees. The Rt Revd Rick Simpson was greeted by civic dignitaries and members of the public as he takes up the role of Bishop of Durham.

A statement from the Diocese of Durham – Sunderland Minster

First published on: 29th May 2026

A statement from the Diocese of Durham – Sunderland Minster

Church breakfast sparks new community partnerships

First published on: 21st May 2026

At 8am on Wednesday 13 May, St Mary and St Cuthbert’s in Chester-le-Street hosted a Community Networking Breakfast, bringing together 32 representatives from across the local area alongside a team of 15 church volunteers.

Services mark 100 years since Burnhope hosted Durham Miners’ Gala

First published on: 21st May 2026

Special services took place at St John's Church in Burnhope to commemorate 100 years since the village hosted the Durham Miners' Gala in 1926