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St Ethelbert's Blog

Welcome to St Ethelbert's Blog, a collection of occasional articles from people in, around and connected to Hereford Diocese, about their Christian faith, their work, and the vision of the diocese.


St Ethelbert the King is one of the two patron saints of Hereford Cathedral, the other being St Mary the Virgin. In the 8th century, Ethelbert was King of East Anglia. He came to what is now Herefordshire to marry a daughter of King Offa of Mercia. Accused of political intrigue, possibly of seeking to take over Mercia, Ethelred was brutally murdered, reputedly on King Offa's orders and at the persuasion of his wife, Queen Cynethryth, in Marden, just north of Hereford. Ethelred was later canonised as St Ethelbert the King for posthumous miracles connected to his body and shrine, and a stone church was built over his shrine on the site of the present Hereford Cathedral, where his shrine remains to this day. Consumed by remorse, Offa built churches, and monasteries on the instruction of the Pope in expiation, following a visit to Rome.


Autumn in the Interfaith World by Rev'd David Gifford, Interfaith Advisor

First published on: 5th November 2024

Rev'd David Gifford is the Interfaith Advisor for the diocese. He talks about the confluence of traditions of the three Abrahamic faiths at this time of year.

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A meditation on friendship, with Rev'd Dr Phill Brown, Rector, Burghill Benefice

First published on: 16th October 2024

Rev'd Dr Phill Brown is Rector of Burghill Benefice. Here he talks about friendship.

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Growing Our Church Younger with Heather Martin, Youth Hubs Coordinator

First published on: 9th October 2024

Heather Martin is Youth Hubs Coordinator at Hereford Diocese. Here she explains what 'growing our church younger' might look like for you.

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Season of Creation with Rev'd Stephen Hollinghurst

First published on: 19th September 2024

Rev'd Stephen Hollinghurst is Mission Enabler for the Environment at Hereford Diocese. He talks about the Season of Creation and the upcoming Environment Day at the Diocese.

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'Back-to-School' with school chaplain Abbi Scott

First published on: 4th September 2024

Abbi Scott, Life-Link Chaplain at The Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoats School, ponders the transitions we experience in daily life, like back-to-school time

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