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.

Studying the face of Jesus by The Rev'd Canon Dr Andrew Hayes

First published on: 20th January 2025

Canon Dr Andrew Mayes is a retired priest at Leominster Priory and author of several books. He was formerly the Spirituality Adviser to the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. Here he talks about the face of Jesus – the one we imagine or the one he reveals in the gospels?

Are you really listening? by Rt Rev'd Dr David Thomson

First published on: 7th January 2025

The Rt Revd Dr David Thomson, formerly Bishop of Huntingdon, and now living in retirement in Hereford with his wife Jean and with family nearby, will be serving as “Acting Bishop” of the Diocese between Epiphany and Holy Week this year while Bishop Richard is on sabbatical. Here he considers how listening will be an important part the role.

What does it mean to bear witness? by Rev'd Preb Dr Chris Moore

First published on: 19th December 2024

Rev'd Preb Dr Chris Moore is Rector of Fownhope, Mordiford, Brockhampton and Woolhope with Checkley, and Rural Dean of Ledbury; here he remembers an example of bearing witness

Transforming our communities through generous giving by Stephen Herbert

First published on: 5th December 2024

Stephen Herbert is the diocese’s Finance Director – here he explores how generous giving could transform us and our communities

Finding a calm space to hear the call of God during Advent by Rev'd Fran Brealey

First published on: 28th November 2024

Rev'd Fran Brealey is the diocesan Adviser on Women's Ministry, and an Associate Minister in Pontesbury, Minsterley, Habberley and Hope with Shelve. Here she talks about two ordinary and yet extraordinary women, who made space in busy lives to hear God's call.

Messy Church - Always differently beautiful by Kathy Bland

First published on: 21st November 2024

Kathy Bland is our Intergenerational Enabler and Regional Coordinator for Messy Church. Here she talks about the different expressions of Messy Church across the diocese.

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.

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.

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.

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.