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.

How agricultural shows engage our farming community by Nick Read

First published on: 2nd July 2025

The Rev’d Preb Nick Read is Hereford Diocese Associate Agricultural Chaplain and part of Borderlands Rural Chaplaincy, supporting agricultural communities in Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Eastern Powys. Here he reflects on the role of the agricultural show through the ages, in bringing the farming community together.

A quiet ministry - Anna Chaplaincy by Diane Bates

First published on: 20th June 2025

Diane Bates is a Reader in the West Hereford Team and an Anna Chaplain. Here she talks about the joys and challenges this unsung ministry.

What engagement means to me by Emily Hill

First published on: 17th June 2025

Emily Hill is diocesan representative to General Synod and lay member of Diocesan Synod; she lives in the Condover Deanery. Here she writes about what engagement means for her in this Year of Engagement.

‘Intergenerational’ – it’s a whole church mission

First published on: 13th May 2025

Beckie Dotson is Intergenerational Missioner for Sutton Hill and Woodside parishes. Here she explains what that looks like on the ground, and how thinking intergenerationally infuses everything they do.

Calling and the Compass of Desire by The Rev'd Mark Godson

First published on: 7th May 2025

As we approach Vocations Sunday on 11th May, we're exploring what vocation looks like around the diocese. Today we hear from Rev'd Mark Godson, priest and spiritual director, and Ministry Development Officer for the Diocese of Hereford on what vocation means.

Spotlight on Vocations - Josiah Beynon

First published on: 6th May 2025

As we approach Vocations Sunday on 11th May, we're talking to some of those around the diocese who are embarking on the journey. Here, we hear from Josiah Beynon who is training to be a Reader in the Clun Valley Benefice

Spotlight on Vocations - Vicky Young

First published on: 22nd April 2025

As we approach Vocations Sunday on 11th May, we're talking to some of those around the diocese who are embarking on the journey. Here, we hear from Vicky Young who is a first year Ordinand based at All Saints, Worthen.

News from the Churches Together in England forum by The Rev'd Lois Beynon

First published on: 27th March 2025

The Rev'd Lois Beynon is Diocesan Ecumenical Officer and Vicar of the Clun Valley Benefice; here she reports back on the recent Forum meeting of Churches Together in England

Be joyful, keep the faith and do the little things by Stephen Challenger

First published on: 20th March 2025

Stephen Challenger is Property Secretary for the diocese and Secretary to the Diocesan Advisory Committee; here he discusses Spring maintenance of our church buildings, and how little things can lead to greater things.

Well, it is Lent for us but for Muslims it's Ramadan by Rev'd David Gifford

First published on: 3rd March 2025

Rev'd David Gifford is Interfaith Advisor for the diocese; here he explains some of the traditions of Ramadan, practised by the second-largest faith group in our diocese.