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.

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Celebrating our saints by Fr. Guy Cole

First published on: 17th April 2026

The Rev'd Guy Cole is Team Rector of Leominster Team Ministry based at Leominster Priory

A Long View: 1,350 Years Behind Us, 1,350 Years Ahead By Ian Hill

First published on: 1st April 2026

Ian Hill is the Net Zero Project Manager, for the three dioceses of Hereford, Gloucester and Worcester. Here he reminds of our duty of care as Christians for the world we leave to future generations

Trusting in God's plan for our young people by Heather Martin

First published on: 25th March 2026

Heather Martin is Youth Hubs Coordinator for Hereford Archdeaconry. Here, she thinks about how God's plan is unfolding in Leominster.

Honouring our 'local' saints with pilgrimages by The Rev'd Steven Baggs

First published on: 18th March 2026

The Rev'd Steven Baggs is Assistant Archdeacon of Hereford and Vicar of the Frome Group of Parishes - and a fan of pilgrimage. Here he talks about the history of pilgrimage, the different types, and why it's a great way to celebrate our 1350th anniversary as a diocese.

Pilgrimage: how I best meet God

First published on: 16th March 2026

The Rev'd Dr Sally Welch is Vicar of the Kington Benefice, where she has developed a Pilgrim Path for each of the five parishes. As we prepare to celebrate our 1350th anniversary as a diocese, with three official pilgrimages, she writes about how pilgrimage is more than just a pleasant walk.

Safeguarding: A Shared Responsibility

First published on: 5th March 2026

Jocelyn Anderson is an independent member of our diocesan safeguarding panel. She shares her reflections on the role she plays and why safeguarding really is a shared responsibility.

Growth in Lay Ministry by Rev'd Mark Godson, Ministry Development Officer

First published on: 26th February 2026

Rev'd Mark Godson talks about the encouraging growth in commissioned and licensed Lay Minstry in the diocese

A seasonal confluence by Rev'd David Gifford, Diocesan Inter Faith Advisor

First published on: 24th February 2026

Rev'd David Gifford, Diocecsan Inter Faith Advisor, reflects on the cofluence of the start of Lent with the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and, shortly, the Jewish festival of Purim.

Support for Ukraine four years on by Lesley Grady

First published on: 12th February 2026

Lesley Grady is the Project Manager for the diocese's Support for Ukraine project. Here she reflects on an unwelcome anniversary and a people's resilience.

1350th anniversary: So how did it all begin? by Bishop David Thomson

First published on: 21st January 2026

The Rt Rev'd Dr David Thomson, Assistant Bishop of Hereford, writes here about the early history of our dicoese, which celebrates the 1,350th anniversary of its founding this year; he includes a helpful timeline.

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