Our Roots & Shoots newsletter is taking a summer break and will return in September with news, stories and updates from churches and communities across Devon. To share news for a future edition, email communications@exeter.anglican.org. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful summer.

"There's something so powerful about following God's call for your life". Joanna Friend, our new Lay Missional Formation Officer, shares why the Foundations course could be your next step in discerning God's call and what he may be leading you to do in the future. Find out more: bit.ly/4yNqB88

Joanna Friend - our new Lay Missional Formation Officer

"There's something so powerful about following God's call for your life". Meet Joanna Friend, our new Lay Missional Formation Officer. In this video, Joanna shares why the Foundations course could be...

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It’s been great to host a book launch for the new Into All the Parish book by the team behind Pioneering Parishes at our Old Deanery offices in Exeter tonight. The authors Rev’d Greg Bakker and Rev’d Tina Hodgett said the book is aimed at church leadership teams keen to do church differently.

Roots, Shoots and Fruits was the theme of the 2026 Diocese of Exeter Clergy Conference. Over four days in June clergy from across Devon gathered for worship, teaching, workshops and fun. See if you can spot your vicar in this video! vimeo.com/1209606221?s...

Diocese of Exeter Clergy Conference 2026 Highlights Reel

Roots, Shoots and Fruits was the theme of the 2026 Diocese of Exeter Clergy Conference at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester. Over four days in June clergy from across Devon gathered for...

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We are saddened to hear about the death of Ann Widdecombe, who dedicated her life to politics and speaking-up for what she believed to be right, and had chosen to make Devon her home. We pray at this time for her family, friends and the Dartmoor community where she lived.

Take a moment to watch the highlights from last weekend's Ordination of Deacons service at Exeter Cathedral - a truly joyful and inspiring occasion. vimeo.com/1207739415?s... Music from #Uppbeat uppbeat.io/t/jacob-tayl... christ-my-savior License code: SSRF8EFIG7UZN2KO

Ordination of Deacons 2026 Highlights Reel

This is "Ordination of Deacons 2026 Highlights Reel" by CofEDevon on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

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Funeral directors from across Devon were welcomed to the Bishop’s Palace for the very first time. Bishop Mike shared thanks for their dedication and partnership, recognising the vital role they play in supporting people with care, guidance, and compassion at some of life’s most difficult moments.

Today some of our hardworking members of clergy had a moment to catch their breath, as part of hospitality week in the Bishop’s Palace garden in Exeter. It was an opportunity to refresh, recharge and catch-up with colleagues in the sun. Thank you to all our clergy for all you do to serve with joy.

The National Church Awards are open for nominations. Devon churches are encouraged to recognise their volunteers and follow in the footsteps of 2024 winner Providence Chapel, Throwleigh. ➡️ www.nationalchurchestrust.org/awards

A warm welcome to the interfaith leaders who joined us during Hospitality Week. We are grateful for the opportunity to build connections, celebrate friendship, understanding and our shared commitment to serving our communities.

As part of Hospitality Week it was a pleasure to welcome the Rural Deans and Lay Chairs to the Bishop's Palace. Together we discussed clergy wellbeing, Pray Grow Serve 2035, the Matthew 25 Fund, the Exeter Ordination Pathway, and the vital role of prayer through the new Diocesan Intercessors’ Group

For the first time, this Hospitality week were delighted to welcome some church administrators from across the diocese. Church administrators are often the first point of contact for our churches, offering a warm welcome whilst simultaneously juggling an extraordinary range of tasks!

Congratulations to 20 new deacons who have been ordained this weekend by Bishop Mike at Exeter Cathedral. He said afterwards he was overjoyed so many people felt called to ordained ministry in Devon. They will now be serving as curates in parishes across the county. @exetercathedral.bsky.social

The number of new parish priests and church ministers being ordained at Exeter Cathedral tomorrow is the highest for a number of years. 20 people are being ordained as deacons and 11 people are becoming priests after being ordained as deacons a year ago. Full news story: shorturl.at/NOn1r

Highest Number of New Clergy Being Ordained in Devon for a Number of Years - Diocese of Exeter

The number of new parish priests and church ministers being ordained at Exeter Cathedral this weekend is the highest for a number of years. 20 people are being ordained as deacons and 11 people are be...

exeter.anglican.org

Following Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation, we're praying for a peaceful leadership transition for the country, for all those in leadership roles and all those facing difficult decisions about when to remain in a role and when to move on. @churchofengland.org

At our clergy conference, themed 'Roots, Shoots and Fruits', the former Archbishop of Canterbury, The Rt. Rev'd Dr. Rowan Williams, spoke to us about how to remain rooted in ministry.

The Bishop of Plymouth shares a heartfelt message and offers prayers for all those affected by yesterday’s Royal Navy helicopter crash on Dartmoor. @royalnavy

The Bishop of Exeter and Vicar of Okehampton have spoken of their sorrow and sympathy for the families of 3 Royal Navy personnel killed in a helicopter crash on Dartmoor. St James' Chapel in Okehampton is open for prayer today. @royalnavyofficial.bsky.social exeter.anglican.org/okehampton-c...

Okehampton Church Reaches Out Following Dartmoor Royal Navy Helicopter Crash - Diocese of Exeter

The Vicar of Okehampton, the Rev’d Claire Reynolds, has spoken about the shock of the local community following a Royal Navy Helicopter crash near the town in which three serving personnel were killed...

exeter.anglican.org

We loved hosting Inspector Organ as a keynote at our first Living Stones Live at Abbotsbury. His tip: people love our “precious” English churches - share fun, authentic, consistent content to build community. Missed it? Watch: www.youtube.com/live/RsGsKc7...

Jo Stobart, Chaplain to the Bishop of Exeter, is the new Archdeacon of Wells. Jo said “The call to this role was a tug at my vocational heart strings I could not ignore, but I have been inspired by time in Devon and leave with my missional DNA invigorated!” exeter.anglican.org/bishop-of-ex...

All revved-up as first Blessing of the Bikes service makes a joyful noise at Exeter Cathedral: exeter.anglican.org/blessing-of-... @churchofengland.org @exetercathedral.bsky.social

Blessing of the Bikes Makes a Joyful Noise at Exeter Cathedral - Diocese of Exeter

Dozens of motorcyclists from across the South West gathered outside Exeter Cathedral on Sunday 10 May for its first ever Blessing of the Bikes ceremony. The event included choral Evensong inside the C...

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Bishop Mike describes what it feels like to abseil 140ft from the North Tower of Exeter Cathedral after his fundraising descent in aid of the Cathedral’s ‘Investing in our Welcome’ project. Donate here: www.justgiving.com/campaign/ec-... vimeo.com/1190745408?s...

Bishop Mike Charity Cathedral Abseil

Bishop Mike describes what it feels like to abseil 140ft from the North Tower of Exeter Cathedral after his fundraising descendent in aid of the Cathedral’s ‘Investing in our Welcome’ project to prese...

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The Bishop of Exeter has abseiled 140ft off Exeter Cathedral to raise money for its 'Investing in our Welcome' project. He said he enjoyed the descent but was glad to be back on 'terra firma' afterwards! exeter.anglican.org/bishop-of-ex... @exetercathedral.bsky.social @churchofengland.org

Bishop of Exeter Takes Leap of Faith for Exeter Cathedral Abseil - Diocese of Exeter

Bishop Mike Harrison, the Bishop of Exeter, said he was relieved to be back on ‘terra firma’ after abseiling 140ft off the North Tower of Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 9 May to raise funds for the Cath...

exeter.anglican.org

Andy Flannagan and Dr Ysanne Marville invite you to a landmark gathering of worship, reflection, and intercession as part of the global ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ movement, at Exeter Cathedral on Sunday 17 May 2026 at 6pm. exeter-cathedral.org.uk/whats-on/events/thy-kingdom-come/

Discover why the Diocese of Exeter in Devon is a fantastic and supportive place to serve as a member of clergy. We’re especially encouraging applications from women and people from Black & minority ethnic backgrounds. Current vacancies: exeter.anglican.org/vacancies/ vimeo.com/1171948645?f...

Clergy Come and Pray, Grow and Serve in Devon

Discover why the Diocese of Exeter is such a fantastic and supportive place to serve as a member of clergy. We’re especially encouraging applications from women and people from Black and minority ethn...

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Rev’d Alex Randle-Bissell was welcomed into his new role as Plymouth City Dean tonight, with a service of licensing and commissioning at Emmanuel church. Alex’s appointment is a key part of our Plymouth 2035 vision for the city and we are delighted to welcome him and his wife Beverley to Devon!

"I'm feeling absolutely elated, so blessed - I could laugh and cry at the same time!" Katie Evans, Rev'd Sam Leach and Bishop James reflect on the joyous Easter sea baptisms at in Torquay. vimeo.com/1180537766?s...

Joyous Sea Baptisms On Easter Sunday in Torbay

"I'm feeling absolutely elated, so blessed - I could laugh and cry at the same time." Katie Evans, Rev Sam Leach and Bishop James reflect on the joyous Easter sea baptisms at in Torquay.

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An incredible Easter in Torbay! Around 45 people were baptised at Torre Abbey Sands and Paignton Beach as churches came together to celebrate hope and new beginnings. What a powerful day.

We are looking forward to the #MaundyThursday Chrism Eucharist service at Exeter Cathedral. The service is a major gathering of clergy and LLMs from across Devon, during which they renew their ministerial vows.

The life-giving message of the Easter story is all around us in nature, if only we can spot the signs, says the Rt. Rev'd Dr Mike Harrison, Bishop of Exeter in this Easter video based on the story of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection. #easter @churchofengland.org vimeo.com/1178839621?s...

Bishop of Exeter Easter Message 2026

The life-giving message of the Easter story is all around us in nature, if only we can spot the signs, says the Rt. Rev'd Dr Mike Harrison, Bishop of Exeter in this Easter video based on the story of ...

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