A church A church

Churches and worshipping communities

The Diocese of Chelmsford brings together more than 500 Church of England churches and worshipping communities across Essex and East London.

We are the second largest Diocese in the country in terms of population serving a population of more than 3 million people. We celebrate our huge diversity in terms of geography, demography, ethnicity, culture and church tradition.

A church near you 

Wherever you live, there is a Church of England church that is always there for you through life’s biggest moments – and at other times togo.  

Serving local communities

Our churches and worshipping communities are at the heart of their local communities across Essex and East London. This has particularly been the case in recent years as many of our communities have faced extraordinary challenges as a consequence of the COVID 19 pandemic and the current cost of living crisis. 

The news stories below provide an example of the work that they do. 


For more information or to report anything wrong with this page please contact Communications


Latest news from our churches and schools

Lynda and Christine

Digital Rollout raises £30,000 for parishes

9 December 2024

70 contactless giving devices were provided by the National Church to parishes across the diocese. In the first three months of receiving their devices, parishes have collectively raised over £30,000 by providing their congregation and visitors with the ability to donate using credit and debit cards.

Advent Calendar

Chelmsford Diocese Environment Advent Calendar 2024

1 December 2024

Still looking for an Advent Calendar? Look no further! Our Diocesan Environment Team has produced an Advent Calendar containing 24 good news stories form churches and schools putting the care for God's Creation at the heart of their mission. 

Advisory Panel Commissioned at Chelmsford Cathedral

Racial Justice Advocates and Racial Justice Advisory Panel Commissioned at Chelmsford Cathedral

20 November 2024

On Thursday 7th November 2024, The Bishop of Chelmsford, The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani,commissioned our diocesan Racial Justice Advocates and our Racial Justice Advisory Panel at a service at Chelmsford Cathedral. 

Pleshey Deaf Retreat

Chelmsford Diocese Deaf Church Retreat at Pleshey

6 November 2024

The Diocese of Chelmsford Deaf Ministry Team held a retreat at the Diocesan House of Retreat at Pleshey during October 2024

Phillis Njuguna

Phillis Njuguna of St John’s Church Epping has been nominated as a Change Maker

29 October 2024

Phillis Njuguna of St John's Church Epping has been nominated as a changemaker for her work setting up and running several “Thrive” groups that support survivors of domestic abuse across Essex.

Lifestreams

Lifestreams Churches’ Leanne Baldwin is Citizen of the Year Gold Award Winner

21 October 2024

Leanne Baldwin of the Lifestreams Churches was awarded the Southend-on-Sea Citizen of the Year Gold Award at a ceremony on Wednesday 16 October, by the Major of Southend Councillor Ron Woodley.