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. 


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Latest news from our churches and schools

Keynote speaker Damilola Makinde at SALT

SALT Women’s Ministry at Holy Trinity South Woodford

15 April 2025

SALT was a day of encouragement and encounter for women across Chelmsford Diocese that took place at Holy Trinity South Woodford.

Bishop Guli and fellow pilgrims at St Andrew's Greensted

Bishop Guli’s Lenten Pilgrimage 2025

13 April 2025

On six days during Lent this year, Bishop Guli is walking St Peter’s Way for her Lenten Pilgrimage.

Farm Visit

Bishop Guli meets with people from farming community

7 April 2025

Bishop Guli met with farmers to gain first-hand insights into the impact of the autumn budget and recent withdrawal of the Sustainable Farming Incentives on the farming communities of the Diocese.

Operation Varsity

Rev’d Canon Janet Nicholls leads service to mark the 80th Anniversary of Operation Varsity

26 March 2025

On 24 March 2025, commemorative services took place on WW2 airfields across the Diocese to remember the 80th anniversary of Operation Varsity.

Dean Shelley-Ann (news)

Dean Shelley-Ann Tenia leads 2025 Bishop’s Study Day and visits church communities in Essex and East London

10 March 2025

Dean Shelley-Ann Tenia spent time with people from churches and schools across Essex and East London during her visit to Chelmsford Diocese.

Blackmore connectivity

Rural church overcomes connectivity issues

10 March 2025

A rural church nestled in the Essex countryside has overcome the challenges of not having broadband.