Bishop Richard Moth, chair of the Department for Social Justice for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has welcomed the government’s decision to scrap the two-child cap on Universal Credit payments. He said: "I warmly welcome the government’s...
Latest News from around the Diocese and beyond
Pope Video: For people with suicidal thoughts
The Pope Video for the month of November is dedicated to Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention: “Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.” In the...
Caritas shares new guide ahead of Prisoners’ Sunday
In the lead-up to the Jubilee for Prisoners on Sunday December 14, Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) is sharing a new Call to Action Guide in response to last year’s Bishops’ Conference publication, Remember Me, which focuses on the criminal justice system in the...
Pilgrimage to Lourdes for people of the sea
Stella Maris is delighted to invite sick, retired and active seafarers, fishers and their families from the UK and EU to join the charity on its inaugural Stella Maris Lourdes Pilgrimage from May 25 to 30 2026. This pilgrimage brings together those who have lived and...
Bishop’s mixed feelings on closure of COP30
Bishop John Arnold, Bishop of Salford and lead bishop for the environment for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has issued a statement after the Conference of the Parties (COP30) UN climate change conference, which took place in Belém, Brazil,...
Explore Catholic theology by distance learning
Applications are open for 2026-27 distance learning programmes in Catholic Theology led by Durham University’s Centre for Catholic Studies (CCS). The programmes are designed so participants can work through material at their own pace, studying in any time zone and in...
Choir presents a joyful start to Advent
To welcome the start of Advent and the Christmas season, Newcastle University Chamber Choir presents Oh Holy Night, a beautiful selection of music at St Mary’s Cathedral. The choir is co-directed by alto choral scholar Laura Watson, who was a St Mary’s Cathedral...
Bishops release statements after Autumn Plenary
Bishop Terry joined the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales as they gathered at Hinsley Hall in the Diocese of Leeds for their autumn plenary meeting from November 10 to 13. Statements were issued on assisted suicide and abortion and on environmental matters. A...
Assisted suicide ‘on the rocks’ says pressure group
An overwhelming 72% of peers who expressed an opinion in the debate on the first day of the committee stage spoke in opposition to the assisted suicide bill. An analysis of the speeches completed by Right to Life UK’s policy team, found that of the 47 peers who...









