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

English for Women group

National Lottery boost for English for Women project

2 June 2023

English for women - a project that helps reduce isolation amongst women who speak little or no English - has been awarded £100,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund.

York Minster

Chelmsford Diocese recipients of Maundy Money, receive their purses from King Charles at York Minster

6 April 2023

People from churches across Chelmsford Diocese have been awarded Maundy Money by the King.

Refugees welcome

Refugee Ministry in Epping and Ongar

16 March 2023

Churches in Epping Forest and Ongar are welcoming refugees into their community.

The Garden Café

Youth Café provides a space for young people in East London

2 March 2023

Ascension Church, Custom House, is situated in one of the most deprived communities in East London. One of the ways the church reaches out to their community is through ‘The Garden Café’.

Students throwing paper planes

‘Spirituality Day’ at William Ford School

15 December 2022

One such day is their annual ‘Spirituality Day’ when the school dedicates time to focus on some of the bigger,…

Singing at Stansted Airport

Stansted Airport Sings Christmas

5 December 2022

Revd Peter Allen, Chaplain at Stansted Airport tells us about his ministry, the work of the chaplaincy team at the airport…