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

St Cedd Medal Recipients

Course Certificates and St Cedds Medals presented at Chelsmford Cathedral

10 February 2025

On the weekend of 8 - 9 February 2025, Chelmsford Cathedral held two services to celebrate those who have completed diocesan courses and to recognise the service and contribution of people in our church communities.

St Mary's, Saffron Walden - Holocaust Memorial Day (1)

Holocaust Memorial Day Service at St Mary’s Saffron Walden

3 February 2025

Children from local schools joined parishioners and community and faith leaders for a Holocaust Memorial Day Service at St Mary's Saffron Walden on 27 January. 

The Rev'd Canon Janet Nicholls blesses the plough from a tractor (photo Jon Wagstaff Photography)

Diocesan Plough Sunday Service at Thaxted Parish

14 January 2025

Large numbers of farmers from across the Diocese gathered for Plough Sunday celebrations at Thaxted Church, Essex on Sunday 12 January

Catalyst Graduation 2024

Celebrating our Catalyst course graduates

21 December 2024

Nine people from our diocese who had completed the new Catalyst training course for volunteer and paid children, youth and families workers, gathered with other participants from across the country for a celebration and graduation service.

Bishop Guli at All Saints, Fordham Primary

All Saints, Fordham Church of England Primary School children share their concerns and ideas about rough sleeping with Bishop Guli

19 December 2024

All Saints, Fordham Church of England Primary School children recently shared their concerns and ideas about rough sleeping with Bishop Guli

Picnic in the Park

All Saints Church in Rayne, Essex hosted a Picnic in the Park

17 December 2024

All Saints Church in Rayne, Essex hosted Picnic in the Park at their local park and offered free picnic lunches to children in their local community.