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

Bradwell Chapel

Hundreds of children to take part in the annual Bradwell Schools’ Pilgrimage

22 June 2026

Around 500 pupils are expected to visit St Peter-on-the-Wall Chapel, Bradwell-on-Sea, for the annual Bradwell Schools’ Pilgrimage.

Kemi Ademola

Empowering the Windrush Generation: local Mother’s Union leader makes a difference

16 June 2026

Kemi Ademola, Branch Leader of Leyton Emmanuel Mothers’ Union, has been recognised with an OBE in the King’s New Year Honours List.

Meeting

A joint statement from the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Archdeacon of West Ham and Rabbis from Jewish communities in East London and Essex

11 June 2026

On Sunday 7 June, the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, and the Archdeacon of West Ham, the Venerable Mike Power, met with local Rabbis to express their solidarity at a time of rising antisemitism in the UK and around the world. Following the meeting they agreed a joint statement.

Bishop Lynne Safeguarding Service 2026

Annual Service of Thanksgiving for all involved in Safeguarding - sermon by Bishop Lynne

11 June 2026

On Monday 8 June people from across Chelmsford Diocese, many of them Parish Safeguarding Officers,  gathered at Chelmsford Cathedral for the Annual Service of Thanksgiving and Recommitment for all thoseinvolved in the work of Safegaurding in our Diocese.

Maxine Paul

Chelmsford Diocese Mothers’ Union President undertakes Midday Prayer Challenge to mark 150th anniversary

9 June 2026

On Ascension Day, Chelmsford Diocesan Mothers' Union President, Maxine Paul, joined Chelmsford Cathedral Mothers' Union members for her 150th anniversary prayer challenge.

Bishop Adam at St. Francis West Horndon

Bishop Adam’s Prayer Walk across the Bradwell Area to support the diocesan 100 Days of Prayer

28 May 2026

As part of 100 Days of Prayer, the Rt Revd Adam Atkinson, the Bishop of Bradwell, undertook a series of prayer walks across the Bradwell Episcopal Area.