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

June

Following God’s call to become a Distinctive Deacon

4 September 2024

In following God’s call, June Oldacre discovered the ministry of distinctive deacons – those who once ordained remain deacons throughout their ministry.

Hutton East Asian Community

Hutton East Asian Community

29 August 2024

Hutton East Asian Group meets in Hutton Parish four times a year, bringing together those of East Asian heritage and their families for food, celebration and worship at key times in the Lunar calendar.

Reader Retreat 2024

The Diocese of Chelmsford Reader Retreat 2024

7 August 2024

Warden of Readers, Canon Caroline Harding Licensed Lay Minister tells us about this year's Reader Retreat.

New Spiritual Companions 10 July 2024

Course graduates celebrated at the Cathedral

11 July 2024

On 10 July we celebrated all those who had completed the Diocesan Course in Christian Studies and diocesan courses in Pastoral Care, Local Evangelism and Spiritual Companionship.

Nikki Firth - Gateway FM

Children and Families Worker, Nikki Firth talks to Gateway Radio about church youth work

10 July 2024

Nikki Firth is a Children and Families Worker at St Andrew's with Holy Cross Basildon, St Mark's Southend and St Alban's Westcliff-on-Sea. She recently spoke with Gateway Radio, Basildon about Church Youth Work.

Lords Prayer

Diocese of Chelmsford Schools take part in The Lord’s Prayer Project

1 July 2024

The Lord's Prayer Project, ran by the Diocese of Chelmsford’s Education Team, encouraged pupils, staff members, parents and governors to write or record The Lord’s Prayer in all the different languages that are reflected in their school community