About Us

Welcome to the Diocese of Worcester

The Diocese of Worcester is one of 41 (42 including the Diocese in Europe) that make up the Church of England. The Diocese of Worcester also forms part of the Province of Canterbury. It was founded in around 679 by St Theodore of Canterbury for the tribe of the Hwicce.

Under God, we in the Diocese seek to serve 909,000 people over an area of 670 square miles through 169 parishes and 267 churches, covering the County of Worcestershire, the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, with a few parishes in northern Gloucestershire, southeast Wolverhampton and Sandwell.  The Diocese ranges from the culturally diverse urban north (with over a third of our population living in the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley).  to the mainly agricultural rural south, both of which provide a great range of opportunities and challenges.

We cherish the variety and distinctiveness of all God’s people and the gifts they bring.  Our churches offer welcome, care and hope in Christ’s name; chaplains minister in workplace and agricultural settings, and in hospitals, hospices, prisons and educational establishments. We are active in the education offered to 22,000 children in our 99 church schools. Social action, social justice, and concern for the environment are vital elements of our mission.

We have always been a diocese that believes that the church exists to serve those who are not - or not yet - its members.

As a Diocese we are committed to mission in every aspect, seeking to bring the good news of God's love in Jesus to all who live in the cities, towns and villages, and to make the gospel relevant to their everyday lives.

Our diocesan vision is to grow as Kingdom People, sharing the good news of Jesus’ love in Worcestershire and Dudley. As the body of Christ, we join together to worship God, make disciples, share hope, and transform communities. Read more about our diocesan vision.

Understanding Church Structures 

The Church of England is quite a complex organisation, and has its own specialist language for describing itself and its activities. It’s not only confusing for new members. People who have been regular worshippers, but have now stepped up to be volunteer trustees and committee members, are often greeted with a whole new set of acronyms and terms. 

This page is here to point you to some explainers and resources which will help you navigate your way round the Church of England and Diocese of Worcester with more confidence.

Annual Review and Report

• Download our full Annual Report and Accounts (You may find it useful to read it alongside: Understanding our accounts)
• Download the most recent poster about the Diocese that we have sent out to be displayed in churches.