The Diocese of Chelmsford, ‘the Church of England in East London and Essex,’ is led by the Bishop of Chelmsford, assisted by three Area Bishops (Barking, Bradwell and Colchester), seven Archdeacons (Barking, Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow, Southend, Stansted and West Ham) and the Dean of Chelmsford (who leads and directs the life and work of Chelmsford Cathedral).
The Diocese is a Church region of more than 1,500 square miles that stretches from the East coast to the Thames and ranges from countryside to towns and suburbs. It comprises the East London boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest, the county of Essex, and the unitary authorities of Southend and Thurrock. With a population estimated to be 3,211,000 Chelmsford is the second largest diocese in England.
The average weekly church attendance of adults, young people and children is 36,600 in the Diocese. The Diocese comprises 471 parishes, 591 church buildings and 370 clergy post and 185 Lay Ministers and Readers.
Nearly 30,000 children and young people attend 139 church schools.
The Cathedral enjoys a close working relationship with the Diocese welcoming clergy across the Diocese to quiet days and Diocesan services and their education team who use the building for school workshops and celebrations.
To find out more about Chelmsford Diocese, please click on this link which will take you to their website.