Welcome...

The Bishop of Ely, Dr Anthony Russell, writes:

Welcome to the home page of the Diocese of Ely, which comprises Cambridgeshire and 46 parishes in West Norfolk. Founded in 1109, the Diocese today has 342 churches. The Diocese stretches from the south of Cambridgeshire, with its network of beautiful picture postcard villages, through the internationally famous university city of Cambridge, now surrounded by its Industrial, Research and Science Parks; to the historic County of Huntingdon (now in Cambridgeshire) in the west; and the breckland and marshland areas of Norfolk in the east. The distinctive landscape of the fenlands in the north, extensively drained in the 17th century by the Dutch engineer Vermuyden, is the home of some of the biggest agribusinesses in the country. Ely Cathedral is the spiritual and physical focus of the Diocese (it can be seen from over half the parishes).

The three crowns on the Diocesan crest represent three royal sisters, one of whom, St Etheldreda, founded the Abbey that would eventually become the Cathedral in 673. Built on an island in the surrounding marsh and fen, Ely must have been a remote place at that time. As a Diocese we are committed to mission in every aspect; seeking to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to those who live in the cities, towns and villages of this area, and to make the Gospel relevant to their working lives. As your Bishop I have had the opportunity of seeing something of the diversity of the Diocese – from parish life (it would take me six years to spend a Sunday in every one of our Churches), to the operation of the University, to the groundbreaking research-based industries, to local farming. Please remember us in your prayers and come and visit the Diocese of Ely, with its beautiful churches and magnificent cathedral if you are able. With every blessing,