We aim to promote clear, accurate information, and positive messages about the mission of the Church of England both within the diocese, and between the diocese and the wider world.
The Communications team provides a range of communication services to the diocese including:
- an information service for the press and broadcast media
- crisis management, support and advice for clergy and church officers during times of press interest
- consultancy work with parishes, groups and organisations about communications and public relations issues
- support and training for parish magazine editors and those involved with the printed word and pictures
- publication of the diocesan newspaper, "The Door"
- development of the diocesan website and associated sites including A Church Near You, Youthblog, Bishop Alan's Blog and Moodle Online Training
- advice and support for devolved websites, parish website administrators and website users
- production of the Oxford Diocesan Year Book
Press Office
There are sometimes occasions when an event provokes considerable media interest. The attentions of newspaper, online, radio and television journalists can present an opportunity for showing Christian ministry at work, but also a challenge for individuals engaged in ministry.
The press office is available to clergy, lay workers and individual members of church congregations to advise and offer support at such times. The team can be contacted during office hours at Diocesan Church House, Oxford (tel: 01865 208225), by paging at any time (07623 946222) or by email.
Communications Consultancy and Training
Good communications are vital for morale and for church growth. The Communications team are available to parishes to help develop specific areas of communication; please contact us if you would like to pursue this option.
Training in media relations is provided for clergy and lay workers.
The Door
The Door newspaper is published ten times a year and 42,000 issues are distributed free to churches and schools in the diocese of Oxford through a network of dedicated deanery volunteers. To contact your deanery volunteer, please contact us.
If you think your church has a story that would interest readers, please contact the Editor by email or by telephone: 01865 208227
Parish Magazines
Support and training can be provided for parish magazine editors, clergy and others involved in parish communications.
Web development
A fresh, innovative and accessible website is central to our communication strategy. The diocesan website has a local, national and international profile and attracts over 50,000 visits per month. The site contains news, articles and information resources with the aim of supporting the mission of the diocese.
The diocesan webmaster is available to parishes, groups and organisations in the diocese for advice and training in all aspects of website use and development. He also coordinates the development of A Church Near You, a national website that allows visitors to find a church and enables parishes to publicise their services and events. The diocesan webmaster, can be contacted by email or by telephone 01865 208262.
The Oxford Diocesan Year Book
The Communications Department is responsible for the production of the Oxford Diocesan Year Book. The Year Book is published annually in October. Parish and office-holder information is held on an electronic database (where permission is given) and updated throughout the year. All incumbents are given the opportunity to check their Year Book entry at the beginning of the production process (usually May/June) when a proof of current details is sent to them. Should you wish to amend parish details during the year, please contact the front office at Diocesan Church House on 01865 208200 or by email.
Copyright
The diocesan logo is available free of charge from www.oxford.anglican.org for use on any diocesan publication, and by any Anglican church or community under the pastoral authority of the bishop of Oxford. Permission need not be sought for such use. If, however, there is a question about whether the publication is diocesan, or if the organisation is not under the pastoral authority of the bishop of Oxford, an enquiry should be made to the Communications office before use is made of the diocesan logo.
Enquiries concerning music and performing rights, and other copyright information concerning the use of music, videos, photographs, etc, should be made to the Church Copyright and Licensing Institution, PO Box 1339, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4YF.
