The Bishop’s Harvest Appeal has been a much valued part of life across the Diocese of St Albans for the past 16 years, bringing churches and communities together in generosity, prayer and care for others, and reflecting a shared commitment to God’s calling to serve those in need.
Before his retirement in May 2025, Bishop Alan wrote:
“Each year since 2009, I have had the joy and privilege of inviting our diocese to come together around the Bishop’s Harvest Appeal—an opportunity to lift our eyes beyond ourselves and share God’s generosity with others in need.
Thanks to the remarkable generosity shown by so many of you, the Harvest Appeals over these past 16 years have raised over £1 million—a truly extraordinary achievement. The total now stands at £1,021,953, which represents lives changed, communities strengthened, and hope restored in places near and far. For every coffee morning held, every school assembly shared, every collection plate filled—I thank you.”
Together with the current total from the 2025 appeal, that total now stands at just over £1,066,953.
2026 Update: No appeal this year
Once Bishop Andrew is in post later this year, the annual Harvest Appeal will be looked at as part of a wider review. There will be no Diocese-wide appeal this year; however, we encourage parishes to identify and support local causes and charities, both as part of your ongoing mission and ministry and, where appropriate, through a one-off Harvest collection. Thank you once again for all your giving and fundraising in support of these appeals.
2025 Appeal: Rewrite Their Future
We offer our heartfelt thanks to all who have so generously supported the 2025 Bishop’s Harvest Appeal: Rewrite Their Future for Mission Direct. Through your giving, the appeal has so far raised just over £45,000, which will help support vital work including access to education and opportunities for children and young people, as well as wider community development in countries such as Uganda and Zambia.
A note from Bishop Richard and Bishop Jane:
As we give thanks for all that God provides, we also celebrate the incredible impact we can make when churches, chaplaincies and schools across our diocese act together in prayer, generosity and compassion.
With every blessing,
+Richard, Bishop of Bedford
+Jane, Bishop of Hertford