Blessing the River Avon: Churches Unite Against Pollution in Gloucester

Gloucester Churches Commit to River Avon Protection with Unique Blessing Ceremony

In a creative blend of faith and environmental activism, churches within the Diocese of Gloucester are set to bless the River Avon as a symbol of their commitment to combating river pollution. This initiative aligns with spiritual practices, emphasizing the importance of both prayer and action.

Scheduled for Sunday, the event will see congregations from Tewkesbury Abbey and St Mary’s Magdalene, Twyning, join forces in a significant environmental campaign. The day will commence with a High Mass at Tewkesbury Abbey at 10:30 am, followed by a procession to the river where the blessing ceremony will take place with the participation of the High Sheriff and local representatives.

St Mary’s Magdalene will engage the community further with a riverside walk and a scavenger hunt, culminating in a blessing at St Chad’s Well. These activities are designed to highlight the importance of river health during The Great Big Green Week.

This initiative is backed by the Safe Avon Project, which has raised concerns about the increasing levels of untreated sewage discharged into the Avon by Severn Trent. In 2025, the company reported 546 sewage incidents into the Warwickshire Avon, totaling 3,361 hours of discharge. Severn Trent has pledged to invest £160 million to tackle the issue of storm overflow and enhance river conditions.

Rev Canon Nick Davies, the Vicar of Tewkesbury, expressed the spiritual significance of the initiative: “In the Bible, water is the ‘stuff of life’ – a sacred gift that reflects God’s love for the world. From the first moments of Creation to the water used in baptism, it is central to God’s plan for a healthy, flourishing earth.

“This is why protecting our rivers is a matter of faith. Currently, our rivers are sick. By blessing the Avon, we are not just performing a ceremony; we are committing ourselves to stand up for nature. We cannot remain silent while a gift from God is treated as a waste pipe.”