News Stories
-
29 Oct. 2026
in GeneralHRH the Princess Royal helps lay up the Queen's Colour
We welcomed HRH the Princess Royal to Portsmouth Cathedral for the Laying-Up of the Queen's Colour of the Royal Navy. The event began with a procession along the High Street with the Band of HM Royal Marines and the Guard of Honour. The service included the ceremonial handing over of the Colour, which will be hung in the cathedral's north cloister. HRH the Princess Royal also read from the Bible as part of the service Read more
-
26 Oct. 2026
in SchoolsNew centre offers hope to children with special needs
A new inclusion centre opened at St George's CofE Beneficial Primary School in Portsea is offering renewed hope for pupils who have special educational needs. 'The Quay' is a purpose-built suite of five classrooms that allows specialist support for children who need it. It was created alongside the school in a building that was no longer being used Read more
-
13 Oct. 2026
Emily spends a week seeing Tearfund’s work in Rwanda
Our Director of Safeguarding Emily Hassan accepted the offer of Christian charity Tearfund to see the difference our money is making to people in Rwanda. We're supporting Tearfund via Bishop’s Lent Appeals in successive years, and some of the funds raised in our diocese will go to support their work, helping local Christian leaders to make a major difference. Read more
-
12 Oct. 2026
Centenary launches with ice cream 99s for all
We launched the centenary celebrations of our diocese and our cathedral – as we entered our 100th year. The year 2027 will be our centenary year, so we marked our 99th anniversary with 99-style ice-creams after a special Eucharist. We also heard about the plans to celebrate next year, including three special services, a project to capture ‘100 Faces’ around the diocese, and other special activities. Read more
-
12 Oct. 2026
in GeneralNew island priest comes from South Africa
Bishop Jonathan has appointed a new interim priest to take charge of the parishes of Wroxall, Arreton and Newchurch. The Rev Shirley Pearce is originally from South Africa, and has lived in the UK for more than 20 years. After a career as a nurse, she was ordained in 2010. Read more
-
5 Oct. 2026
in GeneralNew Southsea vicar looking forward to the sea
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Anna Norton as the new vicar of St Simon’s Church in Southsea. Anna is currently a vicar in the Guildford diocese, but has lived in various parts of the world. She is looking forward to being near the sea at Southsea. Read more
-
3 Oct. 2026
in GeneralTwenty years of serving the needy in Southsea
Volunteers and guests celebrated 20 years of Friday Fridge – the weekly ministry offered by St Jude’s Church to all those in Southsea who need food, company and some spiritual input. They marked the occasion by filling the nave with tables and chairs, for a slap-up meal, some speeches and a chance to thank those who make it happen Read more
-
29 Sept. 2026
Archbishop pays tribute to Terry’s five decades
Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams joined worshippers at St Michael and All Angels, Chalton, to pay tribute to Canon Terry Louden, who was marking 50 years of ordination. The pair had been at university together, so Archbishop Rowan preached at the special service. Read more
-
24 Sept. 2026
in GeneralArchdeacon: “Why I have hope, despite the helplessness”
The Archdeacon of Portsdown responds to the recent arrival of a migrant boat at Eastney in Portsmouth and the potential that migrants could have arrived in Gosport. He addresses the helplessness that so many people feel about all aspects of this issue Read more
-
24 Sept. 2026
in GeneralSafeguarding conference looks at mental health and dementia issues
Clergy and parish safeguarding officers were among those who attended our latest Safeguarding Conference. The annual event had a focus on older people, mental health and dementia care, with speakers, discussion and case studies throughout the day. It took place at St Luke’s Church, Southsea. Read more