News Stories
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29 July 2025
Bishop leads two pilgrimages to Taize
Bishop Jonathan has helped to lead two pilgrimages to the ecumenical Taizé Community in France - one for students from two Isle of Wight schools, and one for young adults from churches across our diocese. Read more
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14 July 2025
in GeneralNew vicar aims to grow congregations
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Fran Carabott to be the new vicar of Cosham and Wymering – with a brief to grow the congregations at both churches. Fran has a track record of church-planting, leading the group that created the new congregation at St Margaret’s Church in Southsea and ensuring its buildings were used to engage local families. He’ll begin his new role in September. Read more
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14 July 2025
in GeneralPriest to begin new role in Paulsgrove
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Connie Sherman to be an associate priest in Paulsgrove, joining the team alongside the Rev Hugo Deadman and Clare Hudson. She’ll combine this role with remaining as lead chaplain at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham. Read more
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10 July 2025
in GeneralRefurbishment work begins at All Saints, Ryde
Work to refurbish All Saints Church in Ryde has begun – with the aim of serving the local community more effectively. The renovations to its interior will include new heating, a new sound system, and new seating which will include the original pews. The idea is to combine greater accessibility and flexibility with a commitment to retaining the church’s historic features. Read more
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9 July 2025
in SchoolsCare for nature displayed at Leavers’ Services
Hundreds of pupils filled Portsmouth Cathedral for a series of Leavers’ Services as they end their time at one of our church primary schools. They enjoyed a series of workshops during the morning, ahead of a service at which Bishop Jonathan introduced his dog Bonnie. The focus on nature was the culmination of a year-long project run by our diocese’s education team titled 'Triwonder'. It inspired the Year 6 children to write their prayers on two-dimensional creatures, which were then hung in the cathedral’s nave as an art installation. Read more
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30 June 2025
Our oldest priest marks 50 years since ordination
The Rev Alan Ball, who is aged 99, was among those in our cathedral for this summer’s ordinations. He was there to support his daughter-in-law Mary Ball, who was being ordained deacon. The service happened precisely 50 years to the day since his own ordination as deacon. Read more
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30 June 2025
in GeneralBishop appoints new Archdeacon of Portsdown
Bishop Jonathan has appointed Canon Bob White to be the new Archdeacon of Portsdown, it was announced today. Bob will remain as vicar of St Mary’s, Portsea, spending half his time in the parish role and half his time as archdeacon. He has been acting Archdeacon of Portsdown for the past year. Read more
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27 June 2025
in GeneralFormer Archdeacon appointed as Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich
Downing Street has announced today that the Rt Rev Joanne Grenfell will be the new Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. Bishop Joanne, who is currently the Bishop of Stepney in London and lead bishop for safeguarding, was Archdeacon of Portsdown between 2013 and 2019. Read more
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26 June 2025
in GeneralNew Anna Chaplains commissioned at multi-generational service
Four new Anna Chaplains were commissioned during the morning Eucharist service at Portsmouth Cathedral on Sunday 22nd June. Read more
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25 June 2025
in GeneralRoyal presence as pupils pay Canada Day tribute
HRH Princess Anne attended tributes to Canadian troops who fought in two world wars, which were held at St Mary’s Church in Bramshott, and Liphook CofE Junior School. She read from the Bible in the church service, laid a wreath in the graveyard, and then saw an inspiring presentation from Year 4 pupils at the school. It was part of the annual Canada Day events, which helps villagers to recall their close links with Canada. Read more