News Stories
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16 April 2026
Experience of Southsea church led to call to become a Reader
Oyin Alonge was initially suspicious of church leadership – because of his previous experience of other denominations. But he ultimately decided to respond to God’s call to become a Reader, after seeing different models of leadership and church community at St Simon’s Church in Southsea Read more
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15 April 2026
in GeneralNew lay minister has already been pioneering
Steven Smart will be licensed as a lay pioneer minister in June – alongside several Readers. But he considers that he has already been pioneering in his role as children, youth and families minister at Bridgemary and Elson over the past three years. Read more
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7 April 2026
in GeneralNew rector of Rowner grew up on the estate
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Vickie Morgan to be the new rector of Rowner in Gosport. Vickie grew up on the estate and so is delighted to be returning to minister there. Her current role is chaplain at the Mountbatten Hospice on the Isle of Wight and assistant area dean Read more
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2 April 2026
in GeneralParish events tell the story of Holy Week and Easter
Our parishes have been telling the story of Jesus’s final week on Earth in a variety of ways, including Messy Church sessions, Good Friday walks of witness, reflective worship, and Easter Sunday celebrations. It’s a special time of year, as we reflect on Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection, events that are at the centre of our faith. Read more
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1 April 2026
Funding for work with children, families and teenagers in Cowes
Some of the funding offered to our Pilot Cairns will be spent on new ministry to children, families and young people in Cowes. The churches there plan to recruit staff who can offer a toddlers’ group during the week, activities for children during Sunday worship and also regular youth work. Read more
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26 March 2026
in GeneralTwo clergy appointed to chair community boards
Two Portsmouth priests have been appointed to chair ‘Pride in Place’ boards that will help to allocate much-needed funding to parts of the city. The Ven Bob White will chair the Landport neighbourhood board and the Rev Hugo Deadman will chair the Paulsgrove neighbourhood board. Each board will have £20m of government funding to invest in their area. Read more
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25 March 2026
in GeneralNew counselling service is a safe space for you
A brand new counselling service has been created for adults in Portsmouth. Our diocese’s Council for Social Responsibility has created Compass Counselling, based in the city’s Central Library, as a response to the increase in people with mental health issues. It aims to be accessible to all. Read more
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24 March 2026
Church-planter will create two new congregations
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Mack Deptula as a new church-planter in Fareham. He will lead a group from St John’s, Fareham, to plant a new congregation at St Peter and St Paul Church – and subsequently lead a group to plant a new worshipping community in the Welborne development. Mack is currently a curate in Exeter and church-planter in Exwick. Read more
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18 March 2026
in GeneralRefurbishment of historic island church is complete
The refurbishment of All Saints Church in Ryde will be complete in time for the church to re-open on Palm Sunday. The historic building has been closed for refurbishment, but will open its doors in time for a traditional and a contemporary service to take place on March 29th, followed by Holy Week and Easter services. The building now includes underfloor heating, a limescale floor, audio-visual facilities and a modern cafe, to serve current and future generations. Read more
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16 March 2026
in GeneralNew Southsea vicar excited to step out in faith
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Steve Clarke to be the new vicar of St Jude’s Church, Southsea. He is currently the vicar of St Andrew’s, Whitehall Park, in north London, where he has been for 12 years, and was previously a curate and pioneer minister in Gloucester Cathedral. The bishop expects to licence him to his new role on July 20th. Read more