News Stories
-
12 Oct. 2026
in 100 YearsCentenary 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
-
23 Sept. 2026
in 100 YearsJoin us to mark 100 years of our diocese and cathedral
We’ll be marking the centenary of our diocese and our cathedral during 2027, with a series of events and activities. We’ll be thanking God for the faithful worship in the past, celebrating the stories of our present-day worshippers, and aiming to leave a legacy for future years. Read more
-
16 Sept. 2026
Brand new church starts to serve Boorley Green
Worshippers are launching a brand new church in a community centre on a housing development. Lay planters Jamie and Jeena Harding will lead Boorley Green Church, which will serve those living in more than 2,000 new homes. The first service, in Boorley Green Community Centre, will take place on September 27. Read more
-
10 Sept. 2026
Clergy and lay leaders gain inspiration at Diocesan Conference
Our clergy and lay leaders spent three days at High Leigh Conference Centre in Hertfordshire to learn more about what is happening across our diocese in three key areas – Revive, Revitalise and Renew. These are all aspects of our diocesan vision and strategy, and include clergy wellbeing, lay ministry, parish mission, ministry to older and younger people, and planting brand new churches. It was our first Diocesan Conference for eight years. Read more