News Stories
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4 March 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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27 Feb. 2026
in GeneralNew Archdeacon comes ‘home’ to Isle of Wight
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Ven Barry Dugmore to be the new Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight. And for Barry, whose work took him to the island and who was ordained and served as a priest within our diocese, it feels like coming home. He will become the most senior Anglican cleric on the island, supporting our parishes in ministry and mission, in succession to the Ven Steve Daughtery. Read more
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13 Feb. 2026
in GeneralPortsmouth Prayer Breakfast hears about resolving conflict
The fourth annual Portsmouth Prayer Breakfast brought together community, civic and religious leaders from across the city. They shared breakfast together and heard from guest speaker Emma Jenkings about the beauty of conflict and how to resolve such conflict. Read more
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12 Feb. 2026
in GeneralLENT APPEAL: Giving hope to those working in sex industry
One of the three charities that will receive donations via the Bishop’s Lent Appeal this year is Vista, which is based in Harbour Church, Portsmouth. It offers hope to those trafficked into this country, or trapped in the sex industry, as the story of Bianca shows. Read more
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10 Feb. 2026
LENT APPEAL: Chance to see Tearfund projects in Rwanda
As part of our Bishop’s Lent Appeal for 2026, our Head of Safeguarding Emily Hassan will travel to Rwanda with Tearfund. She’ll be seeing some of the projects there that our generous contributions during Lent 2026 will be paying for. These Tearfund projects include training for church leaders in how to transform their local communities and bring them out of poverty. Read more
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9 Feb. 2026
LENT APPEAL: Donations will lift families in Myanmar out of poverty
Your donations to the Bishop’s Lent Appeal will help to support families in Myanmar, via global mission agency USPG. The charity is one of three that the bishop has chosen to support during 2026 – and in subsequent years – and their focus for Lent 2026 is an education programme that is helping those in poverty in Myanmar. Read more
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4 Feb. 2026
in GeneralAnna Chaplains explore the power of stories
Our Anna Chaplains gathered at our cathedral for their annual get-together before sharing in a Eucharist to mark Candlemas in the cathedral. They heard about the power of stories, as well as sharing examples from the diocese of Anna Chaplaincy in action. Read more
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3 Feb. 2026
in EnvironmentSpecial coat visits cathedral and island
An unusual visitor is coming to our cathedral and also travelling around the Isle of Wight. The ‘Coat of Hopes’ is made from 700 patches, and was created to carry people’s hopes about our planet. The patch from the island was contributed by St Helens Eco Church. Read more
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29 Jan. 2026
in SchoolsBishop proposes amendments to education bill
Bishop Jonathan took part in a late-night House of Lords debate relating to school inspections. Although his three amendments were not accepted by the government, he did receive assurances that his concerns would be addressed. Read more
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28 Jan. 2026
Cathedral service confirms Dame Sarah as first female Archbishop
The Most Rev Dame Sarah Mullally has become the first woman to be the Archbishop of Canterbury, after a service today. Bishop Jonathan was among those present in St Paul’s Cathedral for the historic moment when she was confirmed to this office. She will now be formally installed in Canterbury Cathedral in March – but legally, she is already the Archbishop. Read more