News Stories
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23 April 2025
New minister will unveil ‘Barn Church’ this autumn
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Emma Andersen to a new role within the Meon Valley parishes. She’ll take charge of a new venture – Barn Church – which aims to offer an alternative worshipping community for those who live in the villages in this part of Hampshire Read more
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17 April 2025
in GeneralBishop urges clergy and lay ministers to combat poverty
Bishop Jonathan used his sermon at the annual Chrism Eucharist to inspire clergy and lay ministers to act to help those living in poverty. He said the work of the Church was to proclaim “good news to the poor”, which involves alleviating both spiritual and physical poverty. Read more
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16 April 2025
Bishop’s outrage over Palm Sunday attack
Bishop Jonathan has spoken of his outrage and grief after an Israeli attack on an Anglican hospital in Gaza. The missiles landed on Palm Sunday – the start of Holy Week in the Christian calendar. Read more
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15 April 2025
in GeneralHundreds of Easter eggs donated to needy families
More than 500 Easter eggs have been donated this year to help families who are struggling. The eggs were collected by churches and communities across Portsmouth and handed over to staff from the Roberts Centre in Landport, as treats for families in need. Read more
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3 April 2025
in SchoolsBreakfast Club supports island students
Hundreds of students at the Bay CofE School in Sandown are benefiting from a Breakfast Club that is being provided as part of the school's Flourish project. Pupils on the secondary site have a chance to eat in school ahead of the school day, thanks to a range of community partners and volunteers from local churches. Read more
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31 March 2025
in EnvironmentEnvironment colleagues gather in Cambridge
As Church of England environment and net zero carbon officers gathered at the British Antarctic Survey HQ in Cambridge, our diocesan officers shared on their successes in collaborative work and engagement with the Energy Footprint Tool. Read more
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31 March 2025
Professor shares how science and faith co-exist
Church, civic and community leaders heard from a university academic who is also a churchgoer about how science and faith co-exist. Professor David Bacon, who is director of the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, and also a churchgoer and churchwarden at St Jude’s Church, Southsea, was speaking at the third Portsmouth Prayer Breakfast. Read more
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28 March 2025
in SchoolsSchool marks 270 years with John Pounds celebration
Staff, parents and pupils at St George’s CofE Beneficial School in Portsea are marking their 270th birthday this year. One of the events recalled the work of Portsmouth legend John Pounds, who had a key role in inspiring the education of the city’s poor. Children and adults dressed up in outfits from the 19th century as they recalled the school's history and John Pounds’ role in creating our education system Read more
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24 March 2025
in SchoolsDiocese refers Isle of Wight Council to independent adjudicator
Our diocese has referred the Isle of Wight Council to an independent adjudicator over the process it followed when deciding which of its schools might close. Lawyers have written to the council’s legal team to confirm this action. The fact that its Cabinet voted to close only two of the five threatened schools last week does not change the diocese’s view that the process before that decision was flawed. Read more
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24 March 2025
Harbour stalwart to lead Copnor congregations
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Katherine Message to be a new team vicar for Harbour Church in Portsmouth. She’s currently serving the church as curate and has been involved with their congregations since it started in 2016. Her new role will see her have specific responsibility for its congregations at St Alban’s Church in Copnor. Read more