News Stories
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19 Sept. 2024
in EnvironmentPortsmouth diocese mentioned in new NZC impact report
The pioneering work of Portsmouth Cathedral and its ambition to reach net zero carbon features in the Church of England’s first Net Zero Carbon 2030 Impact Report. The report, published this week, highlights the impact of the Church of England’s Net Zero Programme, since it was mobilised last year. Read more
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11 Sept. 2024
in SchoolsDiocese’s response to proposals to close island schools
The diocese has responded to proposals from the Isle of Wight Council to close six schools, including three C of E primaries. Bishop Jonathan has outlined our position, which is that if a local authority wishes to close a C of E school, there should be an alternative C of E school nearby where parents can choose to send their children. Read more
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2 Sept. 2024
in GeneralNew priest appointed for Wootton, East Cowes and Whippingham
The Rev Sandra Matthews has now been appointed as the new priest for Wootton, East Cowes and Whippingham. She returns to the island, having worked there for a while while she was an education adviser. Her vision is for a multi-generational church, where all ages are growing in faith together. Read more
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30 Aug. 2024
Teenagers ride the waves on surfing holiday
Teenagers from St Jude’s Church, Southsea, enjoyed a surfing holiday organised by their youth leaders. The 11 young people and six leaders went to North Devon to learn how to surf, sleeping in a local church hall. These teenagers usually meet on a Sunday night for Bible study, worship and prayer at St Jude’s. Read more
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22 Aug. 2024
Canadian sailors remembered with 80th anniversary service
Worshippers remembered those who died aboard a Canadian ship that sunk off the coast of the Isle of Wight 80 years ago. A total of 59 sailors died when HMCS Alberni was torpedoed by a German submarine on 21 August 1944. Eight decades later, a bench and a memorial were unveiled in the Peace Garden in the grounds of St Lawrence Old Church, overlooking the spot where those lives were sadly lost. Read more
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14 Aug. 2024
Teenagers enjoy Spirit-filled activity holiday
Fifty young people from churches across our diocese enjoyed a Christian activity holiday led by youth leaders from the High Tide network. They tried fencing, archery, canoeing, kayaking and making clay sculptures – as well as worship, prayer and discussion. Read more
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7 Aug. 2024
in GeneralBishops issue joint statement about civic unrest
The Anglican and Catholic Bishops of Portsmouth have issued a statement calling for peace and unity in the wake of civic unrest around the country. They have also pledged to pray for those who feel afraid about becoming victims of violence during the current unrest Read more
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5 Aug. 2024
in GeneralHomecoming for former islander
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Karen Wilson to be the new priest-in-charge of the Haven Benefice, which includes Brading, Seaview, St Helens and Yaverland. She used to live on the Isle of Wight as a child, so this move feels like a real homecoming for her. Read more
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31 July 2024
in GeneralAnna Chaplaincy continues to grow, with commissioning service
Anna Chaplaincy in our diocese continues to grow as four new Anna Chaplains were commissioned recently at Newport Minster, enabling spiritual support to the elderly community within the parishes of Christ Church, Sandown and St John the Baptist, Niton on the Island. Read more
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29 July 2024
We’ll create Choir Church from local singing groups
Our diocese’s strategy includes a commitment to create new worshipping communities based on a love of choral singing. Those Choir Churches will be created by some of our parishes, often working alongside their local schools. Read more