News Stories
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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
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26 Jan. 2026
in GeneralNew lay worship leaders commissioned
Lay worship leaders from the Bishop’s Waltham deanery were commissioned for their new roles at St Peter’s Church, Bishop’s Waltham Read more
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22 Jan. 2026
in EnvironmentParishes pledge deeper collaboration towards creation care and decarbonisation
Parishes from the Dioceses of Guildford, Portsmouth, Chichester and Winchester gathered for a joint conference in Guildford designed to raise hope and strengthen collaboration in caring for God’s creation. Over 150 delegates attended, returning home inspired by real examples of churches working towards net zero, practical guidance on securing grant funding, and a powerful address from a group of young Christians who spoke about why creation care is central to their faith. Read more
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21 Jan. 2026
in GeneralReaders’ conference provides fun and fellowship
Readers from across our diocese came to the Meon Valley Hotel for a weekend conference. They heard from the Rev Neil Smart, our diocese’s Lead for Revive, and also enjoyed worship, fellowship and fun together. Read more
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19 Jan. 2026
Congregation renews Portsmouth church by planting
Worshippers are renewing St Philip's Church in Cosham by planting a new congregation within the building and helping it to grow. The Rev Fran Carabott explains how God called him to plant a second church in Portsmouth, and what has made a difference there. Read more
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5 Jan. 2026
MY FAITH: Island holiday led to being Spirit-filled
Anna Britchfield was on a High Tide residential holiday on the Isle of Wight when she first experienced God. Since then, she has had ups and downs in her Christian life – but is now focussed on serving God. Read more