News Stories
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23 May 2025
in GeneralFormer curate takes on lay ministry role
The Rev Matt Grove has been appointed as our new Lay Ministry Discipleship Officer. He will take overall responsibility for the training, development, and ministry of Licensed Lay Ministers across our diocese, and look to start and develop other training programmes. That means he will effectively be our Warden of Readers, and will also be responsible for other Licensed Lay Ministers, including lay pioneers and other lay workers. Read more
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22 May 2025
Bishops oppose ‘aggressive’ war in Gaza
Bishop Jonathan has added his name to a statement from the Church of England’s House of Bishops about the situation in Gaza. They have cried out in protest at the plans by the Israeli government to operate a war of aggression, and have called on all sides to end the conflict that has claimed so many innocent victims already. Read more
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20 May 2025
in GeneralNew podcast for young people by young people
A ground-breaking new podcast, designed by young people, for young people, with help from the Council of Social Responsibility, is creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive space to discuss emotional wellbeing. Read more
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13 May 2025
in General80th anniversary of VE Day marked on Isle of Wight
Our clergy, churches and communities on the Isle of Wight were involved in a variety of activities to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day last Thursday. It included a major service in Newport Minster, as well as Acts of Remembrance at war memorials, and engagement with schools and veterans. Read more
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9 May 2025
in SchoolsPupils mark VE Day anniversary at Sarisbury Junior
Pupils from Sarisbury CofE Junior School celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day by hearing about those who fought for our nation’s freedoms. Read more
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8 May 2025
in GeneralCivic service at Havant to mark VE Day anniversary
The Mayor of Havant and Havant MP Alan Mak were among those who laid wreaths after a service to mark 80 years since VE Day. The service at St Faith’s Church commemorated 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe. Read more
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6 May 2025
in GeneralVeteran helps church to mark VE-Day anniversary
Bishop Jonathan, the Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, the High Sheriff and other dignitaries attended a service at Christ Church, Sandown, to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Among the congregation was 100-year-old Alec Penstone, who served in the military during the war. It’s one of several events designed to mark the 80th anniversary of VE-Day around our diocese. Read more
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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