News Stories
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18 Aug. 2025
in EnvironmentEco-friendly transformation of city centre church
Part of the transformation that has taken place at St Margaret’s Church, Southsea, has included a full refurbishment of their energy and heating system. This story was originally written and published by the national Church of England Environment & NZC team. Read more
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16 Aug. 2025
Teenagers encounter God on activity holiday
Dozens of teenagers from church youth groups across our diocese encountered God on the latest High Tide summer residential holiday. The 11 to 18-year-olds spent five days at the YMCA centre in Fairthorne Manor, near Botley. They enjoyed abseiling, climbing, paddle boarding, a firepit, silent disco and escape room – as well as inspiring worship, teaching about the life of Joseph, and prayer. It was the fifth High Tide holiday organised in the past five years. Read more
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11 Aug. 2025
Urban role will be new challenge
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Dan Greenfield to be the new vicar of St Margaret’s Church in Southsea. Dan, who is currently associate priest in Crofton parish, will take on the leadership of this congregation, which was launched as a church plant in 2017 and is now fully engaged with its local community. Read more
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29 July 2025
Bishop leads two pilgrimages to Taizé
Bishop Jonathan has helped to lead two pilgrimages to the ecumenical Taizé Community in France - one for students from two Isle of Wight schools, and one for young adults from churches across our diocese. Read more
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14 July 2025
New vicar aims to grow congregations
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Fran Carabott to be the new vicar of Cosham and Wymering – with a brief to grow the congregations at both churches. Fran has a track record of church-planting, leading the group that created the new congregation at St Margaret’s Church in Southsea and ensuring its buildings were used to engage local families. He’ll begin his new role in September. Read more
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14 July 2025
in GeneralPriest to begin new role in Paulsgrove
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Connie Sherman to be an associate priest in Paulsgrove, joining the team alongside the Rev Hugo Deadman and Clare Hudson. She’ll combine this role with remaining as lead chaplain at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham. Read more
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10 July 2025
in GeneralRefurbishment work begins at All Saints, Ryde
Work to refurbish All Saints Church in Ryde has begun – with the aim of serving the local community more effectively. The renovations to its interior will include new heating, a new sound system, and new seating which will include the original pews. The idea is to combine greater accessibility and flexibility with a commitment to retaining the church’s historic features. Read more
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9 July 2025
in SchoolsCare for nature displayed at Leavers’ Services
Hundreds of pupils filled Portsmouth Cathedral for a series of Leavers’ Services as they end their time at one of our church primary schools. They enjoyed a series of workshops during the morning, ahead of a service at which Bishop Jonathan introduced his dog Bonnie. The focus on nature was the culmination of a year-long project run by our diocese’s education team titled 'Triwonder'. It inspired the Year 6 children to write their prayers on two-dimensional creatures, which were then hung in the cathedral’s nave as an art installation. Read more
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30 June 2025
Our oldest priest marks 50 years since ordination
The Rev Alan Ball, who is aged 99, was among those in our cathedral for this summer’s ordinations. He was there to support his daughter-in-law Mary Ball, who was being ordained deacon. The service happened precisely 50 years to the day since his own ordination as deacon. Read more
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30 June 2025
in GeneralBishop appoints new Archdeacon of Portsdown
Bishop Jonathan has appointed Canon Bob White to be the new Archdeacon of Portsdown, it was announced today. Bob will remain as vicar of St Mary’s, Portsea, spending half his time in the parish role and half his time as archdeacon. He has been acting Archdeacon of Portsdown for the past year. Read more