News Stories
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12 June 2026
ORDINATIONS: God’s call had instant effect on my life
When God calls Lizzie Sykes-Little, the results are often immediate. She was asked to leave the job she had worked in for 25 years because God was calling her to ordination. And she was given instant healing for a health condition she’d suffered with for several years. Now Bishop Jonathan will ordain her as a deacon in our cathedral – and she’ll then become a curate in Liss. Read more
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10 June 2026
ORDINATIONS: Church gave me real sense of the transcendent
Stuart McKerracher first discovered a sense of the transcendent when he walked into an Isle of Wight church. After several years as a teacher, and involvement with churches all around the UK, he will be ordained as a deacon in our cathedral this June. He’ll then serve as an assistant curate in our cathedral. Read more
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2 June 2026
‘Social media brought me to faith’
Will Limburn embraced faith by studying by himself – including discovering more via Instagram, TikTok and the Bible app. He only approached one of our churches after studying the Bible daily at home. It’s an example of how God can move without worshippers necessarily getting involved in spreading the gospel message. Read more
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26 May 2026
‘I found faith in God by studying alone’
Rob Bond from Warblington-with-Emsworth, found faith by reading about Jesus in the New Testament. It was the culmination of years spent reading and reflecting on science, creation and morality which ultimately led to a conviction that the Christian faith was true. And that journey towards faith took place almost entirely by himself. Read more
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18 May 2026
Significant moment as Elena becomes a Reader
When Elena Aghasi is licensed as a Reader in our cathedral, it will be a significant moment. She comes originally from Iran, and – although she was involved in her church there – she had never previously had a formal role in ministry. She will now minister in St Luke’s Church in Southsea. Read more
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5 May 2026
Young people need help to battle mental health issues
Chloe Bacon, from St Jude’s Church, Southsea, is one of many young people in our churches and communities facing mental health issues. She is sharing her story to help others who may be in a similar situation – to reassure them that help is at hand. Read more
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16 April 2026
Experience of Southsea church led to call to become a Reader
Oyin Alonge was initially suspicious of church leadership – because of his previous experience of other denominations. But he ultimately decided to respond to God’s call to become a Reader, after seeing different models of leadership and church community at St Simon’s Church in Southsea 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
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3 Nov. 2025
New city vicar enjoys breadth of pastoral work
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Daniela Eisentraeger to be the new vicar of St Luke’s Church in Southsea. She is currently interim associate priest at Maybush in Southampton. She feels well suited to her new role, which will involve serving students, and those who live and work in the centre of Portsmouth. Read more
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29 Oct. 2025
Mini-stroke gave me impetus to think about confirmation
Bishop Jonathan confirmed 22 Isle of Wight candidates during a service at St Mary’s Church, Brading. Among them was Lynne Ferguson, who recalls how suffering a mini-stroke three years ago gave her the impetus to think about church. As soon as she walked into St Mary’s, Brading, it felt like home. So this service did genuinely feel like an affirmation of her Christian commitment Read more