News Stories
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17 Sept. 2025
in GeneralIndependent audit praises safeguarding in diocese and cathedral
An independent audit has praised the transformation of the safeguarding culture within our diocese and our cathedral over recent years. The report, by independent safeguarding group INEQE, was published after a digital survey earlier in the year and a week-long in-person visit in June. The audit said that our diocese had gone through “a substantial and positive transformation in its safeguarding culture, establishing a firmly embedded and robust framework.” Read more
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5 Sept. 2025
in General“My family has flashbacks when protesters surround hotel”
A churchgoing asylum seeker says his family live in fear when protesters chant outside the hotel they have been placed in. He has revealed something of what life is like when waiting in a hotel for an asylum claim to be processed. Read more
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4 Sept. 2025
in GeneralTwo Bishops of Portsmouth issue statement about asylum
The Church of England and Roman Catholic Bishops of Portsmouth have issued a joint statement on asylum in the wake of protests outside a hotel in Southsea. They have urged a more constructive and compassionate approach to dealing with asylum claims, as well as people’s real concerns about immigration. Read more
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26 Aug. 2025
in GeneralNaval chaplaincy is always available
The chaplaincy team on HM Naval Base Portsmouth is always available for naval personnel, civil servants and even external contractors who work there. Read more
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20 Aug. 2025
in GeneralEuropean Holiday at Home in Copnor
A new, temporary gateway to Europe opened up at the end of July in the heart of Copnor as volunteers at St Cuthbert’s Church laid on a virtual travel extravaganza for older people in the area. Read more
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14 July 2025
in GeneralNew 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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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
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27 June 2025
in GeneralFormer Archdeacon appointed as Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich
Downing Street has announced today that the Rt Rev Joanne Grenfell will be the new Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. Bishop Joanne, who is currently the Bishop of Stepney in London and lead bishop for safeguarding, was Archdeacon of Portsdown between 2013 and 2019. Read more