News Stories
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7 April 2026
in GeneralNew rector of Rowner grew up on the estate
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Vickie Morgan to be the new rector of Rowner in Gosport. Vickie grew up on the estate and so is delighted to be returning to minister there. Her current role is chaplain at the Mountbatten Hospice on the Isle of Wight and assistant area dean Read more
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2 April 2026
in GeneralParish events tell the story of Holy Week and Easter
Our parishes have been telling the story of Jesus’s final week on Earth in a variety of ways, including Messy Church sessions, Good Friday walks of witness, reflective worship, and Easter Sunday celebrations. It’s a special time of year, as we reflect on Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection, events that are at the centre of our faith. Read more
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26 March 2026
in GeneralTwo clergy appointed to chair community boards
Two Portsmouth priests have been appointed to chair ‘Pride in Place’ boards that will help to allocate much-needed funding to parts of the city. The Ven Bob White will chair the Landport neighbourhood board and the Rev Hugo Deadman will chair the Paulsgrove neighbourhood board. Each board will have £20m of government funding to invest in their area. Read more
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25 March 2026
in GeneralNew counselling service is a safe space for you
A brand new counselling service has been created for adults in Portsmouth. Our diocese’s Council for Social Responsibility has created Compass Counselling, based in the city’s Central Library, as a response to the increase in people with mental health issues. It aims to be accessible to all. Read more
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18 March 2026
in GeneralRefurbishment of historic island church is complete
The refurbishment of All Saints Church in Ryde will be complete in time for the church to re-open on Palm Sunday. The historic building has been closed for refurbishment, but will open its doors in time for a traditional and a contemporary service to take place on March 29th, followed by Holy Week and Easter services. The building now includes underfloor heating, a limescale floor, audio-visual facilities and a modern cafe, to serve current and future generations. Read more
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16 March 2026
in GeneralNew Southsea vicar excited to step out in faith
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Steve Clarke to be the new vicar of St Jude’s Church, Southsea. He is currently the vicar of St Andrew’s, Whitehall Park, in north London, where he has been for 12 years, and was previously a curate and pioneer minister in Gloucester Cathedral. The bishop expects to licence him to his new role on July 20th. Read more
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27 Feb. 2026
in GeneralNew Archdeacon comes ‘home’ to Isle of Wight
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Ven Barry Dugmore to be the new Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight. And for Barry, whose work took him to the island and who was ordained and served as a priest within our diocese, it feels like coming home. He will become the most senior Anglican cleric on the island, supporting our parishes in ministry and mission, in succession to the Ven Steve Daughtery. Read more
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13 Feb. 2026
in GeneralPortsmouth Prayer Breakfast hears about resolving conflict
The fourth annual Portsmouth Prayer Breakfast brought together community, civic and religious leaders from across the city. They shared breakfast together and heard from guest speaker Emma Jenkings about the beauty of conflict and how to resolve such conflict. Read more
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12 Feb. 2026
in GeneralLENT APPEAL: Giving hope to those working in sex industry
One of the three charities that will receive donations via the Bishop’s Lent Appeal this year is Vista, which is based in Harbour Church, Portsmouth. It offers hope to those trafficked into this country, or trapped in the sex industry, as the story of Bianca shows. 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