News Stories
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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
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26 Jan. 2026
in GeneralNew lay worship leaders commissioned
Lay worship leaders from the Bishop’s Waltham deanery were commissioned for their new roles at St Peter’s Church, Bishop’s Waltham Read more
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21 Jan. 2026
in GeneralReaders’ conference provides fun and fellowship
Readers from across our diocese came to the Meon Valley Hotel for a weekend conference. They heard from the Rev Neil Smart, our diocese’s Lead for Revive, and also enjoyed worship, fellowship and fun together. Read more
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2 Jan. 2026
in GeneralChurch marks 180th anniversary with unique box project
Worshippers at St Barnabas Church, Swanmore, marked their church’s 180th anniversary with a unique project. Groups and organisations from around the village were each invited to decorate a small box, and these contributions were ultimately brought together to form a fascinating display in the church’s foyer. Read more
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11 Dec. 2025
in GeneralBishop presents cheques to recipients of Lent Appeal
Bishop Jonathan has presented cheques to three charities that we raised funds for as part of the Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2025. Generous donations and fundraising ensured that our Lent Appeal for 2025 raised £9,000 which was split equally between the charities USPG, Tearfund and Vista – based at Harbour Church, Portsmouth. Read more
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5 Dec. 2025
in GeneralBishop makes maiden speech in House of Lords
Bishop Jonathan has made his maiden speech in the House of Lords. He was responding to the government’s Budget proposals, and was keen to emphasise how churches in our diocese already help those in need. Read more
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18 Nov. 2025
in GeneralAnimals blessed in Droxford church service
Animals including a Shetland pony and many dogs were blessed as part of a service hosted by St Mary and All Angels Church, Droxford. The annual pet blessing service was led by the Rev Jill Kingston. Read more
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17 Nov. 2025
in GeneralIsland priest to take charge of Meon Valley parishes
Bishop Jonathan has announced that the Rev Sandra Matthews has been appointed as the interim priest-in-charge of the Meon Valley parishes. Sandra, who is currently rector of Whippingham and East Cowes and priest-in-charge of Wootton, will become the interim priest-in-charge of Swanmore, Newtown, Soberton and Hambledon, and the Bridge benefice. Read more