News Stories
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15 June 2026
in GeneralChurch hosts activity holiday for asylum seekers
Asylum seekers and refugees enjoyed a four-day break in the Hampshire countryside, thanks to local churchgoers. The group, from the Portsmouth City of Sanctuary, enjoyed a variety of activities, including playing golf, learning about pottery and having a go at barn dancing. Read more
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8 June 2026
in GeneralCanadian priest appointed as vicar of West Leigh
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Jenn Camirand as vicar of St Alban’s, West Leigh. Jenn, who comes from Ontario, is currently the curate there. She will be licensed and collated on July 30th. Read more
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19 May 2026
in GeneralChildhood memories reawakened with two island events
Two churches in the Haven Benefice reawakened childhood memories with separate events in May. St Peter’s in Seaview hosted a flower festival with the theme of childhood. Then St Helens Church hosted its first ‘assembly bangers’ and cream tea party. Read more
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11 May 2026
in GeneralAnna Café Church is a godsend for the elderly
St James’ Church in Emsworth runs a monthly ‘Anna Café Church’, which includes worship and lunch for those who are elderly. It’s part of the ministry that Anna Chaplains within the parish offer to those who may be unable to access Sunday worship. And it’s expanding to a second day of the month and a new venue. Read more
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1 May 2026
in GeneralPortsmouth faith leaders condemn terror attacks
The leaders of different faiths within Portsmouth have condemned the recent terror attacks and the rise in anti-Semitism. They have issued a statement suggesting that an attack on any faith is an attack on all faiths. Read more
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15 April 2026
in GeneralNew lay minister has already been pioneering
Steven Smart will be licensed as a lay pioneer minister in June – alongside several Readers. But he considers that he has already been pioneering in his role as children, youth and families minister at Bridgemary and Elson over the past three years. Read more
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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