News Stories
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6 May 2025
in GeneralVeteran helps church to mark VE-Day anniversary
Bishop Jonathan, the Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, the High Sheriff and other dignitaries attended a service at Christ Church, Sandown, to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Among the congregation was 100-year-old Alec Penstone, who served in the military during the war. It’s one of several events designed to mark the 80th anniversary of VE-Day around our diocese. Read more
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17 April 2025
in GeneralBishop urges clergy and lay ministers to combat poverty
Bishop Jonathan used his sermon at the annual Chrism Eucharist to inspire clergy and lay ministers to act to help those living in poverty. He said the work of the Church was to proclaim “good news to the poor”, which involves alleviating both spiritual and physical poverty. Read more
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15 April 2025
in GeneralHundreds of Easter eggs donated to needy families
More than 500 Easter eggs have been donated this year to help families who are struggling. The eggs were collected by churches and communities across Portsmouth and handed over to staff from the Roberts Centre in Landport, as treats for families in need. Read more
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24 March 2025
in GeneralTwo new priests appointed for the Meon Valley
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Jill Kingston and the Rev Liz Quinn to be interim associate priests within the Meon Valley parishes. Both are currently serving as curates after being ordained deacon and priest together Read more
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21 March 2025
in GeneralSafeguarding: A survivor’s story of support
A survivor of church-related abuse has shared his story of how he was supported by the safeguarding team within our diocese. Read more
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20 March 2025
in GeneralHow our parish safeguarding officers play a key role
Our network of parish safeguarding officers play a key role in helping to keep children, young people and vulnerable people safe within our church activities. Val Strutt has been performing this role at St Wilfrid’s Church, Cowplain, for the past 19 years. Read more
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17 March 2025
in GeneralBishop appoints new priest for Blackmoor and Whitehill
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Amanda Sim to be the new priest-in-charge of St Matthew’s, Blackmoor and Whitehill, to the north of Petersfield. She’ll move north after completing her curacy at St Peter’s, Petersfield. Yet only nine years ago she wasn’t even baptised or confirmed. Read more
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14 March 2025
in GeneralSafeguarding adviser loves variety of her role
Safeguarding adviser Karen Johnson is a former social worker who loves the variety of her current role with our diocese. She’s one of several diocesan advisers who support our parishes in handling safeguarding issues. Read more
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5 March 2025
in GeneralLENT APPEAL: support for women in sex industry
Some of the donations to the Bishop’s Lent Appeal in 2025 will go towards the work of Vista at Harbour Church, which helps women who are in the sex industry, or who have been trafficked. Read the story of Esther, who is one of those they have helped in recent years. Read more
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4 March 2025
in GeneralBishop urges prayers for national leaders
Bishop Jonathan urged prayers for the leaders of NATO countries as they work out the best way to help Ukraine against Russian aggression. He was speaking at our Diocesan Synod meeting the day after a meeting between President Trump and President Zelenskyy in the White House Read more