News Stories
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24 March 2025
in SchoolsDiocese refers Isle of Wight Council to independent adjudicator
Our diocese has referred the Isle of Wight Council to an independent adjudicator over the process it followed when deciding which of its schools might close. Lawyers have written to the council's legal team to confirm this action. The fact that its Cabinet voted to close only two of the five threatened schools last week does not change the diocese's view that the process before that decision was flawed. Read more
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24 March 2025
Harbour stalwart to lead Copnor congregations
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Katherine Message to be a new team vicar for Harbour Church in Portsmouth. She's currently serving the church as curate and has been involved with their congregations since it started in 2016. Her new role will see her have specific responsibility for its congregations at St Alban's Church in Copnor. 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 SchoolsCouncil decision on Isle of Wight school closures
The Isle of Wight Council has decided to close one CofE school, but has rejected proposals to close two others. Its Cabinet voted in favour of closing Arreton CofE Primary, and Cowes Primary Schools, but decided not to go ahead and close Oakfield CofE Primary in Ryde, Brading CofE Primary or Wroxall Primary Schools. This is our response to this news. 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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19 March 2025
in SchoolsFlourish project involves pupils singing in church
Our ‘Flourish’ initiative has been launched at schools across our diocese, including at Bembridge CofE Primary on the Isle of Wight. One of the first elements of Flourish there was for pupils to sing and lead prayers as part of a World Day of Prayer service at Holy Trinity Church. Read more
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18 March 2025
Children’s Bubble Party comes to Emsworth
Praise party maestro, songwriter and children’s worker Doug Horley brought his Bubble Party to Emsworth. Families packed into St James’ Church for a spectacular event that included bubbles of all kinds, including one that encased the church’s curate. He had previously visited both local schools for presentations that mixed Science and RE to explain more about the great world we live in. Read more
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18 March 2025
American interns aim to make a difference in Ryde
There has been a friendly American invasion in Ryde, with six people from the US state of Georgia involved in ministry from within the town’s CofE churches. The two co-ordinators and four interns all live together in a modern monastic community next to one of the town’s churches. 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