News Stories
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29 Jan. 2026
in SchoolsBishop proposes amendments to education bill
Bishop Jonathan took part in a late-night House of Lords debate relating to school inspections. Although his three amendments were not accepted by the government, he did receive assurances that his concerns would be addressed. Read more
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28 Jan. 2026
Cathedral service confirms Dame Sarah as first female Archbishop
The Most Rev Dame Sarah Mullally has become the first woman to be the Archbishop of Canterbury, after a service today. Bishop Jonathan was among those present in St Paul’s Cathedral for the historic moment when she was confirmed to this office. She will now be formally installed in Canterbury Cathedral in March – but legally, she is already the Archbishop. 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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22 Jan. 2026
in EnvironmentParishes pledge deeper collaboration towards creation care and decarbonisation
Parishes from the Dioceses of Guildford, Portsmouth, Chichester and Winchester gathered for a joint conference in Guildford designed to raise hope and strengthen collaboration in caring for God’s creation. Over 150 delegates attended, returning home inspired by real examples of churches working towards net zero, practical guidance on securing grant funding, and a powerful address from a group of young Christians who spoke about why creation care is central to their faith. 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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19 Jan. 2026
Congregation renews Portsmouth church by planting
Worshippers are renewing St Philip's Church in Cosham by planting a new congregation within the building and helping it to grow. The Rev Fran Carabott explains how God called him to plant a second church in Portsmouth, and what has made a difference there. Read more
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5 Jan. 2026
MY FAITH: Island holiday led to being Spirit-filled
Anna Britchfield was on a High Tide residential holiday on the Isle of Wight when she first experienced God. Since then, she has had ups and downs in her Christian life – but is now focussed on serving God. 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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22 Dec. 2025
in ChristmasThousands pack into Christmas carol services
Thousands of worshippers are packing into carol services around our diocese as we celebrate the birth of Jesus as our Saviour. Among the many services taking place are those that are candlelit, plus special crib services, Midnight Masses and Christmas Day celebrations. Our cathedral held four identical carol services, and Newport Minster held a special service in partnership with the Royal Foundation. Read more
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17 Dec. 2025
New training facilitator to help with rejuvenate strategy
A new training facilitator has been appointed to help ensure we create thriving ministries for children, families and young people across our diocese. Becca Chamberlain, from St Faith’s, Lee-on-the-Solent, will begin to work for our diocese in February. She has more than 25 years of experience of ministry with children and young people in a variety of settings Read more