Diocese of Portsmouth

News Stories


  • Cbeebies star Gemma Hunt leads hundreds in pirate parties

    Gemma Hunt, who presents Swashbuckle on CBeebies, led a pirate party for 400 parents, grandparents and children at St John the Baptist Church, Locks Heath. Two pirate-themed church services were followed by an evening event at which she was interviewed about her broadcasting career and her Christian faith. It was the latest evangelistic event led by the vicar, the Rev Luiz Lima. Read more

  • Bishop appoints new team rector for Newport, Carisbrooke and Gatcombe

    Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Chris Bradish to be the new team rector for the parish of Newport and Carisbrooke with Gatcombe. Chris, who is currently rector of Andover parish in north Hampshire, will move to the Isle of Wight over the summer with his wife Naomi and three children. The bishop is expected to license him to the new role in September. Read more

  • These teenagers aim to model real unity

    Every month these teenagers from church youth groups of different denominations meet for a joint youth service. The High Tide youth services bring together 11 to 18-year-olds for games, worship, prayer and a talk. Those who come don’t even know which denomination their Christian friends come from. It’s one way to model ecumenical unity. Read more

  • HRH Prince Edward celebrates reopening of Newport Minster

    HRH the Duke of Edinburgh helped worshippers celebrate the reopening of Newport Minster after a final £2.6m project to complete its refurbishment. The royal Duke was shown around the building before a service attended by 400 people from across the island and beyond. Prince Edward read a passage from the Bible and thanked all those who had contributed to the refurbishment. Read more

  • Royal duke to visit as Newport Minster reopens

    HRH the Duke of Edinburgh will visit Newport Minster to celebrate its reopening after a major refurbishment. Prince Edward will read a passage from the Bible during the reopening service on May 1. He will also thank island craftspeople, funders, staff and volunteers who have been involved in the seven-month refurbishment project. The idea is that the Minster becomes a valuable community venue at the heart of the island, as well as a spiritual hub. Read more

  • Drug addict’s life transformed by generous churchgoers

    Alison Cairns was homeless and addicted to drugs. She was also grieving from the tragic death of her partner. She was at rock bottom, but was offered a house to live in by the charity Hope into Action Portsmouth. Having a proper home and being supported by local churchgoers has helped her to kick the habit and turn her life around. Read more

  • Newport Minster to re-open after major refurbishment

    The historic Newport Minster will re-open on May 1 after a major project to refurbish the inside of the building. It has involved installing underfloor heating, better toilets, a new kitchen, new seating, and new meeting rooms. The minster will now aim to be a magnet for community groups, as well as a spiritual hub for the island. Worshippers will welcome up to 400 specially-invited guests for the formal re-opening service, and local community groups will start to use the building immediately. Read more

  • Diocese office wins Silver eco award

    The diocesan office at Peninsular House has been given the Silver Award by A Rocha for their work towards a more eco-friendly and sustainable work environment. Read more

  • Former Obama aide to deliver keynote lecture

    A former aide to President Barack Obama will deliver this year’s Dolling Lecture at Portsmouth Cathedral. Michael Wear will speak on ‘The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life’ on April 17 in our cathedral Read more

  • New cafe aims to foster community spirit

    A new café has opened in the church hall of St Luke’s Church in Southsea. The Host Café aims to attract those who live, work and study in the area, and increase the sense of community spirit. It’s all part of a large project to redevelop the church, hall, car park and garden to put St Luke’s at the heart of its local community Read more

Back 1 298