News Stories
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11 Dec. 2024
in SchoolsEducation director urges councillors to delay school closure decision
Our education director has urged councillors to delay a decision on whether to close six Isle of Wight schools – because they only have “inaccurate, incomplete information” on which to make a decision. Jeff Williams argued that the process followed by the Isle of Wight Council has been flawed, and urged the council’s Cabinet to delay a decision until a meeting of the full council in January. Read more
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10 Dec. 2024
in GeneralNew Bishop of Richborough to be based in our diocese
The new Bishop of Richborough will be the Ven Luke Irvine-Capel, who is currently the Archdeacon of Chichester. He was welcomed this morning by Bishop Jonathan Frost at St Saviour's Church, Stamshaw. He will act as one of the Church of England’s Provincial Episcopal Visitors, providing episcopal oversight for traditional Catholic parishes. Read more
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9 Dec. 2024
in ChristmasWorshippers help those in need over Christmas
Worshippers in our churches will be helping those in need in various ways in the run-up to Christmas. They’ll be holding events to provide second-hand Christmas gifts, hosting Christmas meals for those who otherwise might feel isolated, and providing gifts for those on the margins who might not have received a present. Read more
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9 Dec. 2024
in GeneralBishop appoints new interim minister for Hayling Island
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Nick Todd as the interim minister for Hayling Island. He is a former BBC radio producer and has worked as chaplain in the British Army for 18 years. Read more
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5 Dec. 2024
in SchoolsBishop pledges to challenge school closures
Bishop Jonathan has promised to challenge the Isle of Wight Council’s proposals to close three Church of England schools, after officers confirmed they were recommending closure. He has urged councillors to vote against the plans next week, warning that the poorest families will be the ones to suffer if the closures go ahead. Read more
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4 Dec. 2024
in EnvironmentSilver Eco Church award for Farlington churches
Two Farlington churches each received Silver Eco Church awards in November, following two years of progress since achieving Bronze awards in 2022. The eco-initiatives in their churches were led by a small group of enthusiastic volunteers who meet monthly to consider how they can improve their care for God’s creation and reduce their carbon footprint. Read more
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28 Nov. 2024
Paulsgrove project aims to create new congregations
Some of the strategic funding we’ve received from the national Church of England will go towards a new project in Paulsgrove. We’ll employ a new priest who’ll help to set up four brand new congregations connected to St Michael’s Church. Read more
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26 Nov. 2024
in ChristmasChurches can be oases of calm in run-up to Christmas
Churches across our diocese will be hosting carol services, Nativity re-enactments and Christmas tree festivals to mark Advent and Christmas this year. And many of them will be part of the national Church of England’s ‘Calm and Bright’ campaign, aiming to turn our churches into places of calm and reflection amid the busyness of Christmas preparations. Read more
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18 Nov. 2024
New priest speaks of hope in dark times
The new priest-in-charge of Rowlands Castle has shared how her faith helped her through some dark times. It also brought hope and healing before her current appointment. She’ll be licensed by Bishop Jonathan in February. Read more
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12 Nov. 2024
in GeneralBishop Jonathan responds to the Makin report
Bishop Jonathan has reaffirmed his commitment to the primary importance of safeguarding across our diocese in the wake of the Makin Report. Read more