News Stories
-
3 Oct. 2019
in NewsBishop of Winchester Launches Groundbreaking School's Project
Bishop of Winchester launches groundbreaking schools’ project to promote peace, forgiveness and reconciliation
The Right Reverend Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, has today launched a new schools’ project for Holocaust Memorial Day. Read more -
25 Sept. 2019
in NewsBishop's Brexit Letter
Bishops ask clergy: “We encourage you to be actively praying with and for our local communities and leaders during these uncertain times”
Today, the Right Reverend Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, the Right Reverend David Williams, Bishop of Basingstoke and the Right Reverend Debbie Sellin, Bishop of Southampton, have written to all clergy in the Diocese of Winchester, saying “We encourage you to be actively praying with and for our local communities and leaders during these uncertain times.” The full text of the letter is below.
Dear Clergy and Parish Leaders,
We are conscious that in the past few weeks there have been many changes to both our local politics in the region and the national government in relation to Brexit. In particular, we note the suspension of Parliament and yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling. We will also have in our prayers two Hampshire constituency MPs, Caroline Nokes and Steve Brine, now sitting as independent, having had the government whip withdrawn and a number of members of the House of Lords from the Diocese, have also resigned the government whip.
We understand that these events will have raised anxieties and tensions among parishioners across the Diocese of Winchester. We do not know what the outcome of this Brexit process will be. Despite this, the need to maintain a strong sense of hope within our communities, support reconciliation between those of divided opinion, and serve the common good remains a priority.
As visible community leaders, you have an important role to play in this. One of the ways in which you can exercise this is through regular public prayer with your congregations and parishioners. We encourage you to be actively praying with and for our local communities and leaders during these uncertain times and perhaps incorporate this prayer into your Sunday worship and weekday meetings:
God of hope,
in these times of change and uncertainty,
bring together our communities
and guide our local leaders with your wisdom.
Give us courage to overcome our fears,
to be patient and compassionate with one another,
and to seek a future
in which all may prosper and share;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
We also invite you to consider the Church of England’s prayer resources available at churchofengland.org/together and the Archbishop of York’s prayer for Brexit and Parliament https://www.archbishopofyork.org/news/news-2018/archbishop-calls-vigil-prayer-ahead-brexit-vote.
Yours in Christ,
+Tim, +David and +Debbie
Read more -
8 Nov. 2019
in NewsThe General Election - A letter from our Bishops
The General Election campaign season commenced this week with Parliament now dissolved. Public prayer is important now more than ever. As Bishops, we continue to pray for peace and reconciliation over the division and unrest in our society. We encourage you all to continue praying for wisdom for our national and local leaders. We are particularly concerned that all parties will promote policies and programmes based on practical compassion, especially for those who are marginalised or struggling with daily life. Read more
-
4 Nov. 2019
in NewsThe Bishop of Winchester licenses new lay people to lead ministry and mission
A service of celebration was held at Winchester Cathedral to welcome 99 new lay leaders from communities across the Diocese of Winchester. Read more
-
14 Oct. 2019
in NewsYou Belong Here
Two weeks ago on Friday 27th September, Saint Mary’s Southampton celebrated its first anniversary serving as a Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) resource church. And it has been a big year.
Geared towards reaching the younger generations, Saint Mary’s congregation has pushed past growth barriers, exceeding the original number of approximately 50 parishioners, to become an energetic and vibrant congregation reaching towards 350. But then, expansion was always part of the plan.
Read more -
10 Sept. 2019
in NewsHAMPSHIRE HARVEST WEEKEND GOES GREEN
The traditional harvest celebrations at Winchester Cathedral return this year over the weekend of 5/6 October with a new feel and some new partners. As well as the traditional stalls from agricultural representatives from around the region, the newly styled Green Hampshire Harvest Weekend invites visitors to reflect upon the impact of climate change, how it is affecting us daily and what we are doing within the local community to address it. It comes at the end of Winchester Green Week, a series of events around the district designed to increase awareness locally. Read more
-
3 Sept. 2019
in NewsWinchester gears up for annual Ride and Stride on Saturday 14 September
Over 30 historic churches in Winchester and surrounding villages will be open to the public Read more
-
15 July 2019
in NewsNew Bishop of Southampton formally takes up her role
The first woman to become Bishop of Southampton was welcomed to the Diocese of Winchester and installed at a service at Winchester Cathedral. Read more
-
11 July 2019
in NewsNEW CANON PRECENTOR APPOINTED TO WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL
The Bishop of Winchester has announced the appointment of a new Canon Precentor and Sacrist this week. The Rev’d Andrew Trenier will take up his new role as Canon Precentor in the autumn, following an installation service at Winchester Cathedral on Sunday 15 September.
Read more -
5 July 2019
in NewsNew Bishop of Southampton consecrated at St Paul’s Cathedral
The Reverend Canon Debbie Sellin was consecrated at a service at St Paul’s Cathedral led by Archbishop Justin Welby on Wednesday 3rd July. Read more