A reflection on the Makin Report and the resignation of the Archbishop

‘Listen.’   So begins the influential Rule of St Benedict, as it sets out what is needed to ‘establish a school for the Lord's service.’   I thought of this when I heard that Archbishop Justin had initially decided not to resign after the publication of the Makin report, which details at length, in unsparing detail, the horrific abuse committed by the barrister John Smyth at Christian camps for public schoolboys, and the complicity and failures of church leaders in never bringing him to account.
 
The Archbishop said he had taken soundings with unnamed senior colleagues, who had advised him to stay.   This decision, rightly reversed within days, encapsulates much of what has gone so badly wrong in this and other devastating cases of silence and inaction.  Yes, says St Benedict, we must listen - but to who?  In the first instance, God, but as the Rule encourages, also a variety of others, including the youngest and least powerful.  In the case of John Smyth, the voices of those who were abused were not listened to or prioritised.   What a terrible irony that a key motivation for this silencing was to protect the reputation of a particular Christian ministry, when now the whole church is besmirched.
 
There is another irony, in that the Makin report has been published, and the Archbishop has resigned, in the lead up to ‘Safeguarding Sunday’ this coming weekend (17 November).  This is an annual opportunity for us to focus on all that we as a cathedral, alongside other churches in the diocese and nationally, are doing to create a place, a culture and a community that is safe and enables everybody to flourish, protected from the damaging effects of harm and abuse.  Canon Harriet, the Cathedral’s safeguarding lead, has set out the key practical ways we do this in the Order of Service for our Sunday Sung Eucharist, at which Andy Hawkins (the member of the diocesan safeguarding team with particular responsibility for the Cathedral) will also be present.
 
Of course we are far from perfect, but we recognise and prioritise the vital task of transforming the church’s culture in this area.  The fact that Safeguarding Sunday exists, and that an Archbishop has resigned, are simultaneously signs that this transformation is happening, but also that there is still a long way to go.
 
Those who persuaded themselves that protecting God’s work involved silencing the voices of the abused, forgot that the God revealed in Jesus Christ always prioritises the most vulnerable.  This is at the very heart of the Gospel.   Listening to God necessitates listening to them and acting and changing accordingly.  This is central to being a ‘school in the Lord’s service’.
 
With my prayers and best wishes,
 
Anthony Cane,
Dean of Portsmouth

Bishop 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. 

He said: “I have now had an opportunity to read the entire Makin Report. I am utterly appalled by the horrific abuse committed by John Smyth. The failures of multiple individuals to take appropriate action to prevent this happening is both sobering and deeply shaming."

Read Bishop Jonathan's full statement here → Diocese of Portsmouth - News - Bishop Jonathan responds to the Makin report

Services of Reflection

One way in which we will be showing our commitment to survivors is via Services of Reflection in Solidarity with Survivors, which will take place in each Archdeaconry. Join us on Saturday 30 November, at each of these venues, and we pray, reflect and re-dedicate ourselves to the work of keeping vulnerable people safe:

• 11am, Newport Minster, Isle of Wight

• 6pm, St Luke’s Church, Southsea

• 6pm, Holy Trinity Church, Fareham

Dates for your diary…

• Lunch Club – 18 November, at 12:00pm – 2:30pm

• Portsmouth Authors Collective Book Signings - Dave Flint – 19 November, at 10:00am – 12:00pm

• Specialist Tour Tuesdays – Art Tour – 19 November, at 1:00pm – 2:00pm

• The Word is Near – 20 November, at 10:30am – 11:00am

• Lunchtime Live Performance - Angelina Kopyrina – 21 November, at 1:10pm – 12:00pm

• The Word is Near – 27 November, at 10:30am – 11:30am

Community News 

Celebrate Advent and Christmas with us at Portsmouth Cathedral

As the festive season approaches, we warmly invite you to join us at Portsmouth Cathedral for a time of reflection, celebration, and joy. Whether you’re seeking moments of stillness, the beauty of traditional carols, or opportunities to gather with loved ones, there’s something for everyone here this Advent and Christmas.

We begin Advent on Sunday, 1 December, with the moving Darkness to Light service. This beautiful evening takes us on a journey from stillness and shadow into light, symbolising hope and renewal at the heart of the season. Throughout Advent, our Monday evening Compline services offer a peaceful, candlelit space for reflection—ideal for finding calm amidst the busyness.

For those looking to pause and reflect more deeply, our Advent Course provides a chance to explore poetry and seasonal themes in a relaxed, thoughtful setting. Meanwhile, on Thursday, 5 December, we’re hosting Deck the Hall!—a special talk with Andrew Gant, where you can uncover the fascinating history and stories behind well-loved Christmas carols.

As Christmas approaches, the Cathedral will be filled with the music and wonder of the season. Our much-loved Christmas Carol Services, running from 21 to 24 December, bring the story of Christmas to life through traditional readings and carols by candlelight—a highlight of the festive season.

For families, Christmas Eve is not to be missed. Our Crib Services bring the Nativity story to life with music, storytelling, and plenty of interaction—perfect for children and the young at heart. And for something a little different, join us on Friday, 20 December for a festive sing-along film evening featuring Frozen and The Muppets’ Christmas Carol.

Whatever your plans this Advent and Christmas, we hope you’ll find a warm welcome here at Portsmouth Cathedral.

Visit our website for the full schedule of services and events.

Safeguarding Sunday

This Sunday, Portsmouth Cathedral marks Safeguarding Sunday, joining with churches across the country. It is an opportunity to listen, talk and think together about how we, as the church, create places and cultures that protect people from the damaging effects of harm and abuse. It is also an opportunity to give thanks for those who work for the good of all of us, and to commit to playing our part as members of the body of Christ in this place by helping to protect and speak up for those who are vulnerable.
 
We are delighted that our Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, Andy Hawkins, who has particular responsibility for the cathedral, will be with us at our morning worship on Sunday.
 
You can find out more here.

Specialist Tour Tuesdays

Discover more about Portsmouth Cathedral! Join us for Specialist Tour Tuesdays. Discover more about the history of our wonderful building as you join us on our new monthly tours!
 
This month join us for an Art Tour on the 19 November 1pm - 2pm, our last specialist tour of 2024.
 
Learn about the art pieces proudly on display throughout the building including sculptures by Annie Cattrell and Peter Eugene Ball.
 
Adults can enjoy experience for £5, while a reduced rate of £3 is available for children 16 and under. Please note there are limited spaces on the tour, and they must be booked in advance. Booking fees to apply.
 
Click here to book your tickets →

Congregational Lunch - 24 November

The next Congregational Lunch will be on Sunday 24 November - the Sunday before Advent begins!
 
We are offering Cottage Pie and Apple Crumble (with vegetarian, vegan and dietary options as requested). There is a sign-up form. It will be an informal opportunity, also to offer our appreciation and best wishes to Canon Anthony and his family before his formal farewells the following week.
 
Please let Canon Jo or Rachael know if you might be willing to cook a dish to bring, once we know numbers, or help on the day, or contribute in any other way.
 
Click here to sign up →

Advent Course: Watching and Waiting for Christ

Our Advent course will run over three weeks this year - Mondays 2, 9, 16 December at 6.45 - 8pm in the Cathedral building itself.  Using different parts of the building, along with poetry, art, and prayer, we will explore the themes of watching and waiting. Each week, we will also sample a different way of praying using silence, icons, and imagery.
 
Candlelit Compline follows the Advent course, in St Thomas's Chapel at 8.15pm, for those who would like to stay on.
 
All are welcome. Please contact Canon Harriet if you would like to come - each session will be standalone so do come to as many as you wish.

Canon Anthony Rustell

Canon Anthony and his family's final Sunday at the Cathedral will be on Advent Sunday. 1 December.
 
Over the past 10 years Anthony, Georgianna and the family have been a central part of our worshipping and community life, and we wish them all well as they move to Dorking.  Contributions towards a leaving present can be made through the Cathedral Offices (clearly marked in envelopes saying 'The Rustells').
 
The Churchwardens & Parochial Church Councils of the Benefice of Dorking (St Martin) with Ranmore have extended an invitation to those who would like to attend Anthony's licensing on Wednesday 4 December at 7.30pm. 

If you would like to attend, please contact here by 11 November.

A Singer for Christmas?

We have been donated a beautiful vintage Singer Sewing machine to sell at the Christmas fair. Would you be interested in viewing it early?
 
To my eye this exceptionally pristine machine is in good working order, the needle moving freely, when the handle is turned.  It comes with three spools, an original manual, a wooden lockable case with key, as well as a variety of other parts.  Please get in touch if you would be interested in purchasing this item before the Christmas Fair on December 7.
 
The Singer Sewing Machine was an unusual donation but don't forget that we are looking for all kinds of items, in particular donations for the Chocolate Tombola which are needed as early as possible so that they can be labelled. Please hand donations to Ann Wilson, Rachael or hand them into the office.  Equally as important is to know if you are able to make a cake or two for the Cake Stall.  Other ways you can help is by provide items such as china, jewellery, bottles of spirits, wine and fizz or unused toiletries, paperback books, jigsaws and toys. Most donations for stalls will be collected during the week prior to the fair except for, cakes on the day please, alcoholic donations on the day or to the office and jewellery is gratefully received to the shop. 
 
Don't forget that the Raffle tickets are available to buy from the Cathedral Shop, where you can also pick up an envelope of tickets to sell to family and friends.  If you were kind enough to take some tickets earlier in the month don't forget to post the stubs and money, through the letter box of Cathedral House.

We have some fabulous prizes up for grabs: £100 worth of John Lewis vouchers, Barbara Tipple pearl earrings, vouchers for Brasserie Blanc, The A Bar, Beauty Retreat, Ruth Waldron Pilates and Tony Wood hair salon, as well as a beauty box full of treats, Christmas hampers, wine and much more. Thank you very much!
 
Portsmouth Cathedral Christmas Fair 11am – 2pm Saturday 7 December followed by Carols on the Green at 5.45pm. All proceeds from the Christmas Fair support the work and mission of Portsmouth Cathedral. Free to enter, donations gratefully received.
 
Contact Rachael here.

Tree of Heaven in the Memorial Garden update

 
Over recent months there has been growing concern about the health of the Tree of Heaven in the Memorial Garden. Over this time there have been at least two heavy branch drops.
 
Following two visits from the City's Parks Department and their Arboriculturalist, it has become clear that for health and safety considerations the tree will have to be felled.
 
After consultations with the "Adams," who tender the Garden, Chapter has agreed to this action being taken. 
 
Depending on the quality of the wood we may look to preserve it for future works such as a new portable Nave altar.
 
The extract date when the tree will be felled is not known at present, but it is expected to take place within the next two-three weeks. The stump of the tree will remind and be "capped." Other trees such as the willow tree in the Memorial Garden will be trimmed as it has been done in the past.

Chief Operating Officer to move on

“It is with sadness that I write to let you know that after five years of dedicated service to the Cathedral (for which I am extremely grateful) our COO Richard Abraham has decided to move on to new challenges.  It is fair to say that much has changed over the past five years and I am thankful to Richard for his work not only in helping to guide us through Covid, but also for all he has done to improve our financial position to better support our overall mission and ministry, including care of the fabric.  Most recently his securing of a grant to enable a master planning and feasibility study related to the renewal of the Cathedral precinct to improve access, outreach and financial sustainability has helped to position the Cathedral well in relation to all that lies ahead in our second century.  He leaves a hugely positive legacy and well deserves our thanks and good wishes for the future."

Dean Anthony

 
 “First, I would like to thank the Dean, Chapter, its committee members and the most excellent team of staff, volunteers and clergy for the work we have accomplished together over these past five years.
 
A colleague from another cathedral who recently stood down commented that he viewed his role as a runner in a relay race – giving it his all and then passing on the baton to the next runner – and it feels like this for me now.  We have done much to improve our finances, but not there yet with much still to do, we have transformed the shop, developed and delivered new events and experiences bringing many people into the Cathedral for the first time – a place to hopefully start their Christian journey or a renewal of it.
 
Second, I am also grateful to our partners in the community be that the City, Chamber of Commerce, Shaping Portsmouth and our local politicians of all political stripes for their support and encouragement over these years.
It’s been an amazing five years. Many thanks to all in the Cathedral congregation and wider community for their support and prayers over this time.  I look forward to watching what happens next!”
 
Richard’s last working day with the Cathedral will be 29 November 2024 after which he will be on annual leave."

Richard Abraham
Chief Operating Officer

Chapter Meeting - 19 November

Chapter meets on 19 November, the agenda for this meeting can be found on ourdownloads page.

Worship & Visiting

Every day, Portsmouth Cathedral is open for worship, prayer, and visiting. Unless otherwise specified, services do not require booking. Our website contains orders of service, as well as information about visiting the Cathedral.

Sunday 17 November Second Sunday before Advent
8:00am - Holy Communion - Book of Common Prayer
9:30am - #Pompey Sundays
11:00am - Choral Eucharist sung by the Cathedral Choir (Girls) 
5:45pm - Choral Evensong sung by the Cathedral Choir (Boys) with Installation of Rev’d Duncan Dormer as Canon Theologian

Prayers & Intercessions

Portsmouth Cathedral’s thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and survivors of church-based abuse, including all those affected by the abuses of John Smyth. We also acknowledge the shame at the safeguarding failures of the Church of England and share its profound commitment to building a safer church. 
 
Our thoughts and prayers are also with Archbishop Justin at this difficult time. We pray that God will continue to have mercy upon the church and its witness, however imperfect, to Jesus Christ.
 
We pray for: the Diocesan Safeguarding team, including Andy Hawkins, our Cathedral Safeguarding Adviser.
 
We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community:  Geraldine, Muriel, David, Margaret, Spencer, Pauline, Elizabeth, Chris, Tom, Gemma, Zoe, baby Joy (and her parents Tabitha and Tom)  and all in need.  
 
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Alistair, Jill,  Alison, Suzy, Richard, Rosy, Mathai, Philip, Paul and Graeme.
 
We remember those who have died recently, including: Meg Hopkinson (Cathedral funeral Monday 18 November at 2.30pm), Sue Marklew (Cathedral Service of Thanksgiving - Wednesday, 20 November at 2pm), David King (Cathedral Funeral - Thursday, 28 November at 10:30am), Kenneth Reilly RIP.

 Upcoming Services & Events

Getting in touch

Please feel free to get in touch if we can help in any way, or if you just want to hear another voice!

Get in touch with us by email to info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.

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