A reflection from Revd Catherine

This year marks 30 years since the murder of Stephen Lawrence, a black teenager killed on the streets of London while waiting for a bus. The reason for his murder was simply the colour of his skin. His death shocked the nation and the effects continue to be felt years afterwards. Since the more recent death of George Floyd and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, the conversation around racism has grown ever more urgent.
 
This Sunday falls in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18–25 January) and this year the focus is on praying for unity amidst racial injustice.  We are invited to reflect on how the divisions in society and the world impact our shared life, and to acknowledge how much the churches have contributed to division and prejudice within society.
 
We will have the opportunity for greater insight into this next month when the Revd Azariah France-Williams will be visiting the Cathedral.  He will be in conversation with the Dean at 4pm on Saturday 11thFebruary on the subject of institutional racism and the Church of England.  He will focus on the themes explored in ‘Ghost Ship’, his first book, in which he uses interviews, testimony, biblical exegesis, poetry and more to challenge and inspire the church to overcome its failings around racial justice.  He will also be preaching at the 11am Eucharist on 12thFebruary, which is Racial Justice Sunday.  A weekend not to be missed!
 
The prayer set for this Sunday in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity says it well:
 
God of the oppressed,
open our eyes to the harm that continues
to be inflicted on our siblings in Christ.
Give us the courage to stand up
and advocate for all who are silenced,
even if it means releasing some of our own privilege to do justice.

Amen
 
The Reverend Catherine Edenborough,
Cathedral Curate

Dates for your diary…

• Parish Lunch Club - 23 Jan

• Faith in the City by Archbishop’s Commission on Urban Priority Areas - Cathedral Institute - 23 Jan

• Yoga at the Cathedral - 28 Jan

• International LEGO® Day Trail - 28 Jan

• Candlemas Carols | Christmas 2022 - 29 Jan

• Create Your Story - National Storytelling Week - 30 Jan–5 Feb

• The Color Purple by Alice Walker - Cathedral Institute - 30 Jan

• The Cathedral Club - 2 Feb

• Candlemas Eucharist | Christmas 2022 - 2 Feb

See more on our website →

Community News

Trail and hands-on activities celebrate the humble LEGO® brick!

Bring the whole family and discover hidden figures as you explore the beautiful Portsmouth Cathedral through a fun and interactive LEGO®-themed trail. The trail is open 28 January from 12pm to 3pm and is completely free to participate.
 
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National Storytelling Week at Portsmouth Cathedral

Portsmouth Cathedral invites visitors to celebrate National Storytelling Week by creating their own personal story within the walls of the historic Cathedral. From 30 January to 5 February four stations will be set up around the Cathedral where visitors can draw inspiration from the building and prompts provided to create their own unique story.
 
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Shop January Sale

Christmas 2023 will be here before you know it! Take advantage of knock down prices on Christmas card packs, wrapping paper and other festive items. Birthday and other special events coming up? Have a look at our range of discounted gifts. Limited stock only so don't delay.
 
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Azariah France-Williams in conversation with Dean Anthony at Portsmouth Cathedral

Portsmouth Cathedral is excited to announce that Azariah France-Williams, author of 'Ghost Ship: Institutional Racism and the Church of England', will be joining the Dean of Portsmouth for an ‘in-conversation’ event at the Cathedral.
 
Read more and book online →
  

Volunteer Thank You Coffee, Tea and Chat

Please join us as a thank you to all those who helped at the Christmas Fair for coffee, tea, biscuits, and a chat on Wednesday 25 January at 12:15pm in Becket Hall.
 
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12th Portsmouth Cathedral Brownies 100th Birthday

The Brownie group who meet at the Cathedral are turning 100 in 2023. The group are hoping to locate those who used to be 12th Portsmouth Cathedral Brownies and might have photos or other memorabilia of their time there and are asking for help to do this. Could you or do you know someone who could help and would be willing for the Brownies of 2023 to see their photos or other memorabilia? If so please get in touch by emailingportsmouthcathedralbrownies@outlook.com
  

Diana Villar

Diana’s family invite all those from the Cathedral Community who knew her to a Thanksgiving Service for her life to be held at 11:30am on Tuesday 31 January at the Cathedral.
  

Chapter

Chapter meets on Wednesday for the first meeting of 2023. The agenda includes an update on Safeguarding, the 2021 Cathedrals Measure and the Cathedral budget. 
 
The agenda is available from 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.

Prayers and Intercessions

We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Alistair, Lucy, Chris, Martyn, Tom, Beverley, Jude, Don, Jean, Alan, Rosemary, Mags and all those in need.
 
Long-term sick including: Edward, Peter, Graeme, Sarah, Alison, Jane, Jill, Suzy, Andrew, Rachel, John, Babs and Richard.
 
We pray for those who have died recently, including: Sheila Downing (Cathedral funeral Monday 23 January 2:30pm), John Friars and Diana Villar 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 pastoral@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.

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