Portsmouth Cathedral Annual Review 2021

Welcome from Dean Anthony

One of the things I love about Portsmouth Cathedral is the wonderful variety and richness of our life and work. Yes, we hugely value the Anglican choral tradition, and it is at the heart of our worship - but we also offer the rather different approach of Pompey Sundays, with its informal ‘cafe church’ style. Yes, we have a long-standing and wonderful Christmas Fair, made possible by a fantastic team of volunteers - but we have also initiated a partnership with Love Southsea and hosted a Gift Market supporting local businesses. Yes, visitors to the Cathedral will quickly realise why we are the ‘Cathedral of the Sea’, as they encounter the 1710 ‘golden barque’ weather vane and the Mary Rose tomb - but they might also experience an exhibition of ‘Black Lives Matter’ photography, or a celebration of Kurdish culture.

2021, for all the issues thrown up by the pandemic, was a really positive year in the life of Portsmouth Cathedral. It has been wonderful to see the variety I have referred to slowly re-emerging from the constraints of recent times, and I hope you will find reading this Annual Review an encouraging and hopeful experience. In October 2021, it was particularly special to have the opportunity to pray with Bishop Jonathan (and a range of people from across the diocese) on the day that he was announced as the tenth bishop of Portsmouth. His appointment signifies a new phase in the life of the diocese and its cathedral, and as we continue to implement our Vision and Strategy, we welcome all he will bring by way of fresh insight and approach. By God’s grace, the variety and richness of our life will continue to develop and grow, in the service of God and neighbour.

With my prayers, thanks and best wishes,

The Very Reverend Dr. Anthony Cane
Dean of Portsmouth