A Welcome from Bishop Crispian Hollis

Whether you are "virtual" or actually "bodily" present, I want to welcome you to our diocese of Portsmouth.

The fact that you are able to be with us at all, just at the touch of a button or the squeeze of a mouse, from anywhere in the world is little short of miraculous.

We're not in the business of selling anything, and, unlike other "dot coms", we're not going out of business. We've been around a long time - over 2000 years - and we've got a long way to go yet. We hope that we can offer you a vision and a taste of the abundance of life that comes from belief in Jesus Christ and from His Gospel.

There has never been a time in the Church's history when we have not been faced with the absolute imperative to evangelise - to live and proclaim the Gospel. We have to do it in every way we can and this means that our message has to be attuned to your ears and your eyes.

The mass media - modern means of communication - are precisely that - means to an end. This site, and all the other means of communication we use, are essential tools for today's evangelisation. They are not the Gospel - and they should not be worshipped - they are not the "Good News". But, they enable us to make the Gospel accessible - and for you!

So, welcome to our diocese. Join us in our prayer and listen to what we say. Don't judge us too harshly if we fail but continue to hold us in your prayers. You have the right to expect only the best from Christ's disciples. We can only do our best and it is our duty and our responsibility to the Lord and to you who are His brothers and sisters.

May God bless you all.

+ Crispian
Bishop of Portsmouth