Bishop Philip writes…
It was a very joyful sight to see Pope Leo meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Vatican and then praying together in the Sistine Chapel. The King then went on to St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, where he was honoured with the title of “Confrater” and given a newly created chair for his future use. The focus of prayer during all of this was the unity of Christians, the care of creation and assisting the poor. In 1534, the Act of Supremacy made the monarch of England the Supreme Head of the Church of England – a title later changed to Supreme Governor – thus sundering the Church in England from the universal Catholic Church. Over the last century, however, thanks to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit leading to the ecumenical movement among Christians, relations between the Catholic and Anglican churches have much improved. Especially at local level, there are many instances of Christians praying, working and meeting together for the good of all. I also think of the close friendship and collaboration in Portsmouth of myself and Bishop Jonathan, the Anglican Bishop. So let us pray for further progress in the ecumenical endeavour that we may enjoy an ever deeper communion in doctrine, life and worship.
Meanwhile, I welcome you to this bumper double edition of e-News (Tuesday 28th October 2025). Our thanks to Deacon Craig for editing it and for all those who have sent in items for inclusion. Please note that with it being Half Term etc., there will be no e-News next week. The next edition will be on Tuesday 11th November. May God bless you, your family and friends over the two weeks ahead.
In Corde Iesu
+ Philip
Bishop of Portsmouth
[Image: Vatican News]
