Diocese of Chichester

The Church of England in Sussex is celebrating encouraging signs of growth, with consistently high numbers of people being confirmed across the Diocese of Chichester this year.

The annual Hove Deanery Confirmation service, which includes churches in Shoreham, is usually held each autumn. It draws together candidates from Hove churches as well as additional candidates who were unable to make a neighbouring deanery confirmation service. This year, 29 people will be confirmed—a significant uplift on previous years.

Across the diocese, clergy are also reporting strong numbers, pointing to a wider pattern of renewed faith and commitment.

Revd Dan Henderson, Rural Dean of Hove, and Vicar of St Andrew’s Church, said: “Yes, it’s meant a bit more admin, but that’s a wonderful problem to have – I’ll take ‘too many people wanting to publicly affirm their faith in Jesus’ any day!"

Originally, the Confirmation service was due to take place at Kingston Buci, which generously offered to host. However, with the church’s seating limited to around 70, the decision was taken to move to a larger venue to ensure space for candidates’ families and friends, alongside the wider church community. It will now be held in St Peter’s Church West Blatchington, Hove.

This joyful occasion not only marks an important step of faith for individuals but also reflects an encouraging picture for church life in Sussex.