Andrew was born in Devon and grew up at the seaside. While studying at the University of Southampton he began to explore the call to priestly ministry. Additional studies in South India, Geneva and Westcott House, Cambridge underpinned Andrew’s fascination with ministry in diverse urban communities.
After a curacy at the Elephant and Castle (living in an 11th floor flat) Andrew became Vicar of St Luke’s North Peckham and undertook doctoral studies with the University of Sheffield.
For 16 years Andrew was the Church of England’s national adviser on community and urban affairs, while continuing to minister, live and cycle in south London. During this time, he assisted at St Paul’s Deptford, Southwark Cathedral and St Catherine’s Hatcham. In 2012 Andrew became Vicar of the Upper Tooting United Benefice, two diverse parishes on the Northern Line. He arrived in Gravesend in 2021.
At Christ Church, Andrew is responsible for our liturgy, adult education, occasional offices, contacts with local schools and leading our ministry team. He chairs our church council. He enjoys contacts with local care homes and leading Bible studies.
Andrew is a diocesan adviser on interfaith relations, engaging with other faith communities in northeast Kent. He has published books and articles on urban ministry, mental health, theology and globalization, and tackling political extremism.
I was enrolled as a member of the Mothers' Union in 1981 and have served on Branch Committees and as Enrolling Member/ Branch Leader, between 2004-2007 I was a Trustee for Rochester Diocese. I served from 2019-2022 as Chaplain for Julia Jameson former President of Rochester Diocesan Mothers' Union. I am currently chair of Christ Church's Mothers' Union committee.
We welcomed Chris to our Ministry Team on 2nd June 2024. Chris has been the curate of Burham and Wouldham in Tonbridge Archdeaconry. Chris ius a self supporting minister working in the parish alongside his full-time secular employment as a Partner in IT Consulting and Forensics for a multi-national accounting firm.
Chris is a firm believer that music and liturgy play a significant part in worship, and singing has always been an important aspect of his life. He was a deputy lay clerk at Rochester Cathedral for 17 years and remains a member of their Voluntary Choir. Away from his priestly duties Chris enjoys art galleries, travelling and rallying in classic cars.