My story so far…
I have never taken the easy road in life but I have always tried to pick the right one, even when it is the hardest. I would love to say that this was a courageous choice – a tail of moral determination. However there was little choice.
Fortunately I had the privilege of being well supported by loving parents growing up. Home, complete with its bookshelves featuring the Lenin’s Collected Works and reproductions of Pre-Raphaelite art adorning the walls, was a safe, relaxing and fun place to be in.
My School Years
Yet not all my life has been relaxing. After years of struggling in primary school, I was eventually diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (what is now more commonly termed Autistic Spectrum Disorder or ASD) and Dyspraxia in addition to my already diagnosed Dyslexia. This immediately made sense. I was a socially awkward child who struggled to make friends. By the end of my time in primary school I was left unable to read or write and with such crippling depression and anxiety that I was unable to go to school.
This all changed in secondary school. My parents were fortunate enough to win a legal battle with my local education authority that allowed me to attend a special school for people with Dyslexia – a privilege that my family would not have been able to afford otherwise. It was at Northease Manor School that I learned to read, write, and – eventually – get my GCSEs from A*-C in all subjects I studied, including the dreaded English! Most importantly however Northease gave me back something I had never truly enjoyed before – confidence.
There was also something else that began to kindle in me at Northease Manor. Throughout my time there I considered myself to be a convinced Atheist. But over the course of many years of school assemblies – featuring reflections from many different faith perspectives – I slowly began to pray. Not just put my hands together out of respect but really pray, even if it was to a god that I was convinced did not exist.
Up to Oxford
After a grief battle with A Levels in a mainstream setting, I was fortunate enough to be given a chance at University by Ruskin College, Oxford. The tutors there were able to see past my disappointing A Level results to some inner potential that they could bring out and, over three years of tutorials and seminars, they succeeded.
It was during this time that I found Unitarianism, first online, and then in community form at Westgate Chapel, Lewes. Upon going up to Oxford I quickly sort out the Oxford Unitarian congregation (properly known as the Manchester College, Oxford Chapel Society) and thus begun a relationship with that congregation that has grown over many years.
Time in Yorkshire
A newfound appreciation for Political Theology during my time at Ruskin College drew me to the broader study of Theology and I embarked on what would become a Postgraduate Certificate in Theology and Religion at the University of Leeds. I loved my time in Leeds and eventually began to work for the Universities’ Chaplaincy and for the historic Mill Hill Chapel. During this time, though ecumenical dialogue, my faith took on more of a Free Christian character.
Training of Unitarian Ministry
Eventually I felt unable to postpone my calling for Unitarian Ministry any longer and began the rigorous application process and, much to my surprise, I was granted an interview at Harris Manchester College, Oxford. It was then an even bigger surprise to be told that I had been accepted to train for Unitarian Ministry at HMC!
As I write this I have completed my Postgraduate Diploma at the University of Oxford and as well as my training for Unitarian Ministry at Harris Manchester College. During this training I served as the Student Minister of the Manchester College Oxford Chapel Society.
Ministry Begins in Hinckley
I started full time Ministry in Hinckley, Leicestershire on New Year’s Day 2022! My fiancée, Zosh, and I both love the town and are looking forward to seeing how our story progresses.
What I do
Lead Unitarian and Free Christian Worship
What I truly love to do is lead worship. It is an immense privilege and something I genuinely love to do. Leading eccuminical worship is something I esspecially enjoy.
Theological Research and Scholarship
I make no claim to be a great theological scholar. However I have been invited to give talks and lectures on occasion and, due to my continuing ministry studies, I usually have an essay on the go. My particular areas of focus are:
- Unitarian Theology and Church History
- Marxism and Religion
- Liberation Theologies
- Queer Theology
Write!
I have a love/hate relationship with writing. Due to my Dyslexia it was writing that made my childhood education so frustrating! Yet I came to realise that words have power and that power can be used to help the oppressed. Thus I like to occasionally write on an aspect of current affairs that has grabbed my attention.
Want to contact me?
I am always open to receiving invitations to preach, be on a panel of speakers, or contribute an article. Likewise, if you are in need of pastoral care and have nowhere else to turn than please do not hesitate to contact me.