PRESS RELEASE: CLERGY FROM OXFORDSHIRE, BERKSHIRE AND BUCKINGHAMSHIRE HONOURED
The Bishop of Oxford has appointed six new honorary canons of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. They are
-The Revd Bruce Gillingham, for his ministry as Rector of Oxford St Clement and Area Dean of Cowley
-The Revd Peter Ballantine, for his ministry as Team Vicar of Stantonbury and Willen
-The Revd Judy French, for her ministry as Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton, Area Dean of Chipping Norton and Assistant Archdeacon of Oxford
-The Revd Olivia Graham for her role as Parish Development Adviser in the Oxford archdeaconry, and in particular her work in the field of spirituality
-The Revd Rita Ball, for her ministry as Team Rector of Hermitage and Area Dean of Newbury
-The Revd Richard Hancock for his ministry as Vicar of Shrivenham and Ashbury and Area Dean of the Vale of the White Horse
The role of canon is an honorary one. Canons have given distinguished service and serve as ambassadors for the Cathedral in their parish, life or ministry.
They will be installed in Christ Church at Evensong at 6 pm on Saturday 14 January 2012.
The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd John Pritchard, said: “I’m delighted to acknowledge the ministry of these six people in this way. They all bring a great deal to the life and work of the Church and it is good to have the opportunity to celebrate their gifts and service. I know that Christ Church is looking forward to welcoming them and their families and friends. It will be a joyous occasion.”
Biography:
The Revd Bruce Gillingham
Bruce Gillingham found a living faith as a student, reading PPE at Christ Church Oxford. He started to express that faith as a youth worker in Kilburn and a teacher in Islington, and then trained for ministry at St John’s Nottingham. As a curate at St Andrew’s Plymouth he was a hospital chaplain. At St Aldate’s Oxford he became a student pastor, and also Chaplain at Jesus College and St Hugh’s College. He discovered urban mission as Diocesan Missioner in Birmingham, and now serves as Rector of St Clement’s in East Oxford and Area Dean of Cowley. He is marries to Helen, who teaches languages at Lord William’s School in Thame, and they have 2 children – Hannah (12) & Sarah (9). He enjoys golf and cricket, music and poetry, mountains and the sea.
CONGRATULATIONS TO The Revd Canon Bruce Gillingham!
To mark this special event in Bruce’s ministry, there will be drinks and nibbles after the service so if you can stay and mingle please do, and do give Bruce a hearty pat on the back either actually or metaphorically speaking!