APPOINTMENT OF NEW RECTOR

From_the_Vicar

Following a year's interregnum, Rector Geoff took up his first Incumbency in the Church of England in April 2023. He has had previous ministerial and pastoral experience as a priest within the Roman Catholic Church. Before being received as a priest within the Church of England in July 2021, Geoff worked as a Secondary School Teacher for 8 years and later as a Support Worker in a low-secure mental health hospital. After some further ministerial training with St. Augustine's College, West Malling, he served a two year curacy in the nearby parish of Ashford. Most of his previous ministerial experience has been in the urban environment, so this is his first experience of the rural setting.

Geoff is originally from North Kent and has some Italian heritage. He is married to Theresa and has a daughter, Frida. Geoff has a particular pastoral and theological interest in social justice and supporting LGBTQI+ inclusion and would describe himself as a liberation or contextual theologian. Since taking up his Incumbency, he is trying to learn more about the specific nuances of rural ministry, and is involved at diocesan level in trying to develop a rural strategy for the diocese. He has a particular interest in Christian spirituality, especially from the monastic traditions. Outside of his pastoral and theological interests, Geoff loves reading, travelling and sport, particularly football, rugby and cricket. He is a keen Everton FC supporter.

Geoff is also a Unit and District Chaplain for the Sea Cadet Corps and is training to be a Branch Community Support worker for the Royal British Legion.

Rector Geoff is based at the Rectory, Cock Lane in Hamstreet.