The Ministry Team
Rector
Rev Jo Richards
Jo
trained locally for ministry with the South East Institute of
Theological Education (now St Augustine’s Theological College) under the
umbrella of Durham University, where she graduated in January 2018.
Jo
was ordained in Canterbury Cathedral in 2014 and went on to serve her
curacy in the Parish of St Martin and St Paul, Canterbury before taking
up her role as Rector of St Dunstan, St Mildred and St Peter in 2018.
Jo sees her ministry as incarnational, meeting people where they are at, in whatever context that might be, recognising Christ in all that we are and all that we do. Issues relating to social justice and inclusiveness are particularly close to Jo’s heart.
Before ordained Ministry, Jo worked as a physiotherapist and ergonomist. She is married with three children and enjoys walking and the outdoor life in her spare time.
Contact Jo Richards via the Benefice Office or use the Contact Form. Alternatively phone 01227 786109.
Curate
Rev Jennifer Walpole
Jenny was ordained as a Deacon in 2021 at Canterbury Cathedral after training at Westcott House in Cambridge.
Prior to training Jenny was a Reader and worked at Wandsworth Prison on a mentoring and befriending project.
She enjoys music and drinking coffee.
Contact Jenny Walpole via the Benefice Office or use the Contact Form.
Alternatively phone 01227 786109.
Readers
Mr John Morrison
John became a Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) in 2011. He is a retired Army Officer and retired Civil Servant. He is on Diocesan Synod and Chaplain to the Canterbury Sea Cadet Corps.
Email John Morrison via the Benefice Office or use the Contact Form. Alternatively telephone 01227 786109.
Miss Tessa Taylor
Tessa operates mainly at St Mildred's.
Email Tessa Taylor via the Benefice Office or use the Contact Form. Alternatively telephone 01227 786109.
Miss Margaret Wells
Margaret is a Licensed
Lay Minister (Reader), based primarily at St Peter's. Her other voluntary includes work
with children. She is a Brownie Leader (7-11); Rainbow Assistant Leader (5-7) and
teaches reading to Year 2 Children (6-7). Now retired from paid work.
Email Margaret Wells via the Benefice Office or use the Contact Form. Alternatively telephone 01227 786109.
Clergy with Permission to Officiate (PTO)
Rev Perry Butler
Fr Perry retired to Canterbury in 2009 after 30 years in parish ministry, lastly as rector of St George's Bloomsbury and a Director of Ordinands in the London Diocese. An Oxford DPhil in church history, Perry taught for the Southwark Ordination Course and was Anglican Religious Adviser to London Weekend Television. He is an Honorary Fellow of the University of Kent.
Rev Brian McHenry
Rev Brian McHenry CBE has been a government lawyer, a curate in Deptford and the Vicar of Orpington. He is now an active retiree.
Rev John Spriggs
An Oxford languages graduate, John followed an abortive career in international commerce before turning to his metier of teaching. After a spell in a technical college, he moved to a public school in Berkshire where he was ordained, ran the Junior School for 15 years and finished his career there as Chaplain. Retirement took him back to his native Lincolnshire where helped out in over 30 parishes and also acquired a PTO for the Diocese of Europe. He has taught six languages and translates several others. Age, debility and the absolute insistence of his children enforced a move southwards – happily to Canterbury.