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The Revd Andrew Birks has been appointed as Bishop’s Chaplain.
The Bishop’s Chaplain provides liturgical, missional, pastoral and administrative support to the Bishop in her ministry across churches, chaplaincies, schools and communities. Andrew joins us from the Diocese of Ely where he is currently Vicar of a rural benefice, and Rural Dean.
Andrew grew up in Northumberland and began working life in retail management before joining the police service in Cambridgesire, the City of London and Metropolitan Police Forces.
A longstanding interest in law gradually met a deepening call to ordained ministry and after being ordained Deacon in 2016 and Priest in 2017 his ministry has included; parish leadership in rural and semiurban contexts, developing creative worship, strengthening community partnerships, supporting schools, and leading pastoral care, funerals, and civic engagement.
Andrew has also overseen governance, safeguarding, and church operations, drawing on both his policing background and his growing expertise in ecclesiastical law. He completed a BA in Theology, Mission and Ministry with Durham University in 2017 and graduated with an LLM in Canon Law from Cardiff University.
Andrew lives with his partner, John, an Advanced Paramedic Practitioner. They share their home with Hilda, a five year old Patterdale Terrier, who very much rules the home!
Responding to the announcement, Andrew said ‘We are genuinely excited to be moving to Peterborough and to begin serving within the Diocese. It is a great privilege, and we look forward to meeting you all soon.’