Today, the Archbishop of Canterbury announced the appointment of his new chaplain, Rev Isabelle Hamley. She will begin take up her position in January.
Rev Hamley’s appointment comes after an extensive search across the Church of England. The appointment committee, itself diverse, reviewed the many candidates, and ultimately presented two names to Archbishop Justin Welby. Of his selection, the Most Reverend Welby says, “Isabelle comes to us highly commended by her diocese where she has served in several ministry roles, lay and ordained, in university, college and parish. She brings a pastoral heart, a spiritual richness and a rigorous theological understanding to what is a demanding role. We look forward to welcoming her, husband Paul and daughter Aelwen to London and life at Lambeth.”
The Chaplain to the Archbishop is responsible for supporting him in prayer and ministry. Rev Hamley will also be assisting with the renewal of religious life, especially the Community of St. Anselm, a year long program at Lambeth Palace focusing on prayer life and service to the poor. The Chaplain also oversees the Archbishop’s publishing and writing. Rev Hamley is replacing the Rev Canon Dr Jo Wells, who was recently appointed as Bishop of Dorking.
Rev Hamley is completing her PhD in Biblical Studies at St John’s College, Nottingham. She already has degrees in English Studies, Community Justice, Postcolonial Literature, and Ministry and Mission. Hamley is currently the Associate Priest in the parish of Edwalton. “I am delighted with the opportunity to join the Lambeth team in supporting the work of the Archbishop. It is a privilege to join such a rich and diverse working environment, bringing my experience in parish, chaplaincy and theological education,” says Rev Hamley. She is originally from France, but has lived in the UK for twenty years. She recently became a citizen.