The Revd James Shakespeare

James is a local church leader in Cambridge, Vicar of St John the Evangelist, Hills Road – the Anglican Parish opposite Homerton College, which has an informal connection with Homerton, due to the College’s Charter Choir using the building for term-time services, as well as for some concerts and musical training.

James has 23 years of experience as a parish priest and community activist, with a particular expertise in Christian spirituality, pastoral theology and practise, as well as partnership with community organisations, and inter-faith relations, from his time as Policy Adviser & Chaplain to the Bishop of Leicester. James’ experience has ranged from urban, to market town and suburban parish communities, as well as across various sectors, including hospital chaplaincy, schools work, prisons, and the care sector. James is experienced at working with young people, as well as adults, and across a diversity of cultures, and has training in counselling skills and mental health.

James has a BA and MA in Theology and Religious Studies, from the University of Cambridge (Fitzwilliam College), an MA in Social & Pastoral Theology and Social Policy, from the University of Manchester, and a Diploma in Christian Spirituality from Sarum College, in the University of Winchester. He trained for ordination at Westcott House, in the Cambridge Theological Federation. As well as being local Vicar, and Locum Chaplain with the NHS at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, James is also Bishop’s Spirituality Adviser (Diocese of Ely), tasked with facilitating people’s spiritual development. And James is also an Assistant Director of Ordinands, a local Training incumbent, deputy Rural Dean, and an Associate Fellow of Homerton College.

Prior to ordination James worked as a policy adviser in local government, with Stockport Metropolitan District Council, and as a researcher with Church Action on Poverty, publishing a paper on Youth unemployment, in June 1995, as well as with the Anglican Communion Office in London. He has also been part of various community initiatives and partnerships, including (most recently) Street Pastors, the Cambridge Churches Homelessness Project, and the Queen Edith’s Community Forum, in Cambridge.