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Mark Birch (priest)

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The Reverend Canon

Mark Birch

MVO
Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons
Birch in 2024
ChurchChurch of England
DioceseRoyal Peculiar
In officeNovember 2024 to present
PredecessorTricia Hillas
Other post(s)Canon Rector of Westminster Abbey (2024–present)
Orders
Ordination2000 (deacon)
2001 (priest)
Personal details
Born1970 (age 54–55)
NationalityBritish
DenominationAnglicism
Alma materUniversity of Bristol
Westcott House, Cambridge
Emmanuel College, Cambridge

Mark Russell Birch, MVO (born 1970) is a British Anglican priest and chaplain. Since 2024, he has been Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons and a canon of Westminster Abbey. After working as a vet, he trained for ordination at Westcott House, Cambridge. He served as a chaplain at an Oxford University college, a children's hospice and a special school for disabled children and young adults. He was priest-in-charge of St Faith's Church, Winchester, before joining Westminster Abbey in 2014 as a chaplain and minor canon. He was made precentor in 2020 and has served as canon rector since 2024.

Biography

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Birch graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) from the University of Bristol in 1993.[1] His short early career was as a veterinarian.[2] From 1997 to 2000, he trained for ordination at Westcott House, Cambridge.[2][1] During that time, he also studied theology at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1999.[1]

Birch (right) with Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle in 2024

Birch was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 2000 and as a priest in 2001.[1] From 2000 to 2003, he undertook his curacy at the Church of St John the Baptist, Cirencester, in the Diocese of Gloucester.[1][3] He then served as chaplain at Exeter College, a college of Oxford University (2000–2003); at Helen & Douglas House, a children's hospice (2006–2010); and at Treloar School, a special school for disabled children and young adults (2010–2014).[2][1][4] From 2012 to 2014, he was priest-in-charge of St Faith's Church, Winchester and chaplain to the Hospital of St Cross.[2][1]

In January 2015, he joined Westminster Abbey as a chaplain and minor canon.[5][6] He was appointed precentor in 2020, becoming responsible for the daily worship at the Abbey and planning many of its special services.[1][3][6][7] He took part in the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on 19 September 2022; leading the prayers from ministers and clergy of different Christian denominations.[8] In the 2023 Demise Honours, he was appointed Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) for services to the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.[9] He also led the rehearsals for the coronation of Charles III in 2023.[10][11] On 26 September 2024, it was announced that he would be the next Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons, in succession to Tricia Hillas.[2][3] He took up the appointment as the 81st Speaker's Chaplain on 7 November 2024.[5][10] He was also appointed canon rector of Westminster Abbey, with special responsibility for in its ministry in the public square.[2][12]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Mark Russell Birch". Crockford's Clerical Directory (online ed.). Church House Publishing. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Rev'd Mark Birch named as 81st Speaker's Chaplain". UK Parliament. 12 November 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Appointment of Canon Rector of Westminster Abbey: 26 September 2024". GOV.UK. Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  4. ^ "Former Exeter College Chaplain appointed a Canon of Westminster Abbey and Chaplain to the Speaker". Exeter College. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  5. ^ a b "Mark Birch appointed Canon of Westminster and Chaplain to the Speaker". Westminster Abbey. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  6. ^ a b Norris, Miranda (19 September 2022). "Former Oxford chaplain praised as 'best reader by far' at Queen's State funeral". Oxford Mail. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  7. ^ "New Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons". The Church of England. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  8. ^ "Queen Elizabeth's funeral: Order of service at Westminster Abbey". BBC News. 18 September 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  9. ^ "No. 64008". The London Gazette (Supplement). 25 March 2023. p. D2.
  10. ^ a b Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Mr Speaker (7 October 2024). "Commons Chamber: Speaker's Statement". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). Vol. 754. United Kingdom: House of Commons. col. 1–.
  11. ^ Robinson, John Martin (8 May 2023). "Coronation Diary". Catholic Herald. Retrieved 21 June 2025. The Precentor, the Revd Mark Birch, rather than the Earl Marshal, directed the rehearsals. To him is due the seamless perfection of the day, and the tasteful vestments.
  12. ^ Martin, Francis (26 September 2024). "Precentor of Westminster Abbey to be Speaker's Chaplain". Church Times. Archived from the original on 21 June 2025. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
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