Your new Rector… in his own words
It has been suggested that I write a piece for parish magazines and websites across the villages I will be serving – which I am more than happy to do. My name is Chris Hollingshurst, I am married with three adult children, and have been ordained since 1999. Prior to that I worked as a logistics planning and operations manager for a major parcels company. I am passionate about faith in Jesus Christ and the ministry of his Church, but when you get to know me, you may also see me getting a little excited about different forms of music, football and motorsport.
So what am I currently doing? For the last five years I have been what is called a Residentiary Canon at Guildford Cathedral. For those not familiar with Church structures, a Residentiary Canon is simply a full-time clergy position within a Cathedral community, working with the Dean and other colleagues as part of a team. In Guildford I have been responsible for Public Engagement and Pastoral Care at the Cathedral.
Prior to coming to Guildford I have been a vicar in two different Surrey and SW London parishes and, at various stages, have also been involved in vocations and schools work for the Dioceses of Guildford and Southwark. In my first clergy post, I served as a rural Curate (assistant priest) in thirteen villages to the west of Cambridge, also within Ely Diocese. Indeed, I was ordained in Ely Cathedral and am looking forward to ‘coming home’.
Because I started in village ministry, spending time with those beyond the walls of church buildings as well as regular worshippers has always been a crucial part of my ministry. This will continue to be so as I get to know the group of eleven parishes legally called (wait for it!) ‘The Benefice of The Isle of Ely Villages Team’. I will of course be spending time in each of them: Coveney, Haddenham and Aldreth, Little Downham, Little Thetford, Mepal, Stretham, Sutton, Wentworth, Wilburton, Witcham and Witchford, and I hope to support and enhance the faithful ministry presence and witness in each community.
Given such a large grouping of church communities, a principal way to do all this is by working collaboratively with the parishes, within what is called the Ely Deanery (which stretches to Soham and Littleport), with the Diocese of Ely, and with other relevant partners. Together we will be seeking to build ‘a community of communities’ across the Isle of Ely as a whole. This has to be a priority if we are to grow Christian faith and serve the wider local community in 2026. Given the size and geography of the Benefice, I am looking forward to welcoming a Benefice Team Vicar, and possibly other colleagues, to share in this work.
I’d love to meet as many of you as possible when the Acting Bishop of Ely installs me as Benefice Team Rector just after Easter, on Saturday 18th April. The service will be held at St Andrew’s Sutton at 2.30pm, timed to make it easier for all ages to be present. All are welcome, whether you currently worship in one of the 11 churches or not, even (and perhaps especially) if you are simply curious!
My wife, one of my sons and our little dog will be moving to Little Downham in late March. We plan to take in the Fenland air most days, so do say hello if you see us walking the dog in your village at any stage. I look forward to meeting you all!
