Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I cannot express enough how happy I am to be your Associate Vicar here at St Mary’s Church, Acton. Those of you who have seen the photographs taken at my licensing by Lusa, Bishop of Willesden, would have undoubtedly noticed my joy, excitement, and absolute delight at the occasion, knowing I was being licensed to St Mary’s, Acton.
A little about me: I have never known a time when the risen Lord Jesus was not in my life. I was 12 when I took a deeper interest in the church, and as a young teenager, a visiting priest said to me, “God may want you to be a priest one day.” This prompted me to think more about ordained ministry.
It was suggested by my then Bishop that I undertake three months of vocational work (ask a teenager what that means, and you'll probably get the reply, “I have to work and not get paid”). My choices at the time were the Police or funeral service. I chose the latter, where my late father was the Royal Embalmer, a forensic scientist, and the head of the disaster response team. To cut a fascinating story short, my three months turned into 40 years. I specialized in disaster response, identification, and repatriation, eventually becoming the Vice President of the international division of what was then the largest funeral directors in the world. With two business partners, I bought the international division of the company. I have worked on 50 major incidents worldwide, not including 23 deployments for the MoD. Simultaneously, I served as Vice President of the European Federation of Funeral Services and the International Federation of Thanatologists.
During one of these deployments, I had an experience that profoundly impacted my life. Upon returning to London, it was suggested I undertake a two-year theology course underwritten by Middlesex University to address my issues. After graduating, it was recommended I pursue further studies and reconsider my calling from my teenage years. I started the process of Ordained Ministry in 2011.
I trained at St Mellitus Theological College, graduated in Theology from Durham University, and was ordained at St Paul’s Cathedral on 2nd July 2016, where I now serve as a Duty Priest. I am currently preparing to write my Master’s dissertation, pending approval from Durham’s Ethics Board.
I hold a full-time position as a Railway Chaplain, covering the area from Waterloo to Weymouth, including the Island Line back to Waterloo. I also look after the District Line from Earl’s Court to Ealing Broadway, Wimbledon, and Richmond (never a dull moment). Much of my day is spent being a presence for those in need on the railway. As a qualified Mental Health First Aider, I spend considerable time with those affected by tragic events on our railway. I also serve on the executive board of the Railway Benefit Fund.
I have been married to Eiddy for almost 30 years. Eiddy hails from a tiny village in Southern Thailand, slightly north of the Malaysian border. She is a Thai Head Chef (so why would I interfere in the kitchen?). Eiddy is currently recovering from multiple cancers, is doing extremely well, and looks amazing. Her cool hairstyle is natural, by the way. Eiddy enjoys cooking Thai food, walking along riversides on the south coast of England with me, and travelling to places of interest. Eiddy’s nickname for me is ‘Pe’; you can ask her why.
In my spare time, I serve as the Chairman of Trustees of the Dot Com Children’s Foundation. I am passionate about rowing and a member of Thames Tradesman’s Rowing Club. I love scuba diving when I get the opportunity and go running if I really have to. I have been a Fulham Football Club supporter since 1968, so you will understand why both Eiddy and me look sad on multiple occasions. I have a deep concern for many social issues, which I will be involved with at St Mary’s. My interests also include Teresa of Avila, ballet, opera, liberation theology, and walking along the river both where we live and in the countryside with Eiddy.
I am overjoyed at the very thought of working alongside and sharing in ministry with Father Joseph and Mother Jeanny, and I look forward to getting to know all of you in time.
The Revd Christopher Henley