Sam Wells (priest)

The Reverend Canon
Sam Wells
Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields

Wells preaching at Duke Chapel
Church Church of England
Diocese Diocese of London
Orders
Ordination 1991 (deacon)
1992 (priest)
Personal details
Born (1965-04-24) 24 April 1965
Nationality British
Denomination Anglican
Spouse Jo Wells
Children Two
Profession Priest, theologian
Alma mater Merton College, Oxford
New College, Edinburgh
Durham University

Samuel Martin Bailey Wells (born 24 April 1965) is an English priest of the Church of England. He is known for his preaching, work in Christian ethics, community organizing and public discourse on issues of faith. He is the current vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, a church in central London.

Early life and education

Wells studied at Merton College, Oxford, and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree; as per tradition, his BA was promoted to a Master of Arts (MA Oxon) degree. In 1988, he entered Edinburgh Theological College to train for ordination. During his time at theological college, he also studied theology at New College, University of Edinburgh, and graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Divinity (BD) degree. He later undertook post-graduate study at Durham University and completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in 1996.[1]

Ordained ministry

Ordained in 1991, he served Church of England parish appointments for 14 years in Newcastle, Cambridge and Norwich. He spent ten years of his ministry in areas of social disadvantage. For six years he was involved in establishing a community-led development trust, the first such organization in the east of England.[2] He also established a non-profit organization offering disadvantaged children opportunities to participate in creative play.

Dean of Duke Chapel

In 2005, Wells became dean of Duke Chapel and research professor of Christian ethics at Duke Divinity School. He developed and chaired the Faith Council, which consists of 12 members from different faith traditions. He initiated dialogue and led discussions on faith and ethics.[3]

While acting as the Dean at Duke Chapel, Wells co-ordinated the ministry and music of the chapel, preached and led worship. He also oversaw the campus ministries and taught in the divinity school and the school of public policy. He worked with the local Durham community through organizations such as the Religious Coalitions for a Non-Violent Durham to foster a closer relationship with the university and the city.

Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields

Currently, Wells is the vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields in central London. He was inducted by Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, on 2 July 2012. As vicar, in addition to ministerial duties, Wells supports the work of The Connection at St Martin's and oversees the Vicar's Relief Fund, which sends out grants throughout the UK to aid people in crisis.

Personal life

Wells is married to Jo Bailey Wells, who is the Bishop of Dorking (consecrated 29 June 2016), previously chaplain to Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; prior to this she had been Dean of Clare College, Cambridge, and was the Director of Anglican Episcopal House of Studies at Duke Divinity School. They have two children together, a son and a daughter.

Publications

References

  1. ↑ "Samuel Martin Bailey Wells". Crockford's Clerical Directory (online ed.). Church House Publishing. Retrieved 30 November 2015. (subscription required)
  2. ↑ http://www.twcnet.edu/news/24/
  3. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/duke-chapel-deans-dialogues/id420553395
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