The Archdeacon of Canterbury, as patron of the parish of St Stephen, Hackington in Canterbury invites applications for the post of Rector of the parish. St Stephen’s is a prominent residential parish in the north east quarter of the city. It contains a variety of housing, including a historic village centre, a large housing estate and about half of the campus of the University of Kent.
This is an excellent opportunity to take on leadership of a parish in the liberal catholic tradition at a time when things are looking up in its life. Since the departure of the last incumbent an interim priest in charge has taken the helm and the PCC has turned around its finances. There is still a lot of work to do but there is a re-energised group of people with whom that work can be shared.
The combination of a legacy and grant support from the Diocesan Board of Finance has enabled this post to be made on a full-time basis as an interim appointment under Regulation 29 of the Clergy Terms of Service Measure. The initial appointment will be for three years, renewable for up to a further three years. An important part of the role of the next Rector will be to engage with this estate and to seek opportunities for community outreach and mission across the whole parish, and particularly in the area of the parish known as the Hales Place Estate, an area of higher deprivation.
Music plays a large part in the life of the parish and an enthusiasm for the choral tradition of the place is essential.
If you would like a conversation about this position please be in touch with the Archdeacon’s office via Caroline Hemington (chemington@diocant.org) for an appointment.
Closing Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026
Interview Date: Wednesday 14 October 2026
The priest appointed to this role must have been ordained in the Church of England or a church in communion with it and must have successfully completed a training post with the appropriate sign-offs required to apply for an incumbency or other ordained role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK as this post does not currently qualify for visa sponsorship.
The priest appointed will serve as an office holder under Common Tenure, and the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations will apply.