CV

Russell Dewhurst

A priest in the Church of England, I combine pastoral ministry with expertise in ecclesiastical law. I am committed to fostering a flourishing church, rooted in tradition and responsive to contemporary challenges. I bring skills in leadership, theology, canon law, and administration, tailored to church and charity contexts.

Education

  • Cardiff University, currently studying part-time for a PhD in Canon Law, 2021–.
  • Cardiff University, LLM Canon Law, 2010.
  • University of Cambridge, BTh, Theology, 2003. (Westcott House/Selwyn College).
  • University of Oxford, MPhys, Physics, 1999. (Magdalen College).

Languages: French (intermediate), Italian (intermediate), Latin (good).

Current Roles

Diocese of Chichester, Church of England

  • Acting Archdeacon of Chichester for Midhurst, Petworth, Storrington and Worthing, Jan 2025–.
  • Module tutor for ‘Law and the Public Minister’, delivered to curates as part of the Common Awards BA validated by Durham University, 2023–.
  • Sequestrator of the parish of Bury, Coldwaltham, Hardham, and Houghton during the vacancy, 2023–.
  • Assistant Priest, St Mary’s, West Chiltington, 2021–.

Anglican Communion

  • Chair of the Anglican Communion Legal Advisors’ Network, 2024–.
  • In 2021-2, I chaired the revision committee for the Principles of Canon Law Common to the Churches of the Anglican Communion, involving 50+ canon lawyers worldwide.

St Padarn’s Institute, Church in Wales

  • Associate Tutor for Canon Law, leading on the MA Theology, Ministry, and Mission with canon law specialism, 2024–.
  • Lead the tutorial team for the new canon law MA degree (Common Awards, validated by Durham University).

Centre for Law and Religion, School of Law and Politics, Cardiff University

  • Fellow, Centre for Law and Religion, Cardiff University.
  • Co-chair the Porvoo Church Law Symposium with Andreas A. Aarflot.
  • Member of the Colloquium of Anglican and Roman Catholic Canon Lawyers, an international ecumenical group at which I regularly present papers.
  • Member of the Church Law History Consortium, and contributor to the Consortium’s recently published book.

Ecclesiastical Law Journal (published by Cambridge University Press)

  • Book reviews editor, 2022–.
  • Editorial board member, 2020–.

Communications Officer, Ecclesiastical Law Society (2021– )

  • Lead on communications and IT as part of the Executive Team.
  • Facilitate delivery of the Society’s in-person conferences and online webinars; curate the website and Youtube channel.
  • Teach introductory canon law to final-year ordinands at several Church of England theological education institutions.
  • Initiated and led ground-breaking online reading groups studying the Church of England canons May 2020–Jan 2021, involving 50 lawyers, clergy, and academics across the UK & USA.

Research fellow, St Augustine’s College of Theology, Kent (2021– )

  • Teach and share research at the College.

Consultancy

  • Consultant for the Review of the Faculty System of the Church in Wales, commissioned by the Archbishop of Wales, 2024-5.
  • Consultant for Tariro UK charity.

Experience

  • Law Teacher, School of Law and Politics, Cardiff University, 2023-4.
  • Vicar of Ewell, Diocese of Guildford, 2009-21.
    • I led a team of assistant clergy, 4 paid staff, and volunteers. As Vicar, I expanded ministry to children and families, built up links with schools and the local community, and oversaw several projects to develop the church building and site. I was twice Chaplain to the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell.
  • Priest-in-Church of St Frideswide with Binsey, Diocese of Oxford, 2005–9.
  • Executive Assistant to the Archdeacon of Oxford, 2007-9.
  • Assistant Chaplain of Exeter College, Oxford, 2006-9.
  • Web Pastor of i-church (online Fresh Expressions project), 2005-7.
  • Assistant Curate in the Diocese of Oxford, 2003-5.
  • IT consultant, Aris UK, 1999-2000.