Speaker’s Chaplain Service

On Tuesday 12 November 2024, I attended the Licensing and Commissioning service of The Reverend Mark Birch as Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons.

This historic role involves  providing pastoral care for MPs, peers, and staff, and assisting the Speaker in leading key events in the parliamentary calendar, such as the opening of the Constituency Garden of Remembrance, and Christmas Carol services.

Revd Mark said ‘I am looking forward to connecting with Christians and other faith groups within the parliamentary community, while ensuring Parliament’s chapel – St Mary Undercroft – continues to be a quiet and reflective place at the heart of the Palace of Westminster.’ Mark is already familiar with the Chaplain’s role, having taken part in the Speaker’s procession and led prayers in the House of Commons Chamber, in the absence of the previous chaplain -Revd  Tricia Hillas. He has also been involved in services at St Margaret’s Church, which is known fondly by MPs as the ‘parish church of the House of Commons’.