Rev’d Mark Birch named as 81st Speaker’s Chaplain

The House of Commons Speaker said ‘it would be hard to find a kinder, more empathetic person’ than the Rev’d Mark Birch, who started his new job this month.

‘Not only has Mark had a central role in the rehearsals and preparations of two of the biggest events in most of our lifetimes at Westminster Abbey, but his career has involved providing chaplaincy in a range of organisations, including colleges and hospices,’ he said.

‘I am certain that his experience, warmth, and wise counsel will offer a spiritual lift to MPs and staff, who work so hard in the service of our national life.’

Mark's new role as Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons was approved by Sir Lindsay in September. Mark has also taken up the role of Canon Rector of Westminster Abbey as approved by HM The King.

Mark, 54, said he was ‘honoured and excited’ to be the 81^st Speaker’s Chaplain – taking over from the Venerable Tricia Hillas, who has been elevated to Bishop of Sodor and Man.

‘The Abbey and Parliament have been standing next to each other for centuries - influencing, talking to, and working together - so it feels like an extraordinary privilege to be part of that continued conversation between them,’ he 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 Tricia’s absence. 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’.

In addition to providing pastoral care for MPs, peers, and staff, Mark will assist the Speaker in leading key events in the parliamentary calendar, such as the opening of the Constituency Garden of Remembrance, and Christmas Carol services.

A Minor Canon at Westminster Abbey for 10 years, Mark read a prayer during the State Funeral for Her Late Majesty, The Queen, and assisted Their Majesties The King and Queen in rehearsals ahead of their Coronation.

Previously, he was Chaplain and spiritual care coordinator at the children’s hospice, Helen & Douglas House, in Oxford, before he was appointed as Chaplain at Lord Mayor Treloar’s School and College, in Hampshire.

Brought up in Dursley, Gloucestershire, Mark is the son of a history teacher father, and an NHS radiographer mother.

Having initially trained as a vet, who worked at a practice that specialised in treating birds of prey, as well as dogs, cats and parrots, Mark already has a lot in common with Mr Speaker - Westminster’s best-known animal lover.

‘As a child, I grew up surrounded by animals, particularly goats and chickens - so it is great to be working with someone who loves God’s creatures as much as me,’ said Mark.

‘However, I am not sure what use my elderly, three-legged rescue cat, Natalie, will be to Attlee and Clem – the Speaker’s cats – in keeping Westminster’s mouse population at bay.’