Our minister

Matthew is passionate about building and growing inclusive, spiritual community in Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding area. He is committed to encouraging depth of soul in a manner that is not based on lists of compulsory beliefs, but through honest reflection and gentle spiritual practice.

He studied for ministry at Harris Manchester College, Oxford and St Mary’s University, where he obtained a diploma in theology. His first degree, in Drama and Education, is from Cambridge University. From 1990 to 2004, Matthew worked for the national Unitarian General Assembly in a senior communications role. He was commissioning editor for two books – Prospects for the Unitarian Movement and Being Together: Unitarians Celebrate Congregational Life.

Nobody has the whole truth. Matthew reckons that, during a time where society is more divided, we must become better listeners – willing to engage open-heartedly with those with whom we might disagree. This prompted him to set up the ongoing Art of Conversation initiative in Bury St Edmunds, with former congregational lay leader Martin Gienke.