Early in the summer, it was announced that Bishop Christopher has appointed The Revd Canon Dr Chigor Chike to succeed the Rt Revd Alastair Cutting as the next Archdeacon of Lewisham & Greenwich. Chigor has now stepped into the role, having been collated during a special service of Choral Evensong at Southwark Cathedral. During the same service, the Bishops of Kingston and Woolwich – the Rt Revd Dr Martin Gainsborough and the Rt Revd Alastair Cutting – were installed in the Cathedral.
Speaking on the occasion, the Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun said, “Today has been a triple celebration in our wonderful cathedral church. It is a delight to welcome Chigor to our diocesan leadership team. He brings with him the experience of many years working in parish, a passion for social justice and great theological insight. I am also delighted to celebrate the installation of Bishops Martin and Alastair, who are a great gift to their respective Episcopal Areas as well as the wider diocesan family.”
“It is such a privilege to be called to serve God in this new role,” added Chigor. “The boroughs of Lewisham and Greenwich are where my ministry journey started many years ago – and it’s wonderful to be returning home. At the heart of my calling is
a commitment to advocating for those who are marginalised – for whatever reason – by society. I can’t wait to begin my work with our parishes and all those seeking to bless and serve the communities of Lewisham and Greenwich.”
Meet Chigor
About The Revd Canon Dr Chigor Chike
Chigor Chike was born in 1966 in Nigeria. He studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Benin before working for Lever Brothers Nigeria until he moved to the UK in 1992.
In 1999, Chigor completed his training as a Church Army Evangelist and was appointed as Homeless Outreach Worker at St Martin in the Bull Ring in Birmingham. In 2002, Chigor moved to become the Community Evangelist for St Luke’s Church Canning Town. In this role, he established Canning Town Outlook, which organised English Language classes and dress-making lessons for refugees in the area. While in this role, Chigor discerned a calling for ordained ministry and trained at St John’s College in Nottingham. He was ordained in 2006 and served his curacy at St Luke’s Canning Town. In 2010, he was appointed Vicar of Emmanuel Church Forest Gate, where he has served until now.
Chigor is a keen student, having gained a National Diploma in Evangelism Studies (Church Army), a BA in Theology (University of Gloucestershire), an MTh in Applied Theology (Oxford University), a PhD in Theology (University of Birmingham) and an MA in Islamic Studies (University of Wales Trinity Saint David).
He has published several books and articles on Christian theology and social issues and his book, African Christianity in Britain, is seen by many as ground-breaking in its field. His second book, Voices From Slavery, has also been highly commended. Chigor is a visiting lecturer at the University of Roehampton and has acted as consultant on diversity, equity and inclusion for a number organisations.
Alongside parish ministry, he is a chaplain to King Charles, a member of the Archbishops’ Racial Justice Commission, Chair of REIN (a London-based equalities organisation) and coordinator of an Interfaith project called Faithful Friends, among other roles.
