As your chaplaincy reps and observer in the appointment process we are delighted that we can make the following announcement:

Also on behalf of our Patron ICS and Mission Director Richard Bromley and the Archdeacon on behalf of the Bishop we are delighted to inform you that Bishop Robert has appointed Reverend Canon Michael Roden to be the next Chaplain of St John and St Philip, The Hague.

Michael currently is Canon Chancellor of Bristol Cathedral and he has extensive parish experience in the Church of England. Micheal will bring much wisdom, experience and passion to his new role.

Michael is married to Janet van der Linden, Professor in Interaction design at the Open UniversIty in the UK

Before ordination Michael worked with homeless alcoholics in Birmingham and in London. In his ministry he has worked in inner city London and suburban Wimbledon, city centre Oxford, where he was a university chaplain. 

When their children were born he worked as a Rural Rector in Oxfordshire followed by 16 years running a very large parish in Hitchin Hertfordshire as Team Rector and Rural Dean. In Hitchin he managed to combine and build up both a formal choral and new fresh expressions church- ‘the experience was a very happy one’. He is presently at Bristol Cathedral responsible for making the cathedral more approachable to all.

Michael says, 

‘When I think of The Hague, I am very impressed by its story and the amazing opportunities of the place- I want to help build a spiritual home for all who come. People are longing for beauty , community and peace I would like all those who feel homesick for God to find themselves deeply at home. We want people who come to church to go away delighted and strengthened by the experience. There is nothing wrong with church being both challenging and gezellig!’