We are delighted to announce that The Reverend Robert Coupland has been appointed as the next Vicar of Christ Church, Southgate.
Fr Robert currently serves as Chaplain to the Bishop of London, a role he has held since March 2025, supporting the bishop’s episcopal ministry across the diocese. Prior to this, he served at St Paul’s Cathedral as Minor Canon and Sacrist from October 2019, where he was part of the team overseeing the daily round of prayer and worship, as well as the large number of special services held throughout the year. In 2024, he served as Acting Canon Precentor, providing oversight of the Worship and Music Directorate. Following this, he was appointed to the newly created role of Head of Liturgy, which he held concurrently with the Minor Canonry. Fr Robert joined the Two Cities Area Ministry Team in 2021 as Area Directors of Ordinands. Before coming to the Cathedral, he served as Assistant Curate at two inner-city churches in Brighton and as sequestrator for a third.
Reflecting on his appointment, Fr Robert writes:
“It is an enormous privilege to have been appointed as the next Vicar of Christ Church. I am grateful to Bishop Anderson and to those who discerned this appointment for their trust and for this wonderful opportunity. I am excited and inspired by the vibrant life of the community and by its evident commitment to worship, music, outreach, the environment, and inclusivity. I look forward to joining in all that God is doing in Southgate. Please pray for me as I prepare for this ministry, and be assured of my prayers in return.”
Kate Carroll and Graham Cook, Churchwardens, write:
“We are delighted to welcome Fr Robert as our new Vicar at Christ Church Southgate. He embodies our parish ethos and tradition and brings energy and vision to the role. We are excited to journey with him as he challenges us to discover new opportunities to grow God’s ministry here in Southgate. His arrival will be welcomed by all in the parish, and we look forward to supporting him as he begins his ministry among us.”
The Right Reverend Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Bishop of Edmonton, writes:
“I am delighted that Fr. Robert has accepted the invitation to become the next Vicar of Christ Church, Southgate. With his extensive experience in liturgical worship and his dedication to nurturing people in their faith, Fr. Robert brings both passion and a calm, thoughtful presence to his new role. I have no doubt he will be a great blessing to both the parish and the Edmonton Episcopal Area.”
Subject to the usual checks, Fr Robert’s licensing date will be announced in the coming weeks.
About
Robert grew up in rural North Yorkshire (though he has no discernible accent!). After school, he trained and worked in early years education. After discerning a call to ministry, he moved to London to serve as Pastoral Assistant at St Matthew’s, Westminster. He then trained for ministry at Westcott House, Cambridge. He was made deacon in 2016 and ordained priest in 2017.