The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, has announced a new Honourary Ecumenical Canon and three new Prebendaries of St Paul’s Cathedral. They will be installed during a service on 14 September 2025.
The Revd Dr Julie Gittoes, the Revd Angus Ritchie, and the Revd Jonathan Rust will all join as clergy Prebendaries whilst the Revd Jennifer Mills-Knutsen will be made Honourary Ecumenical Canon.
Prebendaries are appointed by the Bishop of London after consultation with the Dean of St Paul’s in recognition of their work in the Diocese. As part of the roles in the Greater Chapter of St Paul’s, they are each given their own stall in the quire, are invited to preach once a year and are given a portion of the Psalms to recite each day. They also play a valuable role in maintaining the Cathedral’s close links with the parishes of the London Diocese.
The title of Honourary Ecumenical Canons is appointed to those from other Christian denominations to recognise their contributions to the broader Christian community and promoting interdenominational unity.
The Bishop of London, The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, said:
I am delighted to welcome these four appointments into the St Paul’s family. They have all, in their own ways, contributed a huge amount to the Christian communities of London throughout their years of service. I look forward to seeing how they each bring their unique talents to their new roles and to see God guide them on this new journey.
Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Revd Andrew Tremlett, said:
Prebendaries and Honourary Canons play a key role in the life of the Cathedral, and I am thrilled that Julie, Angus, Jonathan and Jennifer will be joining us. I and the entire Chapter wish them the best for their new roles.
The Revd Jennifer Mills-Knutsen has served as the Senior Minister of the American International Church (AIC) in London since 2016. Originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, she was ordained in the United Church of Christ in the United States, and holds standing as clergy in the United Reformed Church. In addition to her role at AIC, Jennifer serves as Convenor of the Board of Governors for Westminster College, Cambridge (beginning September 2025); board member of the Soup Kitchen London, and as a volunteer chaplain @sohoplace with Theatre Chaplaincy UK.
Revd Jennifer Mills-Knutsen commented:
I am humbled and honoured by the Bishop’s invitation and recognition. Even more, I am moved that Bishop Sarah, Dean Tremlett and all of the folks at St. Paul’s see our work together in London as a partnership–especially around the annual American Thanksgiving Service. There is nothing that I and our American International Church leadership want more than to be good partners with other people doing God’s work of worship, justice and community here in London. I am grateful for the opportunity to make the relationship closer with this mutual commitment.
Prebendaries
The Reverend Dr Julie Gittoes has served as the Vicar of St Mary’s Hendon for the past seven years, demonstrating steadfast pastoral care and fostering a vibrant and engaged parish community. Her tenure has been marked by successful community outreach initiatives and sensitive handling of pastoral needs.
She has also spent five years as the Area Dean of Barnet. In this role, she has provided invaluable support and guidance to her fellow clergy and parishes, mentoring new incumbents, demonstrating a collaborative spirit and a clear vision for the flourishing of the local church.
Julie’s commitment extends beyond her parish and deanery responsibilities. Her membership in the Faith and Order Commission for over five years highlights her theological acumen and her dedication to engaging with important doctrinal and ecumenical discussions within the Church of England.
The Reverend Angus Ritchie was for several years Priest in Charge of St George in the East, overseeing the development of that church into a resource church in the modern catholic tradition for the Area. Since then, having handed over that leadership, he has remained as associate priest, and used this as a base to develop the work of the Centre for Theology and Community. This in turn has worked to develop churches across east London, and increasingly beyond, through the model of community organising. They have attracted substantial support from the Strategic Development Fund in this project, which is having significant growth impact in smaller, poorer, and more catholic churches in several dioceses.
The Reverend Jonathan Rust has been an influential advocate for mission in the Diocese of London, serving as the Director of Mission for Kensington Area since 2016. This pioneering role was the first of its kind within the Areas, and the Diocese, highlighting Jonathan’s trailblazing spirit and commitment to advancing the church’s mission. Prior to his current post, Jonathan was for 17 years in parish ministry in Holloway, where his leadership contributed to a period of significant numerical growth in the parish.
Jonathan has been instrumental in leading forward the missional agenda of the Kensington Area, significantly impacting the Diocese as a whole. As a member of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), Jonathan has used his pre-ordination professional experience in commercial real estate to benefit local parishes, ensuring that their physical spaces are conducive to vibrant ministry.
The new Prebendaries and their Prebendal Stall:
The Reverend Dr Julie Gittoes – Newington
The Reverend Angus Ritchie – Caddington Minor
The Reverend Jonathan Rust – Reculversand