InterviewBlog | Rose Hudson-Wilkin Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons
Rose Hudson-Wilkin Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons
Author: Andy PeckPost Date: 02.03.19
Rose Hudson-Wilkin Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons by Louisa Lockwood Spring 2019
LL You were ordained in 1994, in the first year that the CofE ordained women priests, and were appointed Chaplain to the Queen in 2008, the first black woman in this role.So you are used to being at the forefront of change! When you were invited to be Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Common in 2010, what made you say ‘yes’?
I applied for the role as Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons and after interview, I was eventually appointed to the position. I applied because I felt very strongly that faith should be at the heart of the public square. Faith is who we are and therefore we bring that with us in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. We therefore allow who we are to connect with our context.
LL Were you involved or interested in politics before this appointment? In what way?
I understand politics to be about the decisions we make that have to do with people’s lives. I have always been interested in politics. When I read scripture, I discover a God who is interested in people’s lives. In both the Old and New Testament, we find a God who is interested in the welfare and wellbeing of the total person; a compassionate God interested in mercy, justice and those who are most vulnerable. This is where my passion lies.
LL What are your day-to-day duties in the House of Commons?I’ve heard that you have changed the prayer structure and content of daily prayers in the chamber, with the approval of John Bercow (the Speaker).
