Stephen Parsons

Stephen Parsons

Stephen ParsonsStephen Parsons, the Rector of St Cuthbert's Colinton had a varied ministry in the Church of England before coming to Scotland in 2003.His theological training began at Keble College, Oxford and was continued at Cuddesdon College before ordination as deacon in 1970.During his early student years, he also fitted in some time abroad studying in Greece and Switzerland, furthering his interest in ecumenical studies and Eastern Orthodoxy.After ordination and three years in an inner city parish as a curate, he returned to Oxford to spend two further years studying for a research degree in the liturgy of the Orthodox church.A further curacy in Kent followed before he became Vicar of Lugwardine with two other villages in Herefordshire.He also acted as the Bishop of Hereford's Ecumenical Officer.More recently from 1987 he served as Vicar of Lechlade in Gloucestershire where he remained until his appointment to Colinton in August 2003.Stephen has many interests and enthusiasms to bring to his work.He has for many years been interested in the ministry of healing in the Church and two of his three published books concern this topic.He has also made a study of the charismatic/evangelical wing of the church and the Christian ministry of deliverance.He possesses a particular concern for those who find themselves victims of cults, whether Christian or otherwise.As well as continuing his wider interests, he has a vision for the people of St Cuthbert's, to help them in their growth towards their goal of being a learning, growing, as well as a deeply caring congregation.