Rector of the Damascus Parish

Church of England; Sutton; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Christ Church Oxford seeks a rector for the Damascus Parish, covering Drayton, Appleford, Milton, Sutton Courtenay and Steventon. The priest will be a strong visionary leader who listens well, cares deeply, and has a sense of humour.

The role includes engaging communities, encouraging lay involvement and working closely with the current ministry team and congregations. DBS enhanced disclosure is required, with interviews on 19 November 2026.

Qualifications

• Requires strong personal faith and a listening, caring approach with a sense of humour.
• Experience in parish leadership or church governance is desirable.
• DBS enhanced disclosure is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead Damascus Parish with five churches across Drayton, Appleford, Milton, Sutton Courtenay and Steventon.
• Engage with communities, encourage lay involvement and work with the ministry team and congregations.

Job description

Christ Church Oxford, the Dean and Chapter of Westminster, the Dean and Canons of Windsor and the Bishop of Oxford seek a priest as Rector of the Damascus Parish.

We are a welcoming single parish with five churches in the semi-rural Oxfordshire villages of Drayton, Appleford, Milton, Sutton Courtenay and Steventon, which lie between Abingdon and Didcot.

We are praying for a Rector with a strong personal faith who listens well, cares deeply, and has a sense of humour.

We are looking for a leader of vision who will engage with our communities, encourage lay involvement and work well with the existing ministry team and congregations.

We are offering a supportive lay and ordained ministry team, two churchwardens, one PCC, significant paid administrative support and a well appointed four-bedroom house in a quiet close in Sutton Courtenay.

Closing date: Sunday 18th October 2026

Interviews: Thursday 19th November 2026

DBS enhanced disclosure is required.