Biography

Rob is from the South Coast of England, an was an undergraduate at the University of Kent, based in the historic city of Canterbury. He then undertook several postgraduate degrees at Cambridge, London, and Nottingham, and trained for ordination at Westcott House in Cambridge. In addition to his theological studies, he also has an MLitt in Terrorism Studies from the University of St. Andrews. Some of Rob's publications can be found here: https://independent.academia.edu/RobJames22

Rob was ordained as a Deacon in 2005, an then as a Priest in 2006. He worked in the Diocese of St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich, and then in the Diocese of Gloucester, before moving to Wells Cathedral in the Diocese of Bath and Wells. He then came to Canada and taught Theology for three years, as well as being attached to Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver. As well as working for the Church, Rob has worked for the UK government. In ministry, Rob has a special interest in Children's work, especially in biblical storytelling, and in teaching.

Rob first came to Canada when working for the Government to see his counterparts in Ottawa. He loved being in Canada at that time and thought that one day he'd like to have a go at working here. At the time, that could have been as part of an exchange between the governments, but then he started working for the church full time, and that possibility went away. Then, some years later, a teaching position came up in Vancouver, and it was a good time to make the move to Canada. There are things Rob and his wife, Jean, miss about the UK, but they are happy to be spending 'a season' in Canada.

Rob is married to Jean, a secondary school mathematics teacher by profession, although currently undertaking a mixture of administrative work. They have a very elderly cat who travelled with them from the UK.

Astronomy is Rob's oldest hobby, and he uses a telescope that he built himself. He loves being involved with amateur dramatics, and he has often acted in plays, and sometimes written them for local groups. When he was a parish priest in Gloucestershire, he was one half of a writing duo who used to write pantomimes, a kind of play that does not translate well out of British culture! He is always happy to be walking in the countryside, and enjoys gardening.