The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce the appointment of Fr Toby Boutle as the priest-in-charge of the parish of Swindon New Town.
Toby has been serving his curacy at St Georges, Whyke, in Chichester since 2016. In that time, he has helped set up a new Christian charity to strengthen the Church's work with people who are homeless. Through the Anna Chaplaincy movement, Toby has also been involved in developing ministry to older people, especially those living in nursing and residential homes. He is particularly interested in Christian contemplative prayer and has led study days on scripture and spirituality.
Toby is also the Bishop of Chichesters political and parliamentary assistant.
Before formation for the priesthood at St Stephens House, Oxford, Toby practised as a barrister in London for nine years. Prior to that he worked as a speechwriter to the then Leader of the Opposition, William Hague. Tobys interests include the theatre, gardens and walking.
Toby said: I am very excited to be coming to Swindon New Town. It is a parish in a wonderful setting for mission, with a rich spiritual and liturgical inheritance, as well as a committed and generous laity.It is going to be a real privilege to be working to share the Gospel in Swindon.
Bishop Viv said: I am so pleased to be able to make this announcement. Toby comes to us with a wealth of experience from the worlds of church, politics and law. I have no doubt that he will bring many gifts to Swindon and the wider Diocese and I look forward with eager anticipation to seeing the mission of the Church unfold in Swindon New Town.