New Chaplain for The Hague We are delighted to announce the appointment of The Revd Canon Michael Roden as Chaplain of St. John and St. Philip, The Hague. Currently, Michael is Canon Chancellor of Bristol Cathedral and he has extensive parish experience in the Church of England. Micheal will bring much wisdom, experience and passion to his new role. He is married to Janet van der Linden, Professor in Interaction Design at the Open University. Before ordination, Michael worked with homeless alcoholics in Birmingham and in London. In his ministry he has worked in inner city London and suburban Wimbledon, city centre Oxford, where he was a University Chaplain. When their children were born he worked as a Rural Rector in Oxfordshire followed by 16 years running a very large parish in Hitchin Hertfordshire as Team Rector and Rural Dean. In Hitchin he managed to combine and build up both a formal choral and new fresh expressions church. He is presently at Bristol Cathedral responsible for making the Cathedral more approachable to all. Michael writes: 'When I think of The Hague, I am very impressed by its story and the amazing opportunities of the place. I want to help build a spiritual home for all who come. People are longing for beauty, community and peace. I would like all those who feel homesick for God to find themselves deeply at home. We want people who come to church to go away delighted and strengthened by the experience. There is nothing wrong with church being both challenging and gezellig!' Michael and Janet are planning to move to The Hague in early December. A licensing date is envisaged in the middle of December. Manage Cookie Preferences