Revd Dr Emma Parker

Emma first sensed God calling her when she was 16 and in the years that followed alternated between running enthusiastically towards that call and running fearfully away from it! However, after a year studying Physiotherapy at Sheffield, she began to give in and changed direction to study Theology at Durham University. She became addicted to church, study and chocolate, and after completing a Masters in Theological Research, she found herself teaching New Testament at an Anglican Seminary in Zambia.

When she returned to the UK, Emma began ordination training at Ridley Hall, was ordained in 2009, and became curate in three rural parishes in Durham Diocese. It was here that Emma became passionate about serving in churches in very deprived communities and exploring how this impacts upon mission, prayer and vocations. In 2012 she moved to Easington and Easington Colliery and became the Priest-in-Charge. Here she focused on children’s ministry, growing faith, vocations and confidence in the congregations, and helping the church to discern God’s vision for the community. In this time Emma was also a trustee for the Durham-Lesotho LINK, and the Diocesan Young Vocations Champion. She also began a PhD (and hopes to finish this soon!), looking at Paul’s concern over the opinion of ‘outsiders’ and what difference this makes for the church in its behaviour and decision-making.

As Deputy Warden, Emma works with the Warden and Academic Dean to oversee the life of Cranmer Hall, and is particularly passionate about enabling people of all ages to grow in holiness, to deepen their roots in Christ’s love, and to continue to discern and develop the gifts that God has given to them and how this will enable the mission of the church. She still has a particular interest in poverty and the role of the church, and in exploring new ways of praying in deprived areas.

In her spare time, Emma loves walking with her two dogs, playing with her toddler, watching ‘Bob’s Burgers’ with her husband, and she dreams about being a proper gardener one day.

Emma may be contacted by email on cran.depwarden@durham.ac.uk