The Revd Canon Justin White appointed as the Chaplain of Merton College

The College is pleased to announce that The Revd Canon Justin White has been appointed as the new Chaplain from Hilary term.

“I am delighted to announce the Revd Canon Justin White as the next Chaplain of Merton. Justin comes to us with a wealth of experience; he will provide valuable support to the College community, whilst working to sustain and enhance existing Chapel life and the Choral Foundation in Merton. I look forward to welcoming Justin and introducing him to staff, students, Fellows and alumni when he arrives next term.” -  Professor Jennifer Payne, Warden of Merton College

Justin grew up in the Arabian Gulf and the Isle of Man before arriving in Oxford to read Engineering at Keble College. A Masters in International Studies at Warwick University was followed by a career in Management Consultancy with Price Waterhouse. He read Theology at Trinity College Cambridge while training for ministry at Westcott House. A curacy at St Andrew’s Chippenham was followed by chaplaincies at the School of St Helen & St Katharine Abingdon, Dulwich College and, for 12 years, at Winchester College where he served as Dean of Chapel, Head of Theology & Philosophy, and Teacher of Physics. 

Justin was for a short time Canon Precentor of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. He is currently the Senior Provost of the Woodard Corporation. Appointed a Priest Vicar of Westminster Abbey in 2015, Justin has also been an Honorary Canon of Chichester Cathedral since 2024.

“The Chapel and Chaplaincy at Merton have earned a reputation for liturgical and pastoral excellence, and so it is with honour, and a deep sense of responsibility, that I now take on the role of Chaplain. I look forward to continuing and nurturing that tradition and contributing to the life of this extraordinary College.” - The Revd Canon Justin White