The Reverend Canon Justin White

In 2026, the College Chaplaincy was permanently endowed for the first time in Merton’s history, thanks to the exceptional generosity of the Hon Michael Huffington, whose principal gift of £1 million was matched by contributions from more than 120 other benefactors. This landmark endowment secures for future generations the Chaplaincy’s vital contribution to the College’s enduring commitment to learning, worship, and the pastoral care of its community.

In recognition of his benefaction, the holder of the endowed post is henceforth known as Huffington’s Chaplain.

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 and St Katharine Abingdon, Dulwich College and, for 12 years, at Winchester College where he served as Dean of Chapel, Head of Theology and Philosophy, and Teacher of Physics. Justin was for a short time Canon Precentor of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Most recently, he has been the Senior Provost of the Woodard Corporation. Appointed a Priest Vicar of Westminster Abbey in 2015, Justin has also been a Wiccamical Canon of Chichester Cathedral since 2024.