New National Police Chaplain installed
The Rev Matthew Hopley has been installed as the new National Police Chaplain for UK Policing.
A commissioning service took place at the newly opened Trinity Church in central Birmingham where Rev Hopley was previously on staff as a pastor. Dignitaries joined with policing colleagues from across the UK along with the local congregation and Rev Hopley’s family and friends. During the uplifting service Rev Hopley affirmed his commitment to the role and was formally commissioned.
Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Sir David Thompson QPM, gave the opening greeting, followed by Rev Dominic Jones, chair of PCUK who gave the ‘charge’ setting out the requirements of the role.
A multi-faith act of unity then followed in support of the nation chaplain and as a visual representation of chaplains being beckons of hope.
This was led by volunteer police chaplain Imam Mohammad Asad MBE, lighting the first of a series of candles. A short address from Trinity Church’s Pastor Kirk McAtear was a prelude to a formal commendation to the role from the chief constable of Warwickshire Police Debbie Tedds.
Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for Chaplaincy, then formally received Rev Hopley into his new role.
Rev Hopley, said: “It is a great honour to be appointed into this role and to accept the responsibility of leading Police Chaplaincy as we collectively work to enhance the pastoral and spiritual care of around the 250,000 officers, staff, and volunteers across UK policing.
“My previous experiences of supporting front-line policing provide great understanding and empathy of the highly demanding and often stressful duties that our officers and staff face on a daily basis.
“I look forward to increasing our welfare support to policing through chaplaincy teams who are a fantastic source of pastoral care and encouragement, and to working alongside police leadership as we continue to serve the needs of our communities.
“The trustees of Police Chaplaincy UK and I, look forward to building on the tremendous legacy of Canon David Wilbraham.”
Ms Blyth said: “On behalf of the NPCC and College of Policing, I am delighted to receive Revd. Matthew Hopley as our new National Police Chaplain.
“I know that he will support our policing code of ethics and help us serve our communities with courage.”
The occasion was supported by the Honour Guard and Brass Band from West Midlands Police, the cadets of Warwickshire Police, and Trinity Church’s own band. The service concluded with the ‘Police Prayer’ shared by volunteer chaplain, Major Vic Kennedy of the Salvation Army.