New National Police Chaplain

The service took place at the newly opened Trinity Church in central Birmingham where Matthew was previously on staff as a Pastor. Dignitaries joined with policing colleagues from across the UK along with the local congregation and Matthew’s family and friends. During the uplifting service Matthew 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 Revd Dominic Jones, Chair of PCUK 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 Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police Debbie Tedds.

Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for Chaplaincy, then formally received Matthew into his new role.

National Police Chaplain Revd. Matthew 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.”

Deputy Chief Constable Maggie, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Chaplaincy, said:

“On behalf of the National Police Chiefs’ Council 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 formal yet friendly 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.

A thank you from Revd. Matthew Hopley

Please see the four minute highlight and thank you video from Revd. Matthew Hopley,:

Recording of the full service

There is also a link to the recording of the full service: