Part-Time Chaplain St. Andrew’s Tangier, Morocco

Introduction

THE CHURCH OF ST ANDREW’ S CHAPLAINCY 

Tangier is a thriving Moroccan port city on the northwestern corner of Africa overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. As a strategic gateway poised between Europe and Africa, the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, Tangier has a unique history and character. Our Chaplaincy at St. Andrew’s seeks to worship God and serve people in this beautiful and exciting context.

Located on the Rue d’Angleterre on the edge of the Medina (old city), the Church of St. Andrew was a gift of Moroccan Sultan Hassan I to Queen Victoria over 140 years ago for the British community living in Tangier. Fondly referred to by locals as ‘the English Church, ’it is centrally located and walking distance to all major amenities, including the main boulevard (Boulevard Pasteur), banks, the Medina and souk (marketplace), as well as the chaplaincy flat. The church was built in the Moorish style in 1894 and consecrated in 1905. Administratively, the church belongs to the Archdeaconry of Gibraltar as part of the Diocese in Europe. The church grounds consist of the church, a caretaker’s cottage, a lavatory for parishioners and public use, and an impressive, well-maintained garden housing a cemetery for both the famous and the ‘infamous.’ The church and its community take very seriously the future of the church out of respect for, and legacy of, the people (and their families and decedents who survive them) who are buried there. The gardens and church are open to the public each day of the week bar Friday, an important day of prayer for Muslim people. Yassine, the onsite caretaker, takes Fridays off to spend time in the mosque and the afternoon with his family. A courtyard leading into the church is a meeting place for people of all faiths for mint tea, coffee and conversation throughout the week. Henri Matisse's painting of 1913, Landscape Viewed from a Window, depicts St. Andrew’s from afar. The church reflects a fusion of Anglican and Moroccan styles and its bell tower overlooking the cemetery is shaped like a minaret. The Lord’s Prayer carved in stucco framing the alter is in Arabic, and other decorative features – its refined column capitals and carved stucco panels, painted wood chancel ceiling and green tiled roof – are in the traditional style used for holy buildings in Morocco. 

We seek a Part time chaplain.

The Chaplaincy Council at St. Andrew’s is seeking to appoint and enthusiastic priest to lead our beautiful church in the exciting city of Tangier and help us grow into the next chapter of our life together. 

We offer;

A recently updated apartment just ten minutes from the church A supportive chaplaincy council A congregation seeking to grow their Christian faith If you feel called to this ministry, we would love to hear from you

There is a commitment to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding Policies (vetting and screening) will apply to this post. 

The Diocese in Europe is keen to encourage applications from women and candidates from GMH backgrounds