Who’s Who

Rev Andy Arnell, Associate Vicar

Andy was born in Driffield in East Yorkshire and was educated at Driffield School and Hull University, before moving to London to work in the Civil Service.

He is married to Katy, a nurse, and they have two grown up children, Daniel and Rebecca.

Andy received his formation for ordination at St Mellitus College, London, which he thoroughly enjoyed but does not miss the constant essay deadlines!

Following his ordination as deacon by the Bishop of London at St Paul’s Cathedral at Petertide, June 2019 he was appointed self-supporting Assistant Curate at Emmanuel Church, West Hampstead where he trained under the excellent Fr Jonathan Kester. He was priested by the Bishop of Edmonton at Emmanuel Church in 2020.

After three marvellous years as curate at Emmanuel Church, Andy was licensed as the self-supporting Associate Vicar of John Keble Church in February 2023.  He continues to work full-time as a civil servant.

Andy is also a West End theatre chaplain.  He was licensed into this role at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden (the Actors’ Church) in December 2022 and is chaplain of the Harold Pinter Theatre providing pastoral support to it and other theatres in the West End.

However, Andy has been involved with John Keble Church for over thirty years – though is still a bit of a newcomer compared to some of its congregation who have been attending much longer!  This includes his wife, Katy,  who has been a member of the church since childhood.  Andy was baptised (as an adult), confirmed and married at JK and his children were both baptised and confirmed there too.

Andy’s hobbies include reading, real ale, theatre/cinema, watching football,  watching old comedies on TV and collecting religious kitsch – the tackier the better!