Judy French

Judith Karen French (called Judy; born 18 November 1960) is a British retired Anglican priest. From 2014 to 2022, she was the Archdeacon of Dorchester in the Diocese of Oxford.

French was educated at a United Reformed Church boarding school, studied theology at St David's College, Lampeter, and trained for ordination at St Stephen's House, Oxford. She served as a parish deacon in the Diocese of Portsmouth (1991–1994), and as an assistant curate in the Diocese of Coventry (1994–1997). She was a Vicar in the Diocese of Oxford from 1997 until her appointment as Archdeacon; during this incumbency, she also served as Area Dean of Chipping Norton (2007–2012). In 2012, she was made an Honorary Canon of Christ Church Cathedral.

Early life and education French was born on 18 November 1960 in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. She spent her childhood living in England, Kenya and the Middle East, as the family moved during her father's career as a telecom engineer. Her mother was a Sunday school teacher. From 1994 to 1997, she served as an assistant curate at St Mark's Church, Bilton in the Diocese of Coventry; On 19 June 2014, she was collated as archdeacon during a service at Christ Church Cathedral. She retired effective 30 September 2022, after eight years as archdeacon. Her farewell service was held at Dorchester Abbey on 25 September 2022.