Mark Birch

Mark Russell Birch, (born 25 April 1970) is a British Anglican priest and chaplain. He is a canon of Westminster Abbey. After working as a vet, he trained for ordination at Westcott House, Cambridge. He served as a chaplain at an Oxford University college, a children's hospice and a special school for disabled children and young adults. He was priest-in-charge of St Faith's Church, Winchester, before joining Westminster Abbey in 2014 as a chaplain and minor canon. He was made precentor in 2020 and has served as canon rector since 2024. Between 2024 and 2026 he was Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Biography Birch graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) from the University of Bristol in 1993. During that time, he also studied theology at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1999. He then served as chaplain at Exeter College, a college of Oxford University (2003–2005) ; at Helen & Douglas House, a children's hospice (2006–2010); and at Treloar School, a special school for disabled children and young adults (2010–2014). From 2012 to 2014, he was priest-in-charge of St Faith's Church, Winchester and chaplain to the Hospital of St Cross. He was appointed precentor in 2020, becoming responsible for the daily worship at the Abbey and planning many of its special services. He took part in the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on 19 September 2022; leading the prayers from ministers and clergy of different Christian denominations. In the 2023 Demise Honours, he was appointed Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) for services to the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He also led the rehearsals for the coronation of Charles III in 2023.

On 26 September 2024, it was announced that he would be the next Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons, in succession to Tricia Hillas. He was also appointed canon rector of Westminster Abbey, with special responsibility for in its ministry in the public square. On 3 February 2026 it was announced that Mark Birch was to head up the public engagement programme at Westminster Abbey, and the next Speaker's Chaplain would be Andrew Hillier.