Matthew grew up as a Christian but admits it didn’t really have an impact on his life until his teens. He attended an Ash Wednesday service at Sheffield Cathedral which proved to be a truly spiritual experience. This faith kindled into something stronger during his teenage years and while Matthew was at university he took the decision to be confirmed. He went on to study for a PhD at Oxford and become a Doctor of mathematics. Then, having found a church in Oxford which really drew him in with its spirituality, liturgy, community and theology, Matthew felt called to something more. He has studied for ordination on the Part-Time Pathway, alongside his work as a maths lecturer.
He said: “My faith is the grounding that gives meaning to the rest of my life. It is the hope that keeps me going when times are difficult. It is the hope that I try to share with other people and it is the core that gives me direction.”
Matthew completed his studies in 2025 and will serve his curacy at the parish of Cowley St John and enjoys spending his spare time with his wife Naomi and son Martin.