The Canary Wharf Multifaith Chaplaincy (CWMC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Revd Alanna Harris as its new Lead Chaplain. With a skillset that reflects the growing diversity among the people and businesses of Canary Wharf, Alanna replaces the recently retired Lead Chaplain, Revd Dr Fiona Stewart-Darling, to continue leading the chaplaincy’s essential work.
In her role as Lead Chaplain, Alanna will focus on leading a ten-strong multifaith team of paid and volunteer chaplains, providing pastoral care to organisations around the estate and advising them on matters relating to ethics, values, and faith in the workplace.
In particular, Alanna aims to further enhance the chaplaincy’s visibility and impact across the Canary Wharf estate by growing the team of multifaith chaplains and volunteers. This will allow the chaplaincy to increase its reach to new and developing sectors, including construction, residential, hospitality, education, and healthcare.
Alanna brings over a decade of experience in ministry and leadership to the Lead Chaplain role along with academic credentials that include a Master’s degree in Theology, Ministry, and Mission from Ridley Hall, Cambridge University.
Most recently, she served as Anglican Chaplain at Charing Cross Hospital, where she provided pastoral care as part of a multifaith NHS team. She also served as Associate Priest at St Katharine Cree, the Guild Church for Workers in the City of London, where she continues to support the development of workplace chaplaincy.
James Bardrick, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the CWMC, praised Alanna’s appointment, commenting: “Alanna’s deep understanding of the spiritual and emotional needs within a professional environment, combined with her extensive experience in leadership and community engagement, makes her the ideal leader for our multifaith chaplaincy team. We are thrilled with her appointment and look forward to the positive impact she will make.”
Throughout a career dedicated to mission-driven organisations, Alanna points to her time as Events and Operations Manager at religion and society think tank Theos as expanding her understanding of how faith impacts all areas of shared life, from world events to personal relationships, and how people relate to their places of work, study, and life.
Alanna also served as Head of Events at Tearfund, a Christian charity that partners with churches in over 50 of the world’s poorest countries, where she led multiple fundraising initiatives, achieving 150% of fundraising targets and mobilising over 500 volunteers annually.
Reflecting on her new role, Alanna Harris, Lead Chaplain at CWMC said: “Faith has always been central to my life, guiding every decision I make. I am excited to bring my experience and passion for community engagement to the Canary Wharf chaplaincy and continue to provide vital spiritual support to those who work and live in this vibrant, multifaith area.”
“Raising awareness of the Chaplaincy’s presence is a primary objective,” Alanna added. “The team has done remarkable work since its inception and my aim is to strengthen our position within the estate and reach out to additional sectors with whom we’ve had little dialogue to date.”
“Every day, individuals, teams, and companies on the estate are navigating questions of faith, ethics, and values. I want everyone to know that CWMC is here and able to offer support through life’s challenges with impartial, non-judgemental, practical advice and a listening ear, whether they have a faith or not.”
