The Diocese of Canterbury is the oldest diocese in the Church of England, tracing its origins to 597 AD when St Augustine arrived in Kent on a mission from Pope Gregory the Great.
Canterbury quickly became the centre of English Christianity, with Augustine establishing his cathedral and the Archbishop’s seat, which remains the spiritual focal point of the Anglican Communion today. Over fourteen centuries, the diocese has played a pivotal role in shaping both the religious and national history of England, from the medieval pilgrimage era following the martyrdom of Thomas Becket to its continuing leadership within the worldwide Anglican Church. Rooted in a remarkable heritage, the Diocese of Canterbury continues to serve the people of east Kent through worship, ministry, education, and outreach.
Robin Hopkins KC is the Chancellor of the Diocese of Canterbury. Robin is a member of 11KBW Chambers and is a market-leading specialist in information law: data protection, privacy, platform disputes, online safety, media and technology issues and freedom of information. He has been Commissary General for the Diocese of Canterbury since September 2020.
Patti Russell has been the Registrar for the Diocese of Canterbury since 2023, having previously served as Deputy Registrar in the Dioceses of Canterbury and Rochester since 2022. She has expertise in high-profile and complex external reviews, safeguarding and clergy discipline cases. Patti is recognised for her work on sensitive and strategically significant matters across the Church of England.
Ann Beswick is the Registry Clerk for Canterbury Diocese and has held this position since 2018.