John-Francis Friendship

John-Francis is an Anglican priest living in the UK and a member of the Franciscan Third Order. After working in the Insurance business he joined the First Order Anglican Franciscans in 1976 where he had a diverse ministry including prison chaplaincy, parish and school missions, retreat giving and Spiritual Direction. He developed an interest in the Holy Land and the Coptic Orthodox Church and led pilgrimages to Egypt and Palestine/Isreal. In 1994 he was ordained priest and was released from his Vows in 2002. By then he was Rector of the Parish of St Andrew in Romford during which time he undertook the Ignatian Spirituality Course at the London Centre for Spiritual Direction where he also trained as a Pastoral Supervisor. He developed the course, ‘Exploring Christian Spirituality’ for the London Centre and is a founder member of the Association of Pastoral Supervision and Education (APSE). He was also a founder member of an inclusive, dispersed Anglican community - the Sodality of Mary, Mother of Priests (www.sodalityofmary.com)

Having left Romford in 2011 he continues to exercise a priestly ministry when invited but spends much of his time offering Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Supervision. He also offers Retreats, Quiet Days and talks to clergy as well as writing books

John-Francis enjoys the theatre, opera, and art as well as time walking. His first book, 'Enfolded in Christ: the Inner Life of a Priest', was published by Canterbury Press in May 2018. He lives with his Civil Partner in south-east London.