The chaplaincy to the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community is one of only two funded posts for this community in the Church of England. The Diocese of Salisbury is committed to supporting members of the community who face high levels of racism and discrimination. The chaplain, Revd Canon Jonathan Herbert, can be contacted here to find out more about the work of the chaplaincy.
We are pleased to work closely with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Friendly Churches in encouraging our churches to provide sanctuary spaces for members of the community.
About
The first Chaplain was Rev’d Thomas Holt who was Diocesan Missioner to Itinerant Van Dwellers in 1881. He was followed by 5 other chaplains until the chaplaincy came to an end during the First World War. The Chaplaincy was revived by Rev’d Roger Redding MBE in the early 2,000s when he found himself ministering to a number of Romany gypsies in the Chalke Valley. The present Chaplain Revd Canon Jonathan Herbert has been in post since 2015. The Chaplaincy is an ecumenical team of lay people and ordained ministers who work closely with local churches to bring and discover the love of Christ in nomadic communities.
The Chaplaincy has 3 areas of work: Pastoral, Advocacy and Educational
Pastoral Work
Which means ministering to Romany Gypsies, Irish Travellers, New Travellers, Showmen (Fairground people) and Boaters(people living on the Kennet and Avon canal) wherever they are. This could be on Council-run sites, privately owned sites, houses, by the side of the road, on a tow path, at a Horse Fair or in prison.
Advocacy Work
Work is done to support individuals who struggle to navigate the complex systems of modern life. In conjunction with various Traveller-led groups, the Chaplaincy seeks to challenge the high levels of prejudice nomadic people suffer. Gypsies and Travellers, for good historical reasons, distrust outside agencies such as Local authorities or the police. Because so many are Christian, the Church is in a good position to do the work of reconciliation.
Educational Work
One way of breaking down the fear and ignorance that leads to racism against these communities is to educate the settled community. The Chaplaincy team engages with a number of Church, schools and secular groups each year to encourage greater understanding. We are always happy to provide speakers, lead assemblies or lead lessons, and provide cultural awareness training.
Resources (to be updated November 2025)
Contact
Revd Canon Jonathan Herbert
07767760182
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