PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Canary Wharf Multifaith Chaplaincy Welcomes New Jewish Chaplain Focused on Supporting Local Community

London, 20 May 2025 — The Canary Wharf Multifaith Chaplaincy (CWMC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Rabbi Oliver Spike Joseph as its Jewish Chaplain.

The addition of Rabbi Joseph brings the number of multifaith chaplains serving the workers and community of Canary Wharf to 10, and ensures representation of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish faiths. The appointment follows the announcement in late 2024 naming Alanna Harris as Lead Chaplain for CWMC.

In his role as Jewish Chaplain, Joseph will work closely with his fellow chaplains to provide pastoral care to members of the Canary Wharf estate and offer support to organisations around the Estate, advising them on matters relating to ethics, values, and faith in the workplace.

Joseph will contribute to the Chaplaincy’s goal to enhance its visibility and impact across the Canary Wharf Estate, working with people of all faiths and none, and with a specific remit to provide support and care to the Jewish community or those who are interested in or have questions about Judaism and Jewish life.

Rabbi Joseph was ordained as a Rabbi at the Ziegler School for Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles in 2015. He studied in Jerusalem at the Fuchsbery Centre, and later at the Hartman Institute where he obtained his teaching qualification. He holds a Masters in Jewish Philosophy from Tel Aviv University.

In addition to his role in the CWMC, Rabbi Joseph is a teacher of spiritual and pastoral care to community leaders and a prison chaplain specialising in care for young offenders in London. He works for the European Masorti Bet Din, a Rabbinic council which supports communities from across Europe.

Alanna Harris, Lead Chaplain at CWMC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rabbi Joseph to our team of chaplains. His rich and broad experience engaging with different sectors of the community will be an invaluable asset to the Canary Wharf Estate.”

Reflecting on his new role, Rabbi Joseph said: “Spiritual care gives religious leaders and community leaders the opportunity to meet people face-to-face from all walks of life. As chaplains we are here for people who just might need to have a chat, whether they are going through a tough time at work, struggling with relationships or facing illness and grief – whatever the reason, we can offer safe, confidential, and spiritual connection. I am looking forward to supporting the work of the Chaplaincy.”

The Chaplaincy is a resource for the local Canary Wharf working community – across retail and corporates and is set to build on its strong multifaith foundation and deepen the spiritual support and guidance it provides to the Canary Wharf community.

– Ends –

Media Contact

talktous@canarywharfchaplaincy.co.uk //02074771073

About Canary Wharf Multifaith Chaplaincy

The Canary Wharf Multifaith Chaplaincy was established in 2004 by Reverend Prebendary Dr. Fiona Steward-Darling. Over these 20 years, the team at the Chaplaincy has developed its work with the global banks, professional services, and law firms, as well as retail workers, security teams and the estate developer, Canary Wharf Group.

The Chaplaincy provides pastoral care and faith advice to the area’s 150 corporates that employ 120,000 workers, as well as 3,500 residents, 360 retail outlets, and a large contingent of construction workers. It also aims to deepen its partnerships with new companies and residents moving into the estate, nurturing a more integrated community approach to well-being and spiritual care.

The Board of Trustees and the Chaplaincy Steering Group both comprise senior managers from companies operating out of Canary Wharf, demonstrating the support the Chaplaincy now attracts from neighbouring businesses.