Just 16 months after returning to his hometown as vicar of Ventnor and Bonchurch, the Revd Tom Burden is preparing to leave the parish to take up a senior role in Israel.
Tom, who grew up in Ventnor and became a Christian at St Catherine’s Church, will become the new leader of CMJ (Church’s Ministry among Jewish People), one of the Church of England’s oldest charities. He and his wife, Katherine Burden — currently the Town Clerk of Ventnor — will relocate to Jerusalem this September.
Returning home in 2024
Tom took up his current role in March 2024, following the retirement of Revd Hugh Wright. His appointment was warmly welcomed in the community, marking a homecoming for someone with deep family roots in the town.
He previously said,
“This is the only parish that would ever have tempted me to come home from Jerusalem – from a job and place I really enjoy.”
Tom described how his journey as a Christian began at St Catherine’s and how his love for the area remained strong, despite his international career. He added,
“I’m incredibly excited to be coming back ‘home’ to Ventnor.”
New calling in Jerusalem
Tom has now accepted a position to lead CMJ, the Church’s Ministry among Jewish People, which oversees the oldest Protestant Church in the Middle East — Christ Church in Jerusalem — as well as guest houses, a school and charitable work through its Mercy Fund.
He previously led CMJ’s school, the Anglican International School of Jerusalem, where many of the staff are Jewish and the pupils are of different faiths. It was this role that brought him to the attention of the charity’s board.
Tom said,
“It is important that the church maintains a community in Israel and engages with local people.”
He continued,
“CMJ also does great work through its ‘Mercy Fund’, which reaches out to those in need, regardless of their faith.”
Witness to conflict
Tom and Katherine were living in Jerusalem when the current conflict began, and experienced rocket attacks. Despite this, Tom described the Anglican school as “an oasis of calm in a turbulent environment”.
Reflecting on his next move, Tom said,
“No one has ever said that this posting will be easy, but Katherine and I strongly feel it is the right thing to do.
“It will be a privilege to show the love of God in the place where Jesus Christ walked.”
Leaving Ventnor once more
Tom and Katherine will step down from their respective roles on 31st July. Both have family in Ventnor and plan to return from time to time.
Tom said,
“It has been an honour to serve in Ventnor and Bonchurch, where I grew up and became a Christian. Katherine and I will carry this place in our hearts.”
