About SSRA • About Michael Hampson
project lead, general editor, translator and designer

Michael Hampson writes...

I was ordained in the Church of England in 1991 after six years at Oxford University, first at Jesus College Oxford reading Philosophy and Psychology (both of which included units in Linguistics, under personal tutor Dr Kathy Sylva, specialist in early‑years learning and memory) and then in residential theological training for ministry at Ripon College Cuddesdon (including biblical Hebrew and Greek), having earlier qualifications in English Language and Literature, French, and Latin.

During a sabbatical from parish ministry, I published books in spirituality, ecclesiology, and systematic theology, and obtained Qualified Teacher Status with a specialism in Primary Key Stage 2.

Before my sabbatical I served in two ecumenical congregations in multi-purpose settings, first for two years in Burnley, then for eleven years in Harlow New Town. More recently I served in a busy four‑parish rural benefice for ten years (including through the pandemic), and now serve as an associate priest at Lancaster Priory.

I therefore bring to this present work an academic background in philosophy and theology, paired with years of practical parish experience, along with a deep understanding of linguistics - from the philosophy of language, to the neurology of how the eye, brain, and voice convert symbols into sound for the reader, and how that sound becomes meaning for the hearer.

The aim of the present work is that this complex communication - from ancient text to gathered congregation - should take place seamlessly and dependably, without stumble or hesitation, every Sunday morning, in thousands of ordinary churches, as a highlight of the gathering.

Robert Morgan, Fellow of Linacre College Oxford, and University Reader in New Testament, was my thesis and placement supervisor during theological training at Ripon College Cuddesdon, and has generously served as project supervisor for Sunday Scriptures for Reading Aloud.

Michael Hampson
December 2025