Faith: New Olympic Park vicar to bring ‘Jesus’s love’ to Stratford

The Archbishop of Canterbury visits East Village, former Olympic athletes village, Stratford. (Image: Archant)

Rev Annie McTighe has just moved to Stratford after her appointment as Pioneer Minister for the Olympic Park by the Church of England.

She told the Recorder she hopes to fill a void in the area and minister to the diverse local community.

She said: “The idea is to start joining the dots for the new residents in the community, because they have all come from somewhere different, they don’t know anyone, they feel isolated and lonely.

“There’s no religious buildings in the Olympic Park. Hopefully I will meet people and introduce them to Jesus and his love.”

The new post was advertised by the Church of England, which chose Annie as the best person for the job.

Before her new role, Annie was a minister at All Saints St Andrews in Woodford Wells, serving around 700 members.

She recently met the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, joining him on his tour around Stratford.

“He’s such a wise and pastoral man,” she said. “It’s great for him to have a real interest in the Olympic Park.

“He was really passionate for the people there. People were very warm to him, and he’s so intelligent. He asked questions people and got involved with their lives.”

This week, Annie met with Stratford’s church leaders, including Catholics, Methodists and Free Churches, to plan their future work in the area, including a big picnic for September 13 in the Olympic Park.

For now, Rev Annie is getting used to her new home in Stratford.

She said: “It’s a very different world. Woodford is very suburban.”

“I look forward to meeting residents in Stratford and getting to know them and the needs of the area.”

To contact Annie or find out more email revanniemct@gmail.com.

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