Former economist and government official in HM Treasury to become Nottingham city centre priest

A former civil servant for HM Treasury in London is to become the Priest-in-Charge of three city centre churches in Nottingham  -  All Saints, St Mary and St Peter.

The Revd Christopher Harrison is currently vicar of five parishes in the Peak District National Park, where he lives with his wife, Dr Isobel Combes, and their two teenage sons Peter and Mark. He is also Rural Dean of Ashbourne.

Christopher (51), read economics at Cambridge before his years in the Treasury during the time of Chancellors Sir Geoffrey Howe and Nigel Lawson (1979-1984).

He returned to Cambridge to train for ordination at Westcott House theological college and was ordained in 1987. He subsequently gained valuable inner city experience in parishes in south London . This included working under Bishop Roy Williamson, who is now an Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Nottingham and Southwell. During his time in Derby Diocese Christopher advised on world issues, such as poverty and development and was particularly involved in the Derbyshire churches' link with North India.

Christopher, who grew up in Chesterfield, said: "I am greatly looking forward to moving to Nottingham and can already see that there are some tremendous opportunities both for the churches themselves and for their work in partnership with other organisations.  I hope I can make a contribution to resolving some of the challenging issues which Nottingham faces, and look forward to meeting civic leaders and others and working with them for the good of the city."

He added: "I have hugely enjoyed my time as vicar of the Parwich group of parishes, where we have made many friends. But after 12 years, it is time for a new challenge. I shall leave the Peak Park with fond memories."

Helena Lord, from St. Peter's church said, " As one of six Church Wardens in the parish, I can say that we are all anticipating Christopher's arrival with great hope for the future. I am sure that his contribution to our Parish life and to that of the city will be very positive."

Christopher, a keen squash and tennis player, takes up his new post on February 22nd 2009, when he will be licensed by the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Rt Revd George Cassidy. He is also an enthusiastic player of the piano and organ and has been known to amuse his congregation with jazz on the organ.

Isobel is an expert on church history and a fencing coach.