A Chaplain’s Journey: Canon Sally Theakston’s Dual Ministry
The Reverend Canon Sally Theakston leads a remarkable life of service through her dual roles as Chaplain to the Bishop of Norwich and Norfolk County Chaplain for the Royal British Legion. Her story is one of pioneering spirit, deep compassion, and unwavering dedication to supporting others through faith and presence. As Bishop’s Chaplain, Sally forms an essential partnership with Bishop Graham, offering him spiritual and practical support that enables his wider ministry to flourish. Her responsibilities span from the deeply spiritual—providing prayer and pastoral care—to the practical aspects of research and administrative assistance that help the Bishop prepare for services, meetings, and various events. This behind-the-scenes ministry extends beyond Norfolk’s borders, as evidenced by her accompanying Bishop Graham and fellow Norfolk pilgrims to Papua New Guinea in September 2025, strengthening the valuable connection between the Diocese of Norwich and the Anglican Church in that region. Her supportive role helps create bridges between faith communities separated by vast geographical distances but united in Anglican tradition.
Sally’s journey to these positions follows a groundbreaking path that began in 1996 when she made history as the first female Church of England Chaplain to serve in the UK Armed Forces, specifically with the Royal Navy. This pioneering achievement opened doors for women in military chaplaincy while demonstrating her courage to enter traditionally male-dominated spaces. Her life took another significant turn in 2002 when she relocated to Norfolk to serve as Rector of Gaywood. It was there that her military background naturally drew her toward involvement with the Royal British Legion, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. This natural progression shows how Sally’s life experiences have built upon each other, creating a ministry that uniquely combines her military understanding with her pastoral gifts.
The breadth of Canon Sally’s chaplaincy work reveals the extraordinary versatility required in modern ministry. On any given day, she might craft a specially written prayer for the dedication of a new air ambulance, bringing sacred meaning to a service that will help save countless lives. Another moment might find her offering a compassionate ear to someone in deep distress who has reached the Bishop’s office seeking solace. Her ability to move between these formal ceremonial duties and intensely personal moments of crisis demonstrates the remarkable range of skills chaplains must possess—from liturgical expertise to trauma-informed pastoral care—all while maintaining a centered, prayerful presence.
Her work with the Royal British Legion adds another dimension to her ministry, one particularly informed by her groundbreaking military service. This role might see her presiding over the solemn dedication of a Branch Standard, an important ceremonial moment for veterans that honors their service and sacrifice. Perhaps more profoundly, she might sit beside a dying veteran who, facing mortality, feels compelled to share burdens carried from wartime experiences—stories perhaps never before voiced but needing to be heard before life’s end. In these sacred moments, Sally’s unique background allows her to understand contextual nuances that might escape other clergy without military experience, creating a space where veterans feel truly heard and understood.
What makes Canon Sally’s ministry particularly remarkable is how she has woven together diverse experiences from her thirty-six years of ordained service. Rather than compartmentalizing her military background, parish experience, and chaplaincy roles, she has created an integrated approach to ministry that draws strength from each element of her journey. This integration allows her to bring unique perspectives to each situation she encounters—whether addressing the specific needs of military veterans, supporting a bishop’s wide-ranging responsibilities, or connecting with everyday people during moments of celebration or crisis. Her ability to move fluently between these worlds demonstrates the value of diverse life experiences in ministry.
In both her roles, Sally embodies the essence of chaplaincy—coming alongside people exactly where they are. Whether supporting a bishop carrying significant ecclesial responsibilities or sitting with a veteran processing traumatic memories, she creates spaces where people feel safe, heard, and supported. Her pioneering spirit continues to serve her well as she navigates these varied contexts with grace and wisdom. Through her example, we see how chaplaincy at its best transcends institutional boundaries to meet human needs with compassion and understanding. Canon Sally’s ministry reminds us that sometimes the most profound spiritual work happens not from the pulpit but in those quiet moments of presence, when one human being sits with another in their joy or pain, bringing the light of faith into everyday experiences.
