Joe Aldred

I am retired and currently volunteer with the National Church Leaders Forum – A Black Christian Voice, and as a member of the Order of St Leonard’s Faith Authority Council for King Solomon International Business School. A Honorary Research Fellow at Roehampton University, bishop in the Church of God of Prophecy, and a former member of the Windrush Cross-Government Working Group.

For eighteen years until 2020 I worked as an ecumenist at Churches Together in England, with responsibility for supporting intercultural, Pentecostal and Charismatic relations. Before that, for six years I was Director of the Centre for Black and White Christian Partnership. And before that I served for thirteen years as pastor and bishop in the Church of God of Prophecy in Ashford, Oxford and Sheffield; as well as an Associate Pastor in a Baptist Church, Handsworth, Birmingham in 2003-2005.

I make contributions as a broadcaster on the Daily Service and Prayer for the Day on BBC Radio 4, Pause for Thought on BBC Radio 2, and for ten years I presented on BBC Local Radio WM; plus, regular appearances on Premier Radio, UCB Christian Radio, and other broadcasters. I have served on strategic councils, boards and committees mainly in the areas of faith, education, health and community relations as trustee, board member and patron, including as Chair of a NHS Primary Care Trust.

I am the grateful recipient of several awards and commendations, including: NSPCC Safety Award, Mighty Men of Valour Award for Community Achievement, Association of Jamaican National Community Award, Apostolic Congress’ Order of Companion of St Aiden, Companion of the Order of St Leonard, Windrush Legacy Lifetime Award, Lambeth Palace Langton Award for Community Service, Windrush 75th Anniversary Inspirational Leadership Award, and Black Story Partnership Windrush 75 Certificate for Broadcasting. I have a Master’s Degree (with Distinction) and a PhD in Theology from Sheffield University. I am a Faith in Leadership Alumni (Oxford University/Windsor Castle).

I am author and editor of several books and articles including ‘Preaching with Power’ (ed), Sisters with Power’ (ed), ‘Praying with Power’ (ed), ‘Respect: Understanding Caribbean British Christianity’, ‘The Black Church in the 21st Century’ (ed), ‘Who is my Neighbour? A Church Response to Social Disorder Linked to Gangs, Drugs, Guns and Knives’ (ed), ‘Thinking outside the box – on race, faith and life’, ‘From Top Mountain – An Autobiography’, ‘Pentecostals and Charismatics in Britain’ (ed), and ‘Flourishing in Babylon: Black British Agency and Self-determination’. I contribute to magazines and periodicals including Keep the Faith and The Preacher.

I am blessed and honoured to be married to Novelette, a psychotherapist and chaplain. We have three grown up daughters and five grandchildren (one deceased). I am an incurable West Indies Cricket supporter, and a Chelsea FC fan. And yes, blue is my favourite colour!

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