Sam Wells (priest)

The Reverend Canon Sam Wells
Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields
Wells preaching at Duke Chapel
Church	Church of England
Diocese	Diocese of London
Orders
Ordination	1991 (deacon) 1992 (priest)
Personal details
Born	(1965-04-24) 24 April 1965 (age 52)
Nationality	British
Denomination	Anglican
Spouse	Jo Wells
Children	Two
Profession	Priest, theologian
Alma mater	Merton College, Oxford New College, Edinburgh Durham University

Samuel Martin Bailey Wells (born 24 April 1965) is an English priest of the Church of England. He is known for his preaching, work in Christian ethics, community organizing and public discourse on issues of faith. He is the current vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, a church in central London.

Wells studied at Merton College, Oxford, and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree; as per tradition, his BA was promoted to a Master of Arts (MA Oxon) degree. In 1988, he entered Edinburgh Theological College to train for ordination. During his time at theological college, he also studied theology at New College, University of Edinburgh, and graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Divinity (BD) degree. He later undertook post-graduate study at Durham University and completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in 1996.

Ordained in 1991, he served Church of England parish appointments for 14 years in Newcastle, Cambridge and Norwich. He spent ten years of his ministry in areas of social disadvantage. For six years he was involved in establishing a community-led development trust, the first such organization in the east of England. He also established a non-profit organization offering disadvantaged children opportunities to participate in creative play.

In 2005, Wells became dean of Duke Chapel and research professor of Christian ethics at Duke Divinity School. He developed and chaired the Faith Council, which consists of 12 members from different faith traditions. He initiated dialogue and led discussions on faith and ethics.