The Rev. John Kirkley

Rector

I was born and raised in northwest Indiana, and graduated from Indiana University (B.A cum laude), the Chicago Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and the Church Divinity School of the Pacific (Anglican Studies certificate).  This year, my husband, Andrew Aldrich, and I celebrated our seventeenth anniversary.  We are the proud parents of our thirteen year-old son, Nehemiah.

Ordained in 2002, I served for two years on the staff of both Holy Innocents’ in San Francisco) and Every Voice Network (EVN).  EVN provides multimedia educational resources for The Episcopal Church, such as the popular Via Media series.  For more than six years I was rector of Saint John the Evangelist, San Francisco. I began serving as rector of St. James on November 1, 2010. 

Prior to ordination, I spent more than a decade in the non-profit sector working in a variety of capacities: from participating in the founding of a long-term shelter for homeless adolescents operated by The Night Ministry in Chicago, to senior staff and consulting positions with the development office of the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law.

For me, the heart of ministry is inviting people into a deeper love of God, and of all things in God, through Jesus Christ.  It is a ministry grounded in contemplative practice, nurtured by collaboration and inclusive community, and profoundly committed to the good news that God’s reign of justice, generosity, and joy is present to us here and now.

You can reach me at (415) 751-1198 x3 and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . I am generally available by appointment Sunday - Thursday.   I look forward to meeting you!