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We offer daily services and a cultural programme of talks, events and concerts. We seek to be a welcoming space for people to reflect, create and debate
From Sun 6 to 27 April
Breastplate will be displayed behind the altar of the Side Chapel and lit from below so that it glows from within, thereby revealing its feather-filled fragility and the talismanic contents of its pockets.
St James’s hosts inclusive services and a cultural programme. We seek to be a welcoming space for people to reflect, create and debate.
St James’s is a place to explore, reflect, pray, and support all who are in need. We are a Church of England parish in the Anglican Communion.
We host a year-round creative programme encompassing music, visual art and spoken word.
We offer hospitality to people going through homelessness and speak out on issues of injustice, especially concerning refugees, asylum, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ issues.
St James’s strives to advocate for earth justice and to develop deeper connections with nature.
We aspire to be a home where everyone can belong. We’re known locally and globally for our unique history and beauty, as well as faith in action, creativity and the arts, and a commitment to social and environmental justice.
We strive to be a Eucharist-centred, diverse and inclusive Christian community promoting life in abundance, wellbeing and dignity for all.
St James’s Piccadilly has been at the heart of its community since 1684. We invite you to play your part in securing this historic place for generations to come.
The work of St James’s, it costs us £5,000 per day to enable us to keep our doors open to all who need us.
A reimagined St James’s realised. A redesigned garden, courtyard and new building capacity—all fully accessible— will provide beautiful spaces for all as well as improving our environmental performance.
Whether shooting a blockbuster TV series or creating a unique corporate event, every hire at St James’s helps our works within the community.
St James's Church 197 Piccadilly London W1J 9LL
Directions on Google Maps
Each week, a member of the congregation, community or clergy writes on a contemporary topic that resonates with the mission and values of St James’s.
In her reflection on Ephesians 6, Sara Mark explores the need for spiritual protection through art, memory, and symbolism, culminating in BREASTPLATE—a poetic, talisman-laden garment that embodies both vulnerability and divine strength for life’s unseen battles.
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In his Holy Week reflection, Revd Daniel Norris invites us to journey slowly through Jesus’ final days, embracing the pain, love, and hope of the story as a call to courageous compassion, inclusive community, and transformative love in our world today.
In his Lenten reflection, Wilson Wong shares the struggle of decluttering both physically and spiritually, embracing Lent as a time to slow down, make space for God, and seek hope through simplicity, reflection, and community.
Mariel Glover, a member of the congregation at St James’s Piccadilly’s partner church of St Bart’s in New York, offers her reflections on the power of Holy Week.
Ben Bloom reflects on Lent as an invitation to deepen our inner spiritual journey, shifting focus from ‘doing’ to ‘being,’ and embracing prayer, silence, and attentiveness to God’s presence for transformation and renewal.
George Bacon, a congregation member who is also a musician and St James’s social outreach volunteer, reflects on Lent, contemplation, and faith
Monica Bashade, a member of the congregation, reflects on Lent as a time to fast, to pray, and to build community together.
For International Women’s Day, Young St James’s member Morgan-Ellis Leah calls us to take action to support women’s rights by reflecting on Martha’s honesty about suffering and hope.
The Revd Lucy Winkett reflects on Ash Wednesday as a profound ritual of mortality, humility, and connection, inviting Christians to embrace Lent through ashing, prayer, and spiritual practice—reminding us of our dependence on one another, the earth, and God.
Ian Burton, the coordinator of the Caravan Drop-In Counselling service, reflects on the decades-long presence of this project located in St James’s garden, and on the transformative power of truly being heard.
The Revd Dr Ivan Khovacs explores adult baptism as an act of courage and renewal, inviting those seeking faith to embrace the transformative love of God and step into a new life with Christ.
Mary Stewart reports on this year’s ‘Lifelines’ hedgerow planting experience at Hilfield Friary in Dorset.
As this week’s Thought for the Week, we publish the text of the sermon preached at Washington National Cathedral by the Bishop of Washington, The Rt Revd Mariann Edgar Budde. As the Church of England and the Episcopal Church of the United States are all part of the Anglican Communion, she is our bishop too. In a momentous week for US politics, and therefore, for world politics, we send our support and prayers to Bishop Mariann.
Head Verger, Chris Davies, talks to our security team and examines the nature of security in a church.
Tony Sánchez shares his personal journey as a gay Christian man born into a culture that did not accept his sexuality. He describes a journey that brought him to St James’s and why its ethos is needed now more than ever.
Lauren Gomer reflects on her faith journey at St James’s and explores the vital role religion could play in shaping global policies on technology, AI, and political change as she prepares to re-enter her diplomatic career in a rapidly evolving 2025.
The Revd Lucy Winkett marks the fact that 2025 sees the beginning of work on the transformative Wren Project, emphasising its dual purpose of restoring St James’s Piccadilly’s historic buildings while fostering an inclusive, just society through initiatives like the Changemaker Programme and practical apprenticeships, all rooted in faith and community.
Ayla reflects on Florence Okoye’s side chapel exhibition and images of black women saints past and present.
Lucy Winkett reflects on the profound meaning of Advent and Christmas, emphasising the universal message of hope, love, and light found in the O Antiphons and the birth of Christ as a gift for all humanity.
Lucy Savage interviews Jaspal Dhani for Disability History Month, exploring his personal journey, the progress and persistent challenges in disability rights, and the societal shifts needed to foster inclusivity and dismantle ableism in the UK.
Verger Tomas Hickman reflects on the challenges and innovations of integrating technology at St James, from livestreaming services and utilising hearing loops to implementing creative audiovisual solutions, all aimed at fostering inclusivity and accessibility for both local and global congregations.
As part of Disability History Month, Audrey reflects on a postcolonial interpretation of the healing stories in the gospels.
For Disability History Month, Susannah Morgan reflects on the work of artist Nancy Willis and its lessons in radical rest as a spiritual practice
Returning from California, US citizen and UK immigrant Kate Finlay reflects on how faith and politics mix in the aftermath of the Presidential election in the USA.
In a world marred by war and suffering, The Revd Lucy Winkett reflects on the myth of “redemptive violence” and the power of silence, prayer, and self-examination, challenging us to consider our roles in fostering peace and remembering those lost to conflict.
As part of Black History Month Cornell Jackson reflects on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s strategic use of non-violent protests, particularly the controversial decision to involve children in the Birmingham campaign.
Magdalena Supel of Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir highlights how gospel music, rooted in resilience and unity, transcends its religious origins to connect people across cultures in modern Britain, offering hope, community, and a platform for social change
Coinciding with Black History month Ayla Lepine considers how art can act as a prompt for reapproaching contested histories in reflecting on racial justice and faith.
Petra reflects on the Christian contemplative tradition that emphasises humanity’s deep connection with nature, drawing on the wisdom of medieval mystics like Hildegard of Bingen.
Jonathan Sutton, a member of Young St James’s, reflects on birds in nature and faith.
Penn reflects on her involvement with Earth Justice activities at St James’s
As newly elected governments across the world roll out their policies for the next four years, there is near universal agreement on the top priority: economic growth. But there are increasing challenges to this broad consensus. In part 2 of this two-part reflection for the Season of Creation, Penelope looks at some solutions.
As newly elected governments across the world roll out their policies for the next four years, there is near universal agreement on the top priority: economic growth. But for good reason there are increasing challenges to this broad consensus. In part 1 of this two-part reflection for the Season of Creation, Penelope looks at the state we’re in.
Deborah reflects on the worldwide Season of Creation (1 Sept to 4 Oct) with ideas for participation and a foretaste of St James’s activities
Juliet Owoo, Clerk to the United Charities Trustees and member of St James’s International Group, writes of her own connection to Quobna Ottobah Cugoano, as we mark the anniversary of his baptism at St James’s this August.
Elizabeth reflects on the importance of post-worship social connections, both in-person and online, highlighting how St James’s Piccadilly’s online Forum group has enriched her life by providing a space for meaningful discussion and community.
Frith Taylor, Children’s Champion, reflects on the importance of creating meaningful and engaging faith experiences for children at St James’s.
Associate Priest, Mariama Ifode-Blease, explores how time and our motivations shape our knowing of God.
Ivan Khovacs reflects on the human experience of failure, personal responsibility, and communal repentance.
Daniel Norris celebrates St. James, highlighting his transformative journey with Jesus and encouraging the church community named after him to embrace God’s love, hospitality, and justice.
Ayla shares her experience of Soul at St James, an uplifting and inspiring monthly Gospel Music event at St James’s with Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir.
Lucy reflects on this week’s events: Pride London, ordinations and the General Election.
Elijah Kinne reflects on the exhaustion and emotional dichotomies of Pride Month, emphasising the need to balance celebration and rest, and draws a parallel to the biblical story of Mary and Martha to highlight the importance of holding space for both action and presence in our lives.
Max reflects on the need to recognise and elevate the creative potential of our International Community as foundational in advocating for change.
Kate Finlay reflects on her mother’s transformative experience attending her first Pride march, emphasising the importance of love, acceptance, and inclusivity within religious communities.
Ben Bloom writes about his experience at theology college, and how it’s been one of the Queerest experiences of his life.
Sonia Lee reflects on her enriching experience as an ambassador for St James’s Piccadilly Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show, highlighting the garden’s Gold Award, the enthusiastic public reception.
Lucy Winkett reflects on the power of birdsong to bring hope, even in the middle of a city.
Our parish administrator David gives an insight into the seven-days-a-week life of St James’s and how faith and service is at the core.
