As priest-in-charge at Holy Trinity in Winchester, an Anglo-Catholic
neo-Gothic church built in the mid-19th century, Jamie Franklin is a far cry from the charismatic Christian upbringing he experienced as a child in Essex influenced by the Toronto Blessings.

His parents divorced when he was young and although he admits his childhood made him receptive to The Gospel it wasn't until he reached university and read The Bible that he really began to take it seriously. Later, a profoundly spiritual experience in church drew him to the Anglican Catholic tradition which he has found a home in ever since.

Franklin says he has always felt a drawn towards art and literature believing, one day, he would be a writer. He currently hosts Irreverend and the Holy CofE podcast and is author of the new book The Great Return which explores the need for a return to traditional Christian values in Western society.

In this episode of The Profile he talks to Premier Christianity editor Sam Hailes. about the effect his early charismatic Christian childhood had, his love of music, the unique character of English Anglican Catholicism, assisted dying and how AI helps him in his role as a priest.

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Released on 15 May 2025