Who's Who

Who’s Who

Vicar: Rev. Anita Matthews

I grew up in Stockport, Cheshire.  After going to university in Durham and working for two years at St. Alban’s Cathedral, I went to train for ordained ministry in Oxford.  I worked for four years as a Curate and Hospice Chaplain in East Barnet, North London.  In 2001 I moved to Derby to take up a job as School Chaplain at Derby High School and joined St. Peter’s as a member of the congregation, later becoming associate priest in January 2012.  From 2005 until December 2011 I worked for the Church Mission Society, an organisation that supports and equips people for mission around the world.

In October 2025 I was appointed Vicar of St. Peter’s in the City, and am enjoying the new opportunities that life and work in the city centre continues to offer. I am also privileged to be an Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands for Derby Diocese, to oversee the mission link between churches in Derbyshire and North India, and to be Chair of Trustees for Chaplaincy Derbyshire.

I enjoy travelling, trying to learn languages (with limited success), choral music, food (eating it, not cooking it!), drinking wine with friends, and reading lots of books.

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Curate: Rev. Sue Leather

 
It is a great privilege to be serving my curacy at St Peter’s in the City since July 2024. This unexpected ‘later life’ adventure began when I sensed God’s call to serve more fully within the church, following many years as a children’s doctor.
I worked primarily in Southeast London in special schools and neurodevelopmental clinics.
Prior to hanging up my stethoscope in 2021, I specialised in the health of looked-after children and developed a focus addressing health needs of unaccompanied minors.
I have been involved in local church-based refugee ministry and on steering committees of national and European refugee ministry networks. During a wonderful two-year ordination training based at Trinity College, Bristol, I was able to undertake research focused on refugee ministry within the CoE. All this has led to a growing passion to strive for accessibility, inclusion and belonging within the church.
Enjoying being outdoors, I spend time off with my husband Andrew walking, bird watching, and working the allotment. We enjoy being hospitable and relish time with our extended family.

Curate: Rev. Raju Abraham

I live in Chester Green, Derby, with my wife, Ribika, and our son, Jonathan. It is a great privilege to serve at St Peter’s Church in Derby city.

I have served in pastoral ministry for many years, including ten years as a Hospital Deputy Chaplain and in the Church of North India. I am passionate about sharing Christ’s love through prayer, pastoral care, and walking alongside people in every season of life. Grateful for God’s faithfulness, I look forward to serving the diverse community of St Peter’s with compassion, hope, and the good news of the gospel.

In my free time, I enjoy singing, music, reading, long walks, and good food—simple pleasures that refresh me for the work ahead. I treasure time with Ribika and Jonathan, whether we’re sharing a meal or taking a leisurely walk.

Vicar’s PA and Church Secretary: Hilary Streek

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