Alex Cama is originally from Surrey and Sussex, but has lived most of his married life in Shrewsbury. He is married to Rachel and has two pre-school sons and a cockerdor. Before training, he worked in the City of London in commodity trading; qualified as a solicitor; tried (unsuccessfully) to play professional cricket; was involved with three new monastic communities, including leading one for ex-offenders with his wife; and worked as a prison chaplain.
Drawing on his own contemplative spirituality, Alex feels called to inspire people to become confidently prayerful and shape their entire lives by prayer, so their faith journeys flow from communion and intimacy with God.
As a postulant of the Third Order of the Society of Saint Francis, he is convinced of the richness and relevance of the Franciscan tradition. He is therefore always ready to share his own Franciscanism with others and encourage people to explore its principles themselves. In particular, he looks forward to sharing its contemplative, mystical and missional dimensions as a response to the excessive busyness, materialism and desire for transcendence of much of modern society.
He also believes in the great value and depth of Anglo-Catholicism, so will encourage parishioners to be shaped by the sacraments, in particular the Eucharist, which he considers the greatest gift Christ has given the Church. He therefore believes his vocation will centre on presiding at the altar and motivating others to be as inspired by the mystery of the Eucharist as he is.
He thinks the biggest misconception about preparing for ministry is that the Church of England churns out vicars who all look, sound, and think the same. The reality is that there is huge diversity across and even within our theological colleges, so no new vicar looks the same!
“I would advise those exploring what God is calling them to do to really learn how to pray and hear God on a moment-by-moment basis, as it will give them the best opportunity to hear God properly and respond appropriately.”