Kenneth Leech

Kenneth Leech (1939–2015) was an Anglican priest, social activist, and theologian who famously integrated radical socialist politics with traditional Catholic spirituality. Born in Manchester and ordained in 1964, he spent much of his ministry in ondon’s East End. In 1969, he founded Centrepoint, a celebrated charity for homeless youth, while serving at St Anne’s, Soho. Leech was a prolific author whose work challenged the Church to confront racism, poverty, and injustice. His classic book, Soul Friend (1977), remains a definitive text on spiritual direction, while Soul City (1981) and True Prayer (1980) explore the intersection of urban struggle and the contemplative life. Throughout his career, including his time as Community Relations Officer at the Church Board for Social Responsibility, he remained a prophetic voice, insisting that true prayer must lead to social transformation.