Jonathan Clark (bishop)

Jonathan Dunnett Clark SCP (born 1961) is a retired Anglican bishop serving as the Bishop for the Falkland Islands. He was previously area Bishop of Croydon in the Church of England Diocese of Southwark, 2012–2022.[1] An Anglo-Catholic, he was rector general of the Society of Catholic Priests from 2005 to 2008 and chair of Affirming Catholicism from 2008 to 2012


Jonathan Clark

Bishop for the Falkland Islands
Clark in Jerusalem, 2019
DioceseParish of the Falkland Islands
In office2021–present
Other post(s)Bishop of Croydon (2012–2022)
Orders
Ordination1988 (deacon)
1989 (priest)
Consecration21 March 2012
by Rowan Williams
Personal details
Born1961 (age 62–63)
DenominationAnglican
SpouseAlison
Children2
Alma materExeter University

Early life

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Clark was born in 1961. He was educated at Alleyn's School, then a direct grant grammar school in Dulwich, London, from 1972 to 1979. He studied English literature at Exeter University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1983. From 1984 to 1988, he studied theology at Trinity College, Bristol, an Evangelical Anglican theological college, during which he completed a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE).[2]

He continued his university studies after ordination. He completed a Master of Letters (MLitt) degree in theology in 1990. His thesis was titled "Narrational technique in the gospel according to Matthew". He completed a Master of Arts (MA) degree in adult education through the Open University and the University of Southampton.[2]

Ordained ministry

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Clark at Westminster Abbey in 2017

Clark was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 1988 and as a priest in 1989.[3] After a curacy at Stanwix[4] he was a chaplain at Bristol University then Director of Studies of the Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme. From 1997 to 2002 he was a chaplain at the University of North London and then the rector of Stoke Newington until his episcopal appointment.[2]

He served as rector general of the Society of Catholic Priests from 2005 to 2008.[2] He served as chair of Affirming Catholicism from 2008 to 2012.[5]

Episcopal ministry

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On 21 March 2012, Clark was consecrated a bishop at Southwark Cathedral by Rowan Williams.[6] He began his duties as Bishop of Croydon on 17 May 2012.[6] On 8 September 2021, Clark announced that he would retire as Bishop of Croydon on 21 March 2022.[7]

On 20 September 2021,[8] he was commissioned as Bishop for the Falkland Islands.[9] He has additionally been an honorary assistant bishop in the Diocese of Lichfield since 2022, and holds permission to officiate in that diocese.[10]

Personal life

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Clark is married to Alison and they have two children.[2] Ellen Clark-King, Dean of King's College London, is his sister.[11] In retirement Clark and his wife live on Orkney.

Styles

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For further information on forms of address ("styles") traditionally given to clergy of the Church of England, see Crockford's Clerical Directory and forms of address in the United Kingdom.
Regardless of their formal style(s), a person may choose which styles to use or not use.

  • The Reverend Jonathan Clark (1989–2012)
  • The Right Reverend Jonathan Clark (personal: 2012–present)
  • The Right Reverend The Bishop of Croydon (official: 2012–2022)

References

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  1. ^ London Gazette
  2. ^ a b c d e "Two new Area Bishops for Southwark Diocese" (Press release). Diocese of Southwark. 3 February 2012. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  3. ^ "Jonathan Dunnett Clark". Crockford's Clerical Directory (online ed.). Church House Publishing. Retrieved 3 December 2016.
  4. ^ Crockfords (London, Church House, 1995) ISBN 0715180886
  5. ^ "Affirming Catholicism New Chair" (PDF). News letter. Affirming Catholicism. 30 September 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 January 2015. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  6. ^ a b "Episcopal Team completed in Southwark Diocese". Diocese of Southwark. 21 March 2012. Archived from the original on 10 May 2017. Retrieved 3 December 2016.
  7. ^ "The Bishop of Croydon, The Rt Revd Jonathan Clark, announces departure from the Diocese of Southwark". The Diocese of Southwark. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  8. ^ Southwark Diocese [@SouthwarkCofE] (20 September 2021). "#Pray for Bishop Jonathan Clark who will be commissioned today Episcopal Commissary for the Falkland Islands. Pray too for the priests & people of the Parish of the Falkland Islands – Extra Provincial to the Archbishop of Canterbury@AnglicanNews @BishopofCroydon" (Tweet). Retrieved 27 December 2021 – via Twitter.
  9. ^ Church Times, 24 September 2021 — UK news in brief (Accessed 29 September 2021)
  10. ^ "Jonathan Dunnett Clark". Crockford's Clerical Directory (online ed.). Church House Publishing. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
  11. ^ "The New Bishop of Croydon". Anglican Diocese of New Westminster. 26 March 2012. Archived from the original on 27 December 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
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Church of England titles
Preceded by Bishop of Croydon
2012–2022
TBA