Jonathan Clark (bishop) explained

Honorific-Prefix:The Right Reverend
Jonathan Clark
Honorific-Suffix:SCP
Bishop for the Falkland Islands
Diocese:Parish of the Falkland Islands
Term:2021 - present
Ordination:1988 (deacon)
1989 (priest)
Consecration:21 March 2012
Consecrated By:Rowan Williams
Religion:Anglican
Spouse:Alison
Children:2
Alma Mater:Exeter University

Jonathan Dunnett Clark (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

Early life

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).

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.

Ordained ministry

Clark was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 1988 and as a priest in 1989. After a curacy at Stanwix[2] 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.

He served as rector general of the Society of Catholic Priests from 2005 to 2008. He served as chair of Affirming Catholicism from 2008 to 2012.[3]

Episcopal ministry

On 21 March 2012, Clark was consecrated a bishop at Southwark Cathedral by Rowan Williams.[4] He began his duties as Bishop of Croydon on 17 May 2012. On 8 September 2021, Clark announced that he would retire as Bishop of Croydon on 21 March 2022.[5]

On 20 September 2021,[6] he was commissioned as Bishop for the Falkland Islands.[7] He has additionally been an honorary assistant bishop in the Diocese of Lichfield since 2022, and holds permission to officiate in that diocese.

Personal life

Clark is married to Alison and they have two children.[8] Ellen Clark-King, Dean of King's College London, is his sister.[9] In retirement Clark and his wife live on Orkney.

Styles

Notes and References

  1. http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/60085/notices/1551862 London Gazette
  2. [Crockford's clerical directory|Crockfords]
  3. Web site: Affirming Catholicism New Chair . News letter . Affirming Catholicism . 17 January 2015 . 30 September 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150118004027/http://www.affirmingcatholicism.org.uk/userFiles/File/Aff%20Cath%20New%20Chair%20Sept%202012.pdf . 18 January 2015 .
  4. Web site: Episcopal Team completed in Southwark Diocese. Diocese of Southwark. 3 December 2016. 21 March 2012. 10 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170510115043/http://archive.southwark.anglican.org/news/pr/pr.php?id=1968. dead.
  5. Web site: The Bishop of Croydon, The Rt Revd Jonathan Clark, announces departure from the Diocese of Southwark . 2021-09-08 . The Diocese of Southwark . en-GB.
  6. Southwark Diocese . SouthwarkCofE . 1439816841828786183 . 20 September 2021 .
    1. 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
    . 27 December 2021.
  7. https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2021/24-september/news/uk/uk-news-in-brief Church Times, 24 September 2021 - UK news in brief
  8. Diocese of Southwark . 3 February 2012 . Two new Area Bishops for Southwark Diocese . 9 July 2012 . 20 December 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161220035343/http://archive.southwark.anglican.org/news/pr/pr.php?id=1887 . dead .
  9. Web site: The New Bishop of Croydon . Anglican Diocese of New Westminster . 26 March 2012 . 27 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211227124538/https://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/news/the-new-bishop-of-croydon . 27 December 2021 . en.