Christopher Chessun
Christopher Chessun | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Southwark | |
| File:Official portrait of The Lord Bishop of Southwark crop 2.jpg Official portrait, 2019 | |
| Church | Church of England |
| Diocese | Southwark |
| In office | 2011–present |
| Predecessor | Tom Butler |
| Other posts | Bishop for Urban Life and Faith (2009–present) Area Bishop of Woolwich (2005–2011) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 3 July 1983 (deacon) by Conrad Meyer 1 July 1984 (priest) by Patrick Rodger |
| Consecration | 21 April 2005 by Rowan Williams |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 August 1956 |
| Nationality | British |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Residence | Bishop's House, Streatham |
| Alma mater | University College, Oxford |
| Member of the House of Lords | |
| Assumed office 11 November 2014 | |
Christopher Thomas James Chessun (born 5 August 1956) is a British Anglican bishop. He became Bishop of Southwark in the Church of England in 2011.[1]
Early life and education
[edit | edit source]Chessun is a twin and was born on 5 August 1956.[2] He was educated at Hampton School, an all-boys private school in London.[2] He studied modern history at University College, Oxford, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1978: as per tradition, his BA was promoted to a Master of Arts (MA Oxon) degree in 1982.[2] He trained for ordination at Westcott House, Cambridge, a liberal catholic theological college, while also studying theology at Trinity Hall, Cambridge.[3] He graduated from the University of Cambridge with a BA degree in 1982, having completed part II of the Theological Tripos.[2]
Ordained ministry
[edit | edit source]Made a deacon at Petertide 1983 (3 July) by Conrad Meyer, Bishop of Dorchester, at Dorchester Abbey[4] and ordained a priest the following Petertide (1 July 1984) by Patrick Rodger, Bishop of Oxford, at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford,[5] he served curacies at St Michael and All Angels Sandhurst and St Mary's Portsea[6] and was then successively a chaplain at St Paul's Cathedral, London, rector of St Dunstan's, Stepney, Archdeacon of Northolt (2001–2005).
Episcopal ministry
[edit | edit source]In 2005, he was appointed Bishop of Woolwich, an area bishop of the Diocese of Southwark. He was consecrated a bishop on 21 April 2005.[7] He is a passionate advocate of overseas church links.[8]
Having served as an area bishop for over five years, his appointment as Bishop of Southwark was confirmed before a congregation at St Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside on 17 January 2011.[9] His enthronement at Southwark Cathedral took place on 6 March 2011,[9] and he began public ministry as the 10th Bishop of Southwark.
He is a strong advocate for the parish system as the most effective means of church presence and engagement in the life of local communities. His residence as Bishop of Southwark is Bishop's House, Streatham.[3] Chessun is the lead bishop for Urban Life and Faith for the Church of England, contributing to debates and discussions on the churches' contribution to urban and public policy. In 2012, a number of Evangelical Anglicans criticised him for appointing liberal Anglo-Catholics to his leadership team.[10]
In May 2011, the Church of England declared that three members of the diocese participating in the Anglican Mission in England, ordained in Kenya, were in an impaired state of communion with Chessun due to a conflict of views on homosexuality. These "irregular" clergy would have to seek other bishops to ordain their candidates. His views are similar to those of his predecessor, Tom Butler,[11] who appointed Chessun as Bishop of Woolwich.
He will retire as Bishop of Southwark in August 2026.[12]
Views
[edit | edit source]In November 2023, he was one of 44 Church of England bishops who signed an open letter supporting the use of the Prayers of Love and Faith (i.e. blessings for same-sex couples) and called for "Guidance being issued without delay that includes the removal of all restrictions on clergy entering same-sex civil marriages, and on bishops ordaining and licensing such clergy".[13]
Health
[edit | edit source]In September 2024 a taxi Chessun was travelling in stopped abruptly, and he hit his face badly, breaking most facial bones. An airbag protected him from even more serious injury to his skull, brain, and neck. He was told by doctors "your face is cornflakes", but after much medical care was able to return to work before Christmas 2024 with his face held together by "pins and plates", fully recovering by July 2025.[14]
Styles
[edit | edit source]- The Reverend Christopher Chessun (1983–2001)[15]
- The Venerable Christopher Chessun (2001–2005)
- The Right Reverend Christopher Chessun (2005–present)
References
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- ^ Diocese of Southwark — Bishops' biographical notes (Accessed 10 June 2017)
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- 1956 births
- People educated at Hampton School
- Alumni of University College, Oxford
- 20th-century English Anglican priests
- Archdeacons of Northolt
- 21st-century Church of England bishops
- Living people
- Bishops of Southwark
- Bishops of Woolwich
- Lords Spiritual
- Bishops for Urban Life and Faith
- Alumni of Westcott House, Cambridge
- Alumni of Trinity Hall, Cambridge