The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd & Rt Hon Richard Chartres KCVO, said:
“In his many publications and in his teaching in St Mellitus College, Graham has demonstrated a generous orthodoxy which combines depth with clarity. He has continually combined teaching with pastoral care for those preparing for parochial and other ministries. His whole ministry in a sense has been in support of the ”˜local church’ for which he has a passion. As Area Bishop he will be able to develop this theme in his ministry as he serves the remarkably diverse Christian communities in West London.”
Graham trained for ordination at Wycliffe Hall, was a curate in Exeter, later returning to Wycliffe as a tutor in Historical Theology and eventually becoming Vice Principal. In 2005, he helped found St Paul’s Theological Centre, which is now part of St Mellitus College. Graham is the author of many articles and several books, most recently, ”˜The Widening Circle ”“ Priesthood as God’s way of Blessing the World’, published in 2014. He is married to Janet and has two grown-up children.
This is not only good news for West London, but for the whole of the Communion. Graham is not only one of the best theologians in the Communion, but understands and shapes the kind of priestly formation that renews and builds churches. The work he has built at St Mellitus astonishes. The CofE continues to impress.
This post will hopefully prepare him to be the next bishop of London! Congrats Graham and Janet.