Bishop of Chichester
The Bishop of Chichester is the diocesan bishop (ordinary) of the Church of England Diocese of Chichester, responsible for pastoral oversight, episcopal leadership, and administrative governance over approximately 500 parishes and 800 clergy serving a population of around one million across the counties of East and West Sussex.[1][2] The diocese originated in 681 AD when St. Wilfrid established the see at Selsey Abbey among the South Saxons, marking one of England's earliest Christian foundations after the Roman era; the bishopric was translated to Chichester in 1075 by decree of the Council of London to better serve the growing urban center, with Chichester Cathedral consecrated as the seat in 1108.[3][4] Notable incumbents include St. Richard de Wych (1244–1253), canonized in 1276 for his ascetic life and miracles, who became a patron saint invoked in the traditional hymn Day by Day Dear Lord; and George Bell (1929–1958), who advanced ecumenical ties with European churches, supported refugees during World War II, and critiqued totalitarianism through involvement with the Confessing Church in Germany.[3][4] The current bishop, Martin Clive Warner SSC, has held the office since March 2012, emphasizing Anglo-Catholic traditions, liturgical renewal, and interfaith dialogue while serving ex officio as a lord spiritual in the House of Lords.[1][2]Historical Development
Origins in the Diocese of Selsey
The Diocese of Selsey originated in 681 when Saint Wilfrid, an exiled Northumbrian bishop, arrived in the Kingdom of the South Saxons and converted King Æthelwealh, Queen Eaba, and much of their pagan subjects to Christianity.[5] The king granted Wilfrid land at Selsey for a church and monastery, establishing the episcopal see there as the center of Christian administration for Sussex.[3] Wilfrid, who had previously served as Bishop of York, preached extensively in the region and organized the nascent church structure before departing around 686 to resume activities in Northumbria.[6] The first dedicated bishop of Selsey was Eadberht, previously abbot of the Selsey monastery, consecrated around 705 following the division of the larger West Saxon diocese.[7] This marked the formal independence of the South Saxon see, which Bede records as occurring after 706 amid efforts to delineate diocesan boundaries under Archbishop Theodore of Canterbury.[8] Eadberht and his successors, such as Eadberht's immediate follower (whose name is not reliably recorded in surviving annals), oversaw pastoral care, monastic foundations, and the consolidation of Christian practice in a territory prone to relapses into paganism and Viking incursions.[7] The diocese's jurisdiction aligned with the South Saxon kingdom, extending from the Thames to the Isle of Wight, with Selsey Abbey serving as the rudimentary cathedral.[5] Over the subsequent centuries, the Selsey bishops maintained continuity despite political upheavals, including Mercian overlordship in the 8th century and Danish invasions that disrupted ecclesiastical records.[7] By the 11th century, the see's isolation at Selsey—on a peninsula vulnerable to coastal erosion and raids—prompted discussions for relocation, culminating in the 1075 Council of London's decree to translate the bishopric to the more defensible and populous Roman site of Chichester.[9] This shift preserved the Selsey lineage, with Bishop Stigand effecting the move and becoming the first styled Bishop of Chichester.[3]Translation to Chichester and Medieval Consolidation
The Council of London in 1075 decreed the translation of the episcopal see from Selsey to Chichester, relocating the Diocese of the South Saxons to a more central and defensible urban location amid broader Norman reforms shifting bishoprics from rural sites to towns.[4] Stigand, the last bishop of Selsey (who held the see from around 1091 until his death in 1087), effected the move around 1082, becoming the first bishop of Chichester without altering diocesan boundaries, which encompassed Sussex.[4] This shift addressed Selsey's vulnerability as an exposed coastal site on a peninsula, prone to erosion and raids, thereby consolidating ecclesiastical administration in Chichester's Roman-founded walls.[7] Following Stigand's death, Godfrey served briefly as bishop from 1088 to 1090, but Ralph de Luffa (1091–1123) drove early consolidation through reorganization of diocesan structures and initiation of Chichester Cathedral's construction in 1091, with partial consecration in 1108.[4] A fire in 1114 damaged the nascent structure, prompting rebuilding, while the cathedral's full form emerged under later bishops, including Seffrid II (1180–1204), who oversaw reconstruction in Early English Gothic style after another fire in 1186 and secured royal privileges.[4] These efforts established a stable canonical chapter and administrative framework, integrating Norman feudal elements with Anglo-Saxon traditions. Medieval consolidation advanced under 13th-century bishops, notably Simon of Wells (1204–1207), who obtained exemptions from secular jurisdiction under King John, and Richard Poore (1215–1217), enhancing institutional autonomy.[4] Richard of Chichester (1244–1253), later canonized in 1276, navigated conflicts with King Henry III to enforce reforms, fostering spiritual and legal coherence across the diocese.[4] Subsequent figures like Gilbert of St. Leofard (1288–1305) expanded the Lady Chapel, while William Rede (1369–1385) compiled early records, solidifying archival and jurisdictional foundations amid the Black Death's disruptions, which reduced the population but preserved the see's territorial integrity through the 15th century.[4] By Edward Storey's episcopate (1478–1503), the diocese featured revitalized pastoral oversight and institutions like a grammar school, reflecting matured medieval governance.[4]Reformation Impacts and Tudor Shifts
The English Reformation under Henry VIII compelled the Bishop of Chichester to affirm the royal supremacy established by the Act of Supremacy in 1534, with Robert Sherburne holding the see until his death on 21 August 1536 while conforming to these changes.[10] Richard Sampson succeeded him on 11 June 1536, having previously served as Dean of St Paul's; as bishop, he promoted Henrician policies, including authoring defenses of the king's ecclesiastical authority such as his Oratio justifying the supremacy. [11] In line with national campaigns against perceived superstitions, the shrine of Saint Richard of Chichester was demolished in 1538, dispersing the saint's relics and marking an early iconoclastic assault on medieval devotional sites within the diocese.[12] George Day, consecrated in 1543 by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, navigated the transition to Edward VI's reign but opposed the king's more doctrinally Protestant injunctions, refusing the required oath of conformity in 1551 and enduring imprisonment in the Fleet Prison until Mary I's accession in 1553 restored him.) Day's tenure reflected resistance among some episcopal conservatives to rapid liturgical and doctrinal shifts, including the imposition of the Book of Common Prayer in 1549 and the dissolution of chantries via the Act of 1547, which reduced ecclesiastical revenues across the diocese.[13] The cathedral sustained iconoclastic damage during this period, with reformers targeting images and altars amid broader efforts to purge Catholic elements, though the structure itself persisted as a secular foundation.[14] Under Mary I, Day continued until his death on 2 September 1556, after which John Christopherson—a Catholic theologian, confessor to the queen, and former Master of Trinity College, Cambridge—was appointed in 1557 to reverse Protestant innovations, restoring Latin rites and Marian devotions where feasible. Christopherson's brief episcopate embodied the brief Catholic restoration, emphasizing reconciliation with Rome, but ended with his death in December 1558. Elizabeth I's settlement via the Act of Supremacy (1559) and Uniformity Act deprived Christopherson posthumously, installing William Barlow—a former Augustinian canon turned Protestant advocate who had been deprived under Mary—in 1559; Barlow enforced the new prayer book and oath, aligning the diocese with the via media while surrendering certain manors to the crown under parliamentary pressure.[15] [3] These Tudor shifts imposed doctrinal volatility on the bishopric, with episcopal appointments mirroring monarchical preferences: Henrician conformity, Edwardian Protestantism resisted locally, Marian Catholicism, and Elizabethan Protestant consolidation. Church courts in the diocese retained pre-Reformation structures constitutionally, facilitating continuity in jurisdiction despite theological upheavals, while the shift to Protestantism proceeded gradually, reflecting conservative clerical and lay sentiments in Sussex.[13] [16]Post-Reformation Evolution to the Present
Following the English Reformation, the Bishop of Chichester transitioned to leadership within the newly established Church of England, with the see reoriented toward Protestant doctrine under royal supremacy. The diocese retained its territorial extent over Sussex, but the bishop's role shifted from papal allegiance to enforcing Elizabethan religious settlements, including the dissolution of monastic institutions while preserving the cathedral chapter in reformed form. Bishop William Barlow, appointed in 1559, exemplified this change as a married Protestant exile who had previously resigned Bath and Wells for matrimonial reasons, marking the onset of Anglican episcopacy in Chichester.[10] The 17th century brought turbulence, particularly during the English Civil War (1642–1651), when Royalist sympathies among Chichester's clergy and gentry clashed with Parliamentarian control. Parliamentary forces seized the city in the Siege of Chichester (December 22–27, 1642), ransacking the cathedral and depriving Bishop Henry King (1625–1642) of his palace and revenues, including his living at Petworth. Many canons were ejected, and the episcopal structure was suppressed during the Interregnum, with no bishop appointed until the Restoration in 1660, when the office resumed under Anglican continuity. Bishop John Williams (1634–1641, though his tenure predated full conflict) had earlier bolstered the cathedral's influence through administrative enhancements, underscoring the bishop's enduring pastoral and civic authority amid upheaval.[10][17][18] From the 18th to 19th centuries, the bishopric stabilized within the Georgian and Victorian Church of England, focusing on diocesan administration, structural maintenance, and theological adaptation. The cathedral's spire collapsed in 1721 due to structural decay, prompting rebuilding that reflected the era's pragmatic ecclesiastical governance; a second collapse occurred in 1861, rebuilt by 1866 under George Gilbert Scott's restorations (1861–1867), overseen by Bishop Ashurst Turner Gilbert (1842–1870), who advanced modernization efforts. The bishop's role evolved to include oversight of parish reforms and responses to industrial-era social challenges in Sussex, maintaining the see's seat among England's ancient dioceses without territorial expansion.[10] In the 20th century, bishops navigated global conflicts and ecumenical shifts, with George Bell (1929–1958) prominent for advocating refugee aid, opposing Nazi policies, and fostering Anglican-continental ties, earning commemoration as an ecumenist and peacemaker. The diocese endured World War II bomb damage to the cathedral, repaired post-1945, symbolizing resilience. By the late 20th century, the bishop's influence extended to national synods and House of Lords debates, emphasizing pastoral care across East and West Sussex, Brighton and Hove—a coastal span of approximately 160 km.[19] As of 2025, Martin Warner serves as the 77th Bishop of Chichester (since 2012), upholding traditional Anglo-Catholic emphases while engaging contemporary issues like end-of-life legislation and synodality. The diocese marked its 950th anniversary in 2025 with events including diocesan services, pilgrimages, and exhibitions, affirming the bishopric's continuity from Saxon origins through Reformation adaptations to modern Anglican oversight of roughly 500 parishes and 1.2 million people.[1][5][20]Episcopal Authority and Diocesan Structure
Canonical Role and Responsibilities
The Bishop of Chichester holds the canonical office of diocesan bishop, functioning as the chief pastor, principal minister, and Ordinary within the Diocese of Chichester, which encompasses most of East and West Sussex. This role entails primary responsibility for the spiritual welfare, doctrinal integrity, and governance of the diocese, as outlined in the Canons of the Church of England. Canon C18 specifies that the bishop must teach and uphold sound doctrine, refute erroneous teachings, and exemplify Christian living for clergy and laity alike.[21][22] In pastoral duties, the bishop exercises oversight to foster unity, peace, and mission across the diocese's parishes, institutions, and approximately 500 clergy serving over 350 churches. This includes confirming baptized members into full communicant status, consecrating new churches, churchyards, and burial grounds, and ensuring the maintenance of ecclesiastical discipline among the ordained. The bishop also appoints archdeacons and other key officers to assist in these functions, while residing principally within the diocese to fulfill these obligations directly.[22][23][24] As principal minister, the bishop performs sacramental acts reserved to the episcopal order, such as ordaining deacons and priests, and participating in the consecration of fellow bishops when required by the Archbishop of Canterbury. In governance, the bishop presides over the diocesan synod, holds ordinary jurisdiction as the chief judicial authority in the consistory court for matters of faculty, clergy discipline, and church property, and collaborates with suffragan bishops while retaining ultimate accountability for diocesan policy and safeguarding. These responsibilities align with broader Anglican principles, emphasizing the bishop's collegial yet authoritative leadership in communion with the Province of Canterbury.[23][24][22]Suffragan and Assistant Bishops
The Diocese of Chichester maintains two suffragan bishoprics to support the diocesan bishop in overseeing its extensive territory, divided into eastern and western archdeaconries. The Suffragan Bishop of Lewes holds responsibility for the Archdeaconry of Lewes in eastern Sussex, while the Suffragan Bishop of Horsham oversees the Archdeaconry of Horsham in western Sussex. These roles enable focused pastoral, missional, and administrative leadership within their respective areas, including ordinations, confirmations, and clergy support.[25][26][27] The current Suffragan Bishop of Lewes is William Hazlewood, consecrated on 15 July 2020 following his appointment announced on 29 April 2020.[28][26] Prior to his episcopal role, Hazlewood served as vicar of Dartmouth and Dittisham in the Diocese of Exeter. The current Suffragan Bishop of Horsham is Ruth Bushyager, also consecrated on 15 July 2020 after her appointment on 29 April 2020.[28][27] She previously held the position of vicar at St Paul's, Dorking, in the Diocese of Guildford. In addition to suffragan bishops, the diocese licenses honorary assistant bishops—typically retired diocesan, suffragan, or other bishops residing locally—to assist with episcopal duties such as confirmations and occasional pastoral oversight. These roles provide flexible support without fixed territorial responsibilities. Current honorary assistant bishops include Alan Chesters, former Bishop of Blackburn (served 1989–1997), and Laurence Green.[29]List of Bishops
Chronological Enumeration and Key Statistics
The Diocese of Chichester originated as the Diocese of Selsey in 681 and has seen 103 bishops in total, with the episcopal see translated to Chichester in 1075, after which 77 bishops have served.[3] This enumeration distinguishes the pre-translation bishops of Selsey from those of Chichester, using dates of appointment or approximate tenure as recorded in diocesan records; gaps or overlaps reflect historical uncertainties in early attestations or disputed elections.[3]Bishops of Selsey (681–1075)
- St. Wilfrid (681)
- Eadbeorht
- Eolla
- Sigga (753)
- Ealabeorht
- Osweald
- Gislhere (c. 776)
- Tota (c. 783)
- Withun (c. 788)
- Æthelwulf (c. 808)
- Coenred (c. 820)
- Guthheard (c. 840)
- Wighelm
- Beornheah (909)
- Wulfhun (c. 930)
- Ælfred (c. 942)
- Daniel (955)
- Beorhthelm
- Eadhelm
- Orifbeort (980)
- Ælfmaer (1009)
- Æthelric I (1032)
- Grimcytel (1039)
- Heca (1047)
- Æthelric II (1058)
- Stigand (1070)
Bishops of Chichester (1075–present)
- Stigand (1075–1087)
- Godfrey (1088)
- William (1088)
- Ralph Luffa (1091–1123)
- Seffrid I (1125–1150)
- Hilary (1147–1169)
- John of Greenford (1173–1180)
- Seffrid II (1180–1204)
- Simon Fitz Robert (1204–1215)
- Richard Poore (1215–1217)
- Ranulf of Wareham (1218–1222)
- Ralph Nevill (1222–1244)
- St. Richard of Chichester (Richard Wych) (1244–1253)
- John Climping (1253–1262)
- Stephen Bersted (1262–1288)
- Gilbert of St Leofard (1288–1305)
- John Langton (1305–1337)
- Robert Stratford (1337–1362)
- William Lenn (1362–1368)
- William Read (1368–1385)
- Thomas Rushock (1385–1389)
- Richard Mitford (1389–1395)
- Robert Waldby (1395)
- Robert Reade (1396–1418)
- Henry Ware (1418–1420)
- John Kempe (1421)
- Thomas Polton (1421–1426)
- John Rickingale (1426–1429)
- Simon Sydenham (1429–1438)
- Richard Praty (1438–1445)
- Adam Moleyns (1445–1450)
- Reginald Pecock (1450–1459)
- John Arundel (1459–1478)
- Edward Story (1478–1503)
- Richard Fitz James (1503–1506)
- Robert Sherburne (1508–1536)
- Richard Sampson (1536–1543)
- George Day (1543–1554, deprived)
- John Christopherson (1557–1559, deprived)
- William Barlow (1559–1568)
- Richard Curtis (1570–1586)
- Thomas Bickley (1586–1595)
- Anthony Watson (1596–1605)
- Lancelot Andrewes (1605–1609, translated)
- Samuel Harsnett (1609–1619, translated)
- George Carleton (1619–1628)
- Richard Montague (1628–1638)
- Brian Duppa (1638–1641, translated)
- Henry King (1642–1669)
- Peter Gunning (1670–1675, translated)
- Ralph Brideoake (1675–1679)
- Guy Carleton (1679–1685)
- John Lake (1685–1689, deprived)
- Simon Patrick (1689–1691, translated)
- Robert Grove (1691–1696)
- John Williams (1696–1709)
- Thomas Manningham (1709–1722)
- Thomas Bowers (1722–1724)
- Edward Waddington (1724–1731)
- Francis Hare (1731–1740, translated)
- Matthias Mawson (1740–1754, translated)
- William Ashburnham (1754–1798)
- John Buckner (1798–1824)
- Robert James Carr (1824–1831, translated)
- Edward Maltby (1831–1836, translated)
- William Otter (1836–1840)
- Philip Nicholas Shuttleworth (1840–1842)
- Ashhurst Turner Gilbert (1842–1870)
- Richard Durnford (1870–1896)
- Ernest Roland Wilberforce (1896–1908)
- Charles John Ridgeway (1908–1919)
- Winfrid Oldfield Burrows (1919–1929)
- George Kennedy Allen Bell (1929–1958)
- Roger Plumpton Wilson (1958–1974)
- Eric Waldram Kemp (1974–2001)
- John William Hind (2001–2012)
- Martin Clive Warner (2012–present, 77th Bishop of Chichester and 103rd of the diocese)