Jonathan Clark (bishop)


Jonathan Clark

Bishop for the Falkland Islands
Clark in Jerusalem, 2019
Diocese Parish of the Falkland Islands
In office 2021–present
Other post(s) Bishop of Croydon (2012–2022)
Orders
Ordination 1988 (deacon)
1989 (priest)
Consecration 21 March 2012
by Rowan Williams
Personal details
Born 1961 (age 62–63)
Denomination 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. 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 at Westminster Abbey in 2017

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

Episcopal ministry

On 21 March 2012, Clark was consecrated a bishop at Southwark Cathedral by Rowan Williams. 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.

On 20 September 2021, he was commissioned as Bishop for the Falkland Islands. 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. Ellen Clark-King, Dean of King's College London, is his sister. In retirement Clark and his wife live on Orkney.

Styles

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)