Reverend John Gladwin

Areas of Interest

Religion

Honorary Award

Honorary Doctor of Theology, 2009

Biography

The Right Reverend John Gladwin has recently retired from his role as the ninth Bishop of Chelmsford after six years in the diocese.

Born in 1942, he was educated first at Churchill College, Cambridge where he took his MA. He trained for ministry at St John's College, Durham and began his life of pastoral care as an assistant curate. He was ordained in 1968 and became Tutor at St John's College in 1971 and Honorary Chaplain to students at St Nicholas Church, Durham. In 1982 he took up the post of Secretary to the General Synod Board for Social responsibility and in 1984 became a Prebendary at St Paul's Cathedral. 

From 1988 he was Provost at Sheffield Cathedral and was also Anglican Adviser at Yorkshire Television. Following this, he became a member of the General Synod after which he was ordained as Bishop of Guildford and then he came to Essex to lead the Church of England as Bishop of Chelmsford, covering Essex and East London.

As Bishop of Chelmsford he set himself the task of modernising the church's outlook and people's perception of it. His success at creating friendships and empowering people to bring both the Christian and faith communities closer together has been well reported. During his time with the Anglican Church, he has established close links with Christian Aid, whose Board he chaired for 11 years, and been a leading advocate of social responsibility and justice. He is honoured for his ongoing work to improve the lives of others.



Citation

"Vice Chancellor, it is my pleasure to read the citation for the Right Reverend John Gladwin for the award of Honorary Doctor of Theology.

The Right Reverend John Gladwin has recently retired from his role as the ninth Bishop of Chelmsford after six years in the diocese - which is one of the biggest in the country -covering the whole of Essex and five east London boroughs.

Born in 1942, he was educated first at Churchill College, Cambridge where he took his MA. He trained for ministry at St John's College, Durham and began his life of pastoral care as an assistant curate. He was ordained in 1968 and became Tutor at St John's College in 1971 and Honorary Chaplain to students at St Nicholas Church, Durham. In 1982 he took up the post of Secretary to the General Synod Board for Social responsibility and in 1984 became a Prebendary at St Paul's Cathedral. 

From 1988 he was Provost at Sheffield Cathedral and was also Anglican Adviser at Yorkshire Television. Following this, he became a member of the General Synod after which he was ordained as Bishop of Guildford and then he came to Essex to lead the Church of England as Bishop of Chelmsford.

As Bishop of Chelmsford he set himself the task of modernising the church's outlook and people's perception of it. His success at creating friendships and empowering people to bring both the Christian and faith communities closer together has been well reported. One of his greatest achievements was to bring about the signing of a covenant between Essex's Anglican and Catholic diocese to see the development of collaborative working.

On retiring as Bishop of Chelmsford, he commented on the 'tremendous richness and diversity' of the Chelmsford diocese.

During his time with the Anglican Church, he has established close links with Christian Aid, whose Board he chaired for 11 years. 

Christian Aid works in some of the world's poorest communities in more than 50 countries, acting where the need is greatest regardless of religion, helping to build better lives. During his time with the charity, he saw worldwide poverty and suffering firsthand. 

He is known for his humanity and has been a tireless campaigner in respect of Third World poverty, and the vulnerable nearer home.

He has been a leading advocate of social responsibility and justice, speaking out for change and improvement. As part of this mission he has taken on a wide range of social and political debates in order to strive for more positive outcomes.

Since retiring as Bishop of Chelmsford, he has taken up the post of Chairman of Citizens Advice, where again he is using his unique skills to help provide vital support and services to people in need.

For this important work to improve the lives of others, for making a difference to the people of Essex through his ability to give confidence and encouragement, and for his ability to make things happen, we are delighted to be able to honour him here today. Vice Chancellor, it is my pleasure to present the Right Reverend John Gladwin for the award of Doctor of Theology, honoris causa."