Nicholas Chamberlain | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Grantham | |
| Church | Church of England |
| Diocese | Lincoln |
| In office | 2015–present |
| Predecessor | Tim Ellis |
| Previous posts | Vicar of St George and St Hilda,Jesmond (2006–2015) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1991 (deacon) 1992 (priest) |
| Consecration | 19 November 2015 by Justin Welby |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1963-11-25)25 November 1963 (age 61) |
| Denomination | Anglicanism |
| Education | Christleton High School |
| Alma mater | St Chad's College, Durham Edinburgh Theological College New College, Edinburgh |
Nicholas Alan "Nick"Chamberlain (born 25 November 1963) is a BritishAnglicanbishop. On 19 November 2015, he became thesuffraganBishop of Grantham in theDiocese of Lincoln.[1] He had previously been vicar of the parish of St George and St Hilda, Jesmond, in theDiocese of Newcastle since 2006. Chamberlain is the firstopenlygay bishop in theChurch of England.
Chamberlain was born inStaines and educated atChristleton High School.[2] He then studiedEnglish andAmerican Literature atSt Chad's College, Durham,[3] and graduated with aBachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1985.[4]
In 1988, Chamberlain enteredEdinburgh Theological College, anAnglicantheological college, to train for ordination.[4] During this time he also studied theology atNew College, Edinburgh (graduating with aBachelor of Divinity (BD) degree in 1991) and undertookpostgraduate research in American Literature at St Chad's College (completing hisDoctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in 1991).[4]
He was ordaineddeacon atDurham Cathedral in 1991. He then served in the parish of St Mary,Cockerton, in theDiocese of Durham, where he was ordained priest in 1992. He served ascurate of St Francis' Church,Newton Aycliffe, in 1994 before becomingteam vicar there in 1995. The team became theGreat AycliffeTeam Ministry when the parish of St Andrew,Great Aycliffe was added the following year.
In 1998, he becamepriest in charge of St Barnabas' Burnmoor, also taking up the post of officer for Continuing Ministerial Education and Post Ordination Training in theDiocese of Durham.
On 19 November 2015, Chamberlain wasconsecrated a bishop byJustin Welby, theArchbishop of Canterbury.[5]
In April 2019, he wrote an Easter devotional expressing thanks "that the silence overLGBT+ people has been broken."[6]
In November 2023, he was one of 44 Church of England bishops who signed an open letter supporting the use of thePrayers 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".[7]
Chamberlain was the first bishop in the Church of England tocome out as gay on 2 September 2016, following threats of anouting from an unnamedSunday newspaper. He said he was in acelibate same-sex relationship,[N 1] as required by the bishops' guidelines, under whichgay clergy must assure bishops that they are celibate and may not marry.[8][9][10][11] Gay bishops are, however, permitted to enter intocivil partnerships.[12] Chamberlain also described his relationship with his partner and their commitment. "Chamberlain said he had been with his partner for many years. 'It is faithful, loving, we are like-minded, we enjoy each other’s company and we share each other’s life,' he said."[13]Church of England Newspaper reported that he and his partner have been together for over 30 years.[14] An overwhelming proportion of approximately 500 letters and emails prompted by his coming out were supportive.[15]
His interests include music, reading, cycling and running; he runs inhalf-marathons to raise money forChristian Aid and other charities. As aforementioned, he has a partner with whom he shares his life.[6][16]
| Church of England titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Bishop of Grantham 2015–present | Incumbent |
