Christopher Foster (bishop)
| The Right Reverend Christopher Foster | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Portsmouth | |
 Foster before his enthronement at Portsmouth Cathedral, 18 September 2010 | |
| Diocese | Diocese of Portsmouth |
| Installed | 18 September 2010 |
| Predecessor | Kenneth Stevenson |
| Other posts | Bishop of Hertford (2001–2010) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1981 |
| Consecration |
21 October 2001, Southwark Cathedral[1] by George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 November 1953 |
| Nationality | British |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Residence | Bishopsgrove, Fareham |
| Spouse |
1. Julia Marie née Jones (dec. 2001) 2. Sally Elizabeth née Davenport (2006—present)[2] |
| Children | 1 son & 1 daughter (first marriage)[3] |
| Profession | Bishop |
| Alma mater | Durham University |
Christopher Richard James Foster (born 7 November 1953) is an Anglican bishop. He is the current Bishop of Portsmouth in the Church of England.
Early life
Foster born on 7 November 1953. He was educated at Durham University[4] where he held the position of Chapel Clerk at University College. He studied for ordination at Westcott House, Cambridge.
Career
Foster was ordained in 1981[5] and began his ordained ministry with a curacy in Tettenhall Regis in Wolverhampton, after which he became chaplain of Wadham College, Oxford. Following this he was vicar of Christ Church Southgate[6] and finally a canon residentiary and sub-dean at St Albans Cathedral.
In 2001 he was consecrated as Bishop of Hertford into the episcopate.[3] In February 2010, it was announced that Foster would be the new Bishop of Portsmouth.[2][7] He was enthroned on 18 September 2010.
Views
Welfare reform
Foster has spoken out against the Conservative government's changes to the welfare state and austerity measures. In October 2015, he called proposed cuts to tax credits "morally indefensible":
It’s clear to me and many others that these proposals blatantly threaten damage to the lives of millions of our fellow citizens. This must not be the way to achieve the Government's goal at a cost to those, who if we believe the rhetoric, the Government intends to encourage and support. To many in my diocese and beyond this seems punishing rather than encouragement.[8]
Personal life
Foster's first wife died in 2001. He married his second wife, Sally, in 2006.[2][9] He has one adult son and one adult daughter.[3]
Styles
- The Reverend Christopher Foster (1981–1994)
- The Reverend Canon Christopher Foster (1994–2001)
- The Right Reverend Christopher Foster (2001–present)
References
- ↑ "News (in brief): Say what you really think, two new bishops told (Archived; subscription only)". Church Times (#7236). 26 October 2001. p. 4. ISSN 0009-658X. Retrieved 11 October 2015. (subscription required (help)).
- 1 2 3 Official notification of appointment as Bishop of Portsmouth
- 1 2 3 Official notification of appointment as Bishop of Hertford
- ↑ Who's Who 2008: London, A & C Black ISBN 978-0-7136-8555-8
- ↑ Crockford's Clerical Directory 2008/2009 Lambeth, Church House Publishing ISBN 978-0-7151-1030-0
- ↑ Church website
- ↑ "New bishop for south-east Hampshire". Hampshire Chronicle. Winchester, Hampshire. 9 February 2010. Retrieved 9 February 2010.
- ↑ The Independent (London) 27/10/2015 Tax credits: House of Lords votes to delay cuts by three years
- ↑ Debrett's People of Today London, 2008 Debrett's, ISBN 978-1-870520-95-9
| Church of England titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Robin Smith |
Bishop of Hertford 2001–2010 |
Succeeded by Paul Bayes |
| Preceded by Kenneth Stevenson |
Bishop of Portsmouth 2010—present |
Incumbent |