New Bishop to the UK Armed Forces Appointed

Military chaplaincy, for episcopally-led denominations (Roman Catholic and Anglican particularly) requires that chaplains from these denominations work under the oversight, direction and pastoral support of a bishop. I was therefore interested to read this announcement from the UK Ministry of Defence website. This article also has some interesting material on the Buddhist chaplain to the UK Armed Forces, and has some interesting links for those interested in military chaplaincy. MP+

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has announced the appointment of the Right Reverend Dr Stephen Venner as the new Bishop to the Armed Forces.



The Rt Revd Dr Stephen Venner has been Bishop of Dover and Bishop in Canterbury since 1999 and upon taking up post will succeed The Rt Revd David Conner, the Dean of Windsor, who has served in this role since 2001.



Dr Venner will step down as Bishop of Dover this year, but will continue his role as Bishop for the Falkland Islands. Dr Venner was the first Bishop of Dover to serve as an ex-officio member of the House of Bishops in recognition of the particular responsibilities the Bishop has leading the diocese day-to-day on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Read the whole article here.