John Green (bishop) facts for kids

John Green (born in 1706, died April 25, 1779) was an important English church leader and a smart person who worked at a university. He lived a long time ago, in the 1700s.

A painting of John Green.

John Green's Life Story

John Green was born in a town called Beverley in Yorkshire, England, in 1706. He went to school in his hometown.

Starting His University Career

In 1724, John Green went to St John's College, Cambridge. He studied hard and earned his first degree in 1728. Then, in 1730, he was given a special position called a "fellowship." This meant he could stay at the college and continue his studies and teaching.

In 1731, he became a priest, which is called being "ordained." He then worked as a vicar in a place called Hinxton, in Cambridgeshire.

Important University Roles

Later, John Green became a special helper, or "domestic chaplain," to the Duke of Somerset. This Duke was also the head, or "chancellor," of the University of Cambridge.

When the Duke of Somerset passed away in 1748, another powerful person, the Duke of Newcastle, took over. The Duke of Newcastle quickly made sure John Green got a very important job. He became the Regius Professor of Divinity. This was the most senior teaching position in the university for religious studies.

In 1750, John Green was chosen to be the "master" of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. This was a big deal because he didn't have any previous connections to that college.

Becoming a Bishop

In 1756, John Green became the Dean of Lincoln. This meant he was a senior leader in the Lincoln Cathedral. When he took this new job, he gave up his professorship at the university. He also served as the "vice-chancellor" of the University of Cambridge between 1756 and 1757. This role is like being the main manager of the university.

Thanks to the Duke of Newcastle, John Green was appointed Bishop of Lincoln in 1761. A bishop is a very high-ranking leader in the church. When he became a bishop, he left his other church jobs. In 1764, he also resigned from being the master of Corpus Christi College.

His Views and Challenges

John Green spoke out against a religious group called the Methodists. He wrote two pamphlets, which are like small books, explaining his thoughts. These were called "The Principles and Practices of Methodists Considered." He wanted to write a third, but the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Secker, told him not to.

Later, John Green started to lose favor with the King. This happened when he voted in the House of Lords to support a bill. This bill would have helped Protestant dissenters, who were people who didn't follow the main Church of England.

King George III was reportedly very unhappy about this. He is said to have declared, "Green, Green, he shall never be translated!" This meant the King would never promote John Green to a higher bishop position.

John Green was never promoted again after that. He passed away in Bath on April 25, 1779. He was never married.