John Walker (archdeacon of Essex) facts for kids

John Walker (died 1588) was an English church leader. He became the Archdeacon of Essex in 1571, which was an important role in the church.

Life and Church Work

John Walker studied at Cambridge University. He earned several degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1547 and a Master of Arts (M.A.) from Peterhouse college in 1551. Later, he also received a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree, which is a high honor in theology.

Early Career and Preaching

Walker began his church career in Alderton, Suffolk. He was known as a very good preacher in Ipswich. People admired his sermons.

In 1563, Walker attended an important church meeting called the Convocation of 1563. He represented the church leaders from Suffolk. At this meeting, he supported new ideas to change church rules and practices. He also signed a request for better order within the church.

Work in Norwich

In 1564, Walker became a chaplain in St. Peter's, Norwich. His preaching was very popular there. Matthew Parker, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury, noticed Walker's talent. Parker helped Walker become a canon of Norwich Cathedral in 1569. A canon is a church official who works at a cathedral.

Puritan Beliefs and Later Roles

John Walker held some Puritan beliefs. Puritans wanted to make the Church of England simpler and remove certain traditions. In 1570, Walker and other Puritan church leaders protested against some of the decorations in Norwich Cathedral.

Despite these protests, Walker continued to rise in the church. In 1571, he became the Archdeacon of Essex. This role involved overseeing many churches and clergy in that area. He also became a rector in Laindon-cum-Basildon, Essex, in 1573. In 1575, he was installed as a prebendary at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

Helping During a Health Crisis

In 1578, Bishop John Aylmer asked Walker for help during a time of widespread illness, possibly the bubonic plague. Walker was chosen to help select sixty clergy members to visit people and offer support.

Debates and Final Years

Walker was also involved in important religious discussions. In 1581, he helped in the case against Richard Wright, a chaplain who had been ordained in Antwerp and was refused a license by the bishop. Later that year, Walker assisted William Charke in a debate at the Tower of London with Edmund Campion, a Jesuit priest. Walker played a key role in the fourth day of this debate.

Bishop Aylmer also asked Walker to gather information to argue against Campion's writings. In 1582, Walker was appointed to talk with captured Catholic priests. He continued to preach and serve the church. John Walker resigned from his role as Archdeacon around August 1585. He passed away before December 12, 1588.

Works

John Walker wrote a special introduction for a book called Certaine Godlie Homilies or Sermons. This book was translated by Robert Norton from the original work by Rodolph Gualter and was published in London in 1573.