kids encyclopedia robot

Simon Barrington-Ward facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Simon Barrington-Ward
Bishop of Coventry
A smiling, bespectacled old man in a red chasuble and gold mitre, holding a crozier and standing on the lawn in front of a large red-brick building.
Barrington-Ward at Magdalene College, Cambridge, October 2011
Diocese Diocese of Coventry
In Office 1985–1997
Predecessor John Gibbs
Successor Colin Bennetts
Other posts honorary assistant bishop in Ely
1997–2020
Orders
Consecration 1985
Personal details
Born (1930-05-27)27 May 1930
Died 11 April 2020(2020-04-11) (aged 89)
Nationality British
Denomination Anglican
Parents Robert Barrington-Ward & Margaret Adele Barrington-Ward
Spouse Jean Caverhill Taylor (m. 1963)
Profession RAF officer; theologian
Alma mater Magdalene College, Cambridge

Simon Barrington-Ward (27 May 1930 – 11 April 2020) was an important bishop in the Church of England. He served as the Bishop of Coventry for many years.

Early Life and Education

Simon Barrington-Ward was born in 1930. His father, Robert Barrington-Ward, was the editor of The Times newspaper. Simon went to Eton College, a famous school. Later, he studied at Magdalene College, Cambridge University, where he earned his degrees.

After university, he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as an officer. He then taught at colleges that train people for church work. In 1956, he became a deacon, which is the first step to becoming a priest. The next year, he was ordained as a priest.

Church Leadership Roles

From 1975 to 1985, Simon Barrington-Ward was the General Secretary of the Church Missionary Society (CMS). This organization helps spread the Christian faith around the world.

In 1985, he became the seventh Bishop of Coventry. A bishop is a senior leader in the church. He was officially made a bishop at Westminster Abbey in London. He held this important role until 1997.

Later Years and Recognition

Even after stepping down as Bishop of Coventry, Simon Barrington-Ward continued to serve the church. He helped with pastoral care at the University of Cambridge. He also worked as an honorary assistant bishop in the Diocese of Ely. He was an honorary fellow and chaplain at Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he had studied.

In 2001, he received a special honor from the Queen. He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG). This award recognizes people who have done great service. As a church leader, he did not use the title "Sir."

Simon Barrington-Ward passed away in April 2020 at the age of 89. He died from COVID-19.

kids search engine
Simon Barrington-Ward Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.