Simon Barrington-Ward facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Simon Barrington-Ward |
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Bishop of Coventry | |
![]() Barrington-Ward at Magdalene College, Cambridge, October 2011
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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 | 27 May 1930 |
Died | 11 April 2020 | (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.