In office 1999–present Name Graham James Consecration February 23, 1993 | Denomination Anglican Ordination 1975 Nationality British | |
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Residence Bishop's House, Norwich Parents Lionel and Florence James Books The Lent Factor: Forty Companions for the Forty Days of Lent: The Mowbray Lent Education Lancaster University, Ripon College Cuddesdon | ||
Graham Richard James (born 19 January 1951) is an English Anglican bishop. He is the current Bishop of Norwich and Abbot of St Benet's Abbey.
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Early life and education
James was born in Bideford, Devon, the son of a priest Lionel James and his wife Florence. He was educated at Northampton Grammar School, the University of Lancaster, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1972, the University of Oxford, where he received a diploma in theology in 1974 and Cuddesdon Theological College, Oxford.
Ordained ministry
James was ordained deacon at Michaelmas 1975 (21 September) and priest the next Michaelmas (26 September 1976), both times by Douglas Feaver, Bishop of Peterborough, at Peterborough Cathedral. He was assistant curate of Christ the Carpenter Church, Dogsthorpe from 1975 to 1978. From there he moved to Christ the King, Digswell, from 1979 to 1983, became a member of the Advisory Council for the Church's Ministry in 1983 and held this post until 1987. Between 1983 and 1985, he was Selection Secretary and Secretary for Continuing Education and between 1985 and 1987 Senior Selection Secretary. He was Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1987 to 1993.
Episcopal ministry
On 23 February 1993, James was consecrated a bishop by George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury, during a service at Westminster Abbey. He was the Bishop of St Germans in the Diocese of Truro from 1993 to 1999. Since 1995, he has been a member of the General Synod of the Church of England and since 1999 the 71st Bishop of Norwich. He was installed at Norwich Cathedral on 29 January 2000. In 2004, James became a Lord Spiritual and to sit in the House of Lords. Since 2006, he is also a member of the Archbishops' Council and Chair of the Ministry Division, Church of England. He chairs the BBC's Standing Conference on Religion and Belief.
Personal life
James has been married to Julie Anne Freemantle since 1978. They have two surviving children; another died in infancy.