Maurice A.P. Wood, 1916-2007

Christopher Idle  |  Features
Date posted:  1 Nov 2007
Share Add       

Several factors made Maurice Wood an unusual bishop.

One was his pastoral experience: he became Bishop of Norwich in 1971 from the Principal’s chair at Oak Hill Theological College, but also after notable earlier ministries at St. Ebbe’s, Oxford, and St. Mary’s, Islington (and as President of the Islington Conference). Another was his notoriety as a ‘conservative evangelical’, as we were then called. The bench of English Diocesans had seen none for a generation; the anonymous preface-writer of Crockfords Clerical Directory did not welcome the novelty.

No less extraordinary was that, having begun as an evangelical, on his retirement in 1985 he still was one. Several such bishops have been chosen since; very few stay the course in the same colours.

Share
< Previous article| Features| Next article >
Read more articles by Christopher Idle >>
Features
50 years ago: 4 Christmases, 2 bishops, 1 gospel

50 years ago: 4 Christmases, 2 bishops, 1 gospel

Christopher Idle reflects on two memorable Christmas Carol Services where two bishops shared their story of coming to Christ. When …

Reviews
No space for silence?

No space for silence?

The author’s name should ensure a wide readership. Added to that, it’s highly readable. What more could you want?

Subscribe

Enjoy our monthly paper and full online access

Find out more

About en

Our vision, values and history.

Read more