Who’s who? Bishops
Archdeacons and the Dean
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Who’s who? Bishops Archdeacons and the Dean |
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The Bishop of Chester The Right Reverend Dr Peter Forster Bishop’s House Abbey Square CHESTER CH1 2JD Tel: 01244 350864 Fax: 01244 314187 |
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The Dean of Chester The Very Revd Dr Gordon McPhate The Deanery 7 Abbey Street CHESTER CH1 2JF Tel: 01244 500956 |
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The Bishop of Birkenhead The Right Reverend Keith Sinclair Bishop’s Lodge 67 Bidston Road PRENTON CH43 6TR Tel: 0151 652 2741 Fax: 0151 651 2330 |
The Bishop of Stockport
Bishop’s Lodge Back Lane Dunham Town ALTRINCHAM WA14 4SG Tel: 0161 928 5611 Fax: 0161 929 0692 |
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The Archdeacon of Chester The Venerable Donald Allister Church House Lower Lane Aldford CHESTER CH3 HP Tel: 01244 620444 Fax: 01244 620456 |
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The Archdeacon of Macclesfield The Venerable Richard Gillings 5 Robins Lane Bramhall STOCKPORT SK7 2PE Tel: 0161 439 2254 Fax: 0161 439 0878 |
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The Bishop of Chester
The Rt Revd Dr Peter R Forster
Peter Forster was born in Birmingham and educated at Tudor Grange Grammar School for Boys, Solihull, and Merton College, Oxford, where he read chemistry. After working as a management trainee at Turner & Newall, a Manchester-based company, Peter Forster moved to Edinburgh to read theology at Edinburgh University. He was later awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy for studies in St Irenaeus, a theologian and Bishop of Lyons in the second century.
Dr Forster trained for the Anglican ministry at the Episcopal Church of Scotland's Theological College in Edinburgh. Ordained in 1980, he served as a curate in the parish of St Matthew and St James, Mossley Hill in Liverpool before moving to the University of Durham in 1983 as Senior Tutor at St John's College, where he taught theology. During his time in Durham, Dr Forster was elected to serve as a member of the Church of England's General Synod.
In 1991, Dr Forster was appointed Vicar of Beverley Minister in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The Minster is one of the largest and most beautiful parish churches in the country; Peter Forster has enjoyed parish ministry in Beverley, where he was responsible for training a number of curates for ministry in the church of England; was concerned with the revitalisation of worship at Beverley Minister and incorporating young people more fully into its life.
Peter Forster is married to Elisabeth. Elisabeth is a graduate from Edinburgh University in the History of Art. They have four children.
Dr Forster is an enthusiastic tennis player and a skilled craftsman; he enjoys making furniture and has built his own house in Scotland. He is interested in current affairs and the broader life of society.
Dr Forster was consecrated as a bishop in York Minster by the Archbishop of York on 13 November 1996 and was enthroned as Bishop of Chester on 11 January 1997.
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Dean of Chester Cathedral
“I believe that God has called me from academic Medicine to share in this exciting and challenging team ministry at Chester Cathedral”
Medical career and religious calling
The Revd Dr Gordon McPhate is the Dean of Chester Cathedral. This was an unusual appointment; he is ordained but spent his life working in a non-church profession teaching medicine. This is the most senior appointment of such a priest that the Church of England has ever made.
CURRICULUM VITAE
NAME : Gordon Ferguson McPhate
TITLE : Revd. Dr.
DATE OF BIRTH : 1 June 1950
MARITAL STATUS : Single
FAMILY DETAILS : In 1981 adopted my foster son John as a teenager. In 1986 he married Elaine, and has two stepsons, Dean and Paul, a son Allan, and a daughter Kayleigh. They live near Shrewsbury, close to my parents and my sister’s family.
EDUCATION : Perth Grammar School
University of Aberdeen
Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge
Westcott House, Cambridge
University of Surrey
University of Edinburgh
DEGREES : B.A., M.B., Ch.B., M.A., M.Th., M.Sc., M.D.
DIPLOMAS : Primary M.R.C.Path. , F.R.C.P. Edin.
STATEMENT OF INTERESTS : Human Pathophysiology , Diabetes & Renal Disease
New Testament Greek, Church Choral Music
Science & Religion, Medical Ethics
CURRENT POSTS:
Senior Lecturer in Experimental Pathology University of St Andrews.
Director of Medical Science Teaching University of St Andrews.
Consultant Chemical Pathologist Fife Health Board.
Senior Anglican Chaplain University of St Andrews.
DEGREES
BACHELOR OF MEDICINE (1974) M.B. Prize for research in Pharmacology, University of Aberdeen
BACHELOR OF SURGERY (1974) Ch.B.University of Aberdeen
BACHELOR OF ARTS (1977) B.A. (Hons.) Theological and Religious Studies Tripos
Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge
MASTER OF ARTS (1981) M.A. Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge
MASTER OF SCIENCE (1986) M.Sc. Chemical Pathology, University of Surrey
Primary M.R.C. PATH. (1987) The Royal College of Pathologists, London
DOCTOR OF MEDICINE (1988) M.D.
Human Pathophysiology
Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge
MASTER OF THEOLOGY (1994) M.Th. (with Distinction)
Ministry and Ethics
New College, University of Edinburgh
FELLOW OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS of Edinburgh (1997)
F.R.C.P. Edin.
The Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh
LEARNED SOCIETIES
1. Associate Member of the Royal College of Pathologists
2. Member of the Institute of Learning and Teaching
3. Member of the Association of Clinical Biochemists
4. Member of the Society of Ordained Scientists
PREVIOUS POSTS HELD
HOUSE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON ( 1974 – 75)
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
COLLEGE TUTOR IN PHYSIOLOGY (1975 - 77)
Clare College, Cambridge
CURATE OF SANDERSTEAD (1978 - 80)
Diocese of Southwark (ordained Deacon 1978; Priest 1979)
LECTURER IN PHYSIOLOGY (1979 - 84)
Guys' Hospital Medical School
University of London
PRIEST VICAR AND SACRIST OF SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL (1980 – 86)
REGISTRAR IN CHEMICAL PATHOLOGY (1984 - 86)
The Guildford Hospitals Laboratories
South West Thames Area Health Authority
LECTURER IN EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY (1986 - 1993)
University of St Andrews
ANGLICAN CHAPLAIN TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS (1986 – Present)
STAFF PHYSICIAN TO FIFE HEALTH BOARD (Honorary)(1989-95)
SENIOR LECTURER IN EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY (1993 - Present)
University of St Andrews
CONSULTANT CHEMICAL PATHOLOGIST TO FIFE HEALTH BOARD
(Honorary – 1995 to 2001)(Salaried from 2001)
EXTERNAL EXAMINER IN PHYSIOLOGY (1997 to 1999)
The Royal Postgraduate Medical School
University of London AND the Open University
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS and EXTERNAL COMMITMENT TO THE WORK OF PUBLIC BODIES
Adviser of Studies in Medicine to the Faculty of Science. (1987 – 1993)
Chairman of the Departmental Health and Safety Committee. (1989 – 1992)
Member of the governing Council of the Faculty of Science. (from 1986)
Member of the governing Board of the Student's Association. (1988 – 1992)
Director of Medical Science teaching and curriculum. (from 1993)
( Preclinical Medical School)
Member of Senatus Academicus of the University (from 1995)
Member of the Academic Council of the University (from 1997)
Member of Executive of the School of Biological & Medical Sciences (1993 – 1999)
Examiner of several M.Sc. and Ph.D. research project Theses.
Expert Witness to Courts as Chemical Pathologist.
Licensed Teacher of Anatomy ( appointed by H.M. Inspector of Anatomy , at the Home Office ) ( from 1996 )
Member of the Society of Ordained Scientists. (Rule of Life commitment).
Member of the Scottish Medical School Deans’ Curriculum Group.
Member of the Professional Conduct Committee of the General Medical Council.
ECCLESIASTICAL CAREER
Westcott House, Cambridge (1975 - 78)
Ordinand of the Diocese of Oxford.
Prepared for the Theological & Religious Studies Tripos at the Divinity School of the University of Cambridge. Graduated in 1977 with B.A. (Hons) :
Hebrew and New Testament Greek.
Old Testament Literature and Theology.
New Testament Literature and Theology.
Early Church History and Patristic Theology.
Systematic Theology.
Final year on Southwark Ordination Course : Counselling, Liturgy, Ethics, Pastoral Studies.
Ordination by the Bishop of Southwark
Deacon (1978) and Priest (1979).
Curate of Sanderstead, Surrey: Diocese of Southwark (1978 - 80)
Team ministry; central churchmanship.
Closely involved with work of the choir and sang with them on tour.
Taught New Testament Greek to group of adults in the parish.
Priest Vicar and Sacrist of Southwark Cathedral (1980 - 86)
Team ministry with Residentiary Canons.
Chaplain to the Cathedral choir and accompanied them on tour.
Conduct of Choral Evensong several times weekly.
Participated in several radio and television broadcasts.
Participated in weekly public theological debates.
Helped organise Cathedral services and events.
Taught Theology on the Southwark Ordination Course.
Anglican Chaplain to the University of St Andrews (1986 - present)
Team ministry with Presbyterian and Roman Catholic Chaplains.
Regular conduct of Choral Evensong with the University choir.
Sang with the University Renaissance Group choir.
Participated as Chaplain in a television programme about the University.
Conduct Confirmation classes for undergraduates.
Organise and lead Science - Religion seminars for staff and students to promote theological exploration and discussion throughout the University.
Conduct regular Retreats for students and staff.
Teach Theology to training Lay Readers in the Diocese.
NEW COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH (1992-94)
Prepared for Master of Theology degree.
Theology of Ministry and Ethics.
Theology of Karl Barth in relation to Ethics
Medical Ethics and Bioethics
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Bishop of Birkenhead
THE Rt Revd Keith Sinclair was consecrated as Bishop of Birkenhead in York Minster on 8 March, 2007, and installed at Chester Cathedral two days later.
He was born in Westminster, central London. He worked as a solicitor before discerning his call to the priesthood.
He trained for priesthood in the early 1980s and worked as a curate at Christ Church, Summerfield, Birmingham between 1984 and 1988. During this time he was also a chaplain at the Children’s Hospital, Birmingham.
Bishop Keith was Vicar of Aston between 1988 and 2001, where he worked on urban renewal, evangelism and justice issues. From 2001 until he was made Bishop of Birkenhead, he was Vicar of Holy Trinity in Coventry, where he worked to develop youth ministry and promote good community relations.
Bishop Keith has also been involved in urban regeneration as chair of the Aston Pride Interim Partnership Board, New Deal for Communities in Birmingham.
The Bishop of Chester, the Rt Revd Dr Peter Forster, welcomed Keith Sinclair to the Diocese of Chester, where his ministry will be based: “Keith Sinclair will bring to Wirral and to the Diocese of Chester a rich experience of ministry in Birmingham and Coventry. He will bring a particular expertise in urban ministry but will be well placed to contribute to the whole life of the Diocese”
Bishop Keith, aged 54, is married to Rosemary, 44, a lecturer in family law. They have three children Peter, 14, Anna, 13, and David, 10. The bishop is a sports fan and particularly enjoys Rugby Union. In his spare time he enjoys walking and watching films. (10 March 2008).
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Bishop of Stockport
Bishop Nigel Stock has been elected
as the tenth Bishop of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich. The process for finding a
replacement is currently underway.
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Archdeacon of Chester, Donald Allister
Born in Liverpool in 1952, Donald Allister was brought up mainly on the Wirral. He attended Birkenhead School where he was head boy, then studied medical science and theology at Cambridge University. He trained for the ministry at Trinity College, Bristol, and was national chairman of the Theological Students’ Fellowship.
Ordained in 1976, he was curate at St George’s Hyde, starting a Pathfinder group there and in his spare time editing the national parish magazine inset News Extra. In 1979 he moved to St Nicholas’, Sevenoaks, Kent, for an unusual second curacy during which he covered for long absences abroad of the rector, ran a youth group of 150 teenagers, and three days a week commuted to London to work as Consultant Editor of the Church of England Newspaper. From 1981 to 1987 he served on the Church of England Evangelical Council.
In 1983, Donald Allister moved back to Chester Diocese to be Vicar of Christ Church Birkenhead and one of the team of chaplains at the newly opened Arrowe Park Hospital. He recruited a number of recent graduates to form a team of lay workers and saw a struggling church grow in numbers and in confidence. He served on the diocesan committee which established and ran the Bishop’s Course in Christian Faith and Life.
In 1989, he moved to Cheadle as Rector of St Mary’s, over the years building a staff team of eight full-time and four part-time people. The parish sent and supported a number of missionaries home and abroad and established strong work in local schools and among young families and retired people.
Donald was elected to the council of Church Society in 1990, serving as chairman for five years from 1995. In 1992, he was elected to Bishop’s Council and in 1995 to the Finance and Central Services Committee. He was appointed Rural Dean of Cheadle in 1999.
He became archdeacon of Chester in 2002, and enjoys the job. He says: “It’s hard work but, as I’ve said of every job I’ve had since ordination, it’s the best job in the world.
“There is lots of administration to do: 25 committees at the last count with quite a few to chair or where I’m vice-chair. I see all this as support for the mission and ministry of the parishes. I also have the privilege of sharing with the bishops in the pastoral care of the clergy.
“I have a seat in the Cathedral and am involved there occasionally, but most Sundays I have the freedom to go anywhere in the diocese (usually by invitation) to preach and lead services. I love this wider ministry, and the opportunity to take parish weekends, clergy retreats and so on. Teaching the Bible and seeing it change my own life and other people’s is the greatest joy of all.”
Donald is married to Janice. She is a GP working in Stockport; they have three grown-up children. In their spare time they enjoy hill-walking and the cinema. Donald also loves to read - “Russian novels, Dickens, Anthony Trollope, PG Wodehouse, John Le Carré, history, science fact and fiction, theology … and just about anything else” - and to watch cricket, rugby and football: “Tickets for Anfield or Twickenham always gratefully received,” he says.
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Archdeacon of Macclesfield, Richard Gillings
Richard Gillings was born in Harrogate in 1945 but grew up in Hale, Cheshire. He attended Sale Grammar School and later St Chad’s College, University of Durham. He trained for ordination at Lincoln Theological College.
He was ordained deacon in Chester Cathedral in 1970, and ordained priest the following year. From 1970 to 1975 he served as curate at St George’s, Altrincham. During his time there he was involved in setting up the Trafford District Ecumenical Council and became its first secretary.
In 1975 he was appointed Priest–in–charge of St Thomas’, Stockport, and presented with an immediate hard challenge as this superb 1825 church (one of many built to commemorate Britain’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo) was threatened with closure.
He and the congregation were given five years to demonstrate the building had a future.
A wonderfully committed congregation persuaded the Bishop to withdraw the threat and Richard was inducted as Rector of the parish in 1977.
In 1978 he also became Priest-in-charge of the town centre church of St Peter’s, Stockport. Both churches established lunchtime services and growing links with the wider community.
He was appointed Team Rector of Birkenhead Priory parish in 1983, comprising a town centre and inner urban churches which had experienced major depopulation. Seven parishes had been merged into one with four churches. The population had dropped from 50,000 to 12,000.
This was one of the areas of greatest deprivation within the north of England. It was an area with a strong ecumenical covenant between the Roman Catholic, Methodist and Anglican churches, whose clergy worked in close partnership.
Three of the remaining buildings faced major construction problems and the vision for the future that evolved involved the closure of two churches and the investment of £1.2 million pounds in the former St Anne’s, Birkenhead (which was to be renamed Christ the King).
The new building combined facilities for worship with community facilities, including a drop-in centre. The new Church of Christ the King was opened by the Queen in 1991.
During his time in Birkenhead, Richard was also involved with the development of ministry to the then newly created shopping centre and the adjacent markets.
He also had regular contact with Cammell Laird, the shipbuilder, and was a member of the policy and executive groups of Wirral City Challenge, a Government initiative for investment in the area. For some of the time he was also a season ticket holder for Tranmere Rovers FC.
He served as Rural Dean of Birkenhead from 1985 to1993 and was appointed an Honorary Canon of Chester Cathedral in 1992.
In 1993 he was appointed Vicar of Bramhall, where he continues to exercise a ministry. In 1994 he was appointed Archdeacon of Macclesfield. In this ministry he works in close partnership with the Bishop of Stockport in caring for parishes in the eastern half of the Diocese.
Next year he will relinquish his responsibilities for Bramhall parish but will be carrying on his Archdeacon’s duties full time.
Richard currently chairs the Diocesan Committee for Social Responsibility, the Diocesan Liturgical Group and the Council of Foxhill Conference Centre.
He has been a member of the General Synod of the Church of England since 1980 and currently he chairs the National Archdeacons’ Forum.
He has a particular interest in promoting links between the Old Catholic Churches and the Church of England and has developed a much valued parish link between St Michael’s Bramhall and St Vitus Hilversum, in the Netherlands.
Richard is married to Kathryn and they have four children aged between 10 and 30. The couple have also been local authority foster parents for more than 20 years.
Richard has been a member of Rotary since 1985. His occasional leisure interests are railways, music, film….and the Highlands of Scotland.