# Nicholas Chamberlain

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{{short description|British Anglican bishop|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2016}} {{Infobox Christian leader
| type             = bishop
| honorific-prefix = [The Right Reverend](/source/The_Right_Reverend) [Dr](/source/Doctor_of_Philosophy)
| name             = Nicholas Chamberlain
| honorific-suffix = 
| title            = [Bishop of Grantham](/source/Bishop_of_Grantham)
| church           = [Church of England](/source/Church_of_England)
| province         = 
| diocese          = [Lincoln](/source/Diocese_of_Lincoln)
| term             = 2015–present
| predecessor      = [Tim Ellis](/source/Tim_Ellis_(bishop))
| successor        = 
| other_post       = 
| previous_post    = [Vicar](/source/Vicar) of St George and St Hilda, [Jesmond](/source/Jesmond) (2006–2015)
<!---------- Orders ---------->
| ordination       = 1991 (deacon) <br /> 1992 (priest)
| ordained_by      = 
| consecration     = 19 November 2015
| consecrated_by   = [Justin Welby](/source/Justin_Welby)
<!---------- Personal details ---------->
| birth_name       = 
| birth_date       = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1963|11|25}}
| birth_place      = [Staines](/source/Staines), [Middlesex](/source/Middlesex), [United Kingdom](/source/United_Kingdom)
| death_date       = 
| death_place      = 
| buried           = 
| nationality      = 
| religion         = [Anglicanism](/source/Anglicanism)
| residence        = 
| parents          = 
| spouse           = 
| children         = 
| occupation       = 
| profession       = 
| education        = [Christleton High School](/source/Christleton_High_School)
| alma_mater       = [St Chad's College, Durham](/source/St_Chad's_College%2C_Durham) <br /> [Edinburgh Theological College](/source/Edinburgh_Theological_College) <br /> [New College, Edinburgh](/source/New_College%2C_Edinburgh)
}}
'''Nicholas Alan''' "'''Nick'''" '''Chamberlain''' (born 25 November 1963) is a British [Anglican](/source/Anglican) [bishop](/source/bishop). On 19 November 2015, he became the [suffragan](/source/Suffragan_bishop) [Bishop of Grantham](/source/Bishop_of_Grantham) in the [Diocese of Lincoln](/source/Diocese_of_Lincoln).<ref>Thinking Anglicans blog. [http://www.thinkinganglicans.org.uk/archives/007061.html Next Bishop of Grantham announced] (Accessed 6 October 2015)</ref> He had previously been vicar of the parish of St George and St Hilda, Jesmond, in the [Diocese of Newcastle](/source/Diocese_of_Newcastle) since 2006. Chamberlain is the first [openly](/source/Coming_out) [gay](/source/Homosexuality) bishop in the [Church of England](/source/Church_of_England).

==Early life and education==
Chamberlain was born in [Staines](/source/Staines) and educated at [Christleton High School](/source/Christleton_High_School).<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20151005180658/http://www.lincoln.anglican.org/news-events/news-stories/new-bishop-of-grantham-announced/ New Bishop of Grantham Announced], Diocese of Lincoln. 8 September 2015</ref> He then studied [English](/source/English_Literature) and [American Literature](/source/American_Literature) at [St Chad's College, Durham](/source/St_Chad's_College%2C_Durham),<ref>[http://www.newcastlehigh.gdst.net/welcome/the-team/governors/ Governors – Newcastle High School for Girls]. Newcastlehigh.gdst.net. Retrieved on 19 November 2015.</ref> and graduated with a [Bachelor of Arts](/source/Bachelor_of_Arts) (BA) degree in 1985.<ref name="Crockford entry">{{Crockford| surname = Chamberlain | forenames = Nicholas Alan | id = 14366 | accessed = 5 September 2016}}</ref>

In 1988, Chamberlain entered [Edinburgh Theological College](/source/Edinburgh_Theological_College), an [Anglican](/source/Anglican) [theological college](/source/theological_college), to train for ordination.<ref name="Crockford entry" /> During this time he also studied theology at [New College, Edinburgh](/source/New_College%2C_Edinburgh) (graduating with a [Bachelor of Divinity](/source/Bachelor_of_Divinity) (BD) degree in 1991) and undertook [postgraduate research](/source/postgraduate_research) in American Literature at St Chad's College (completing his [Doctor of Philosophy](/source/Doctor_of_Philosophy) (PhD) degree in 1991).<ref name="Crockford entry" />

==Ordained ministry==
He was ordained [deacon](/source/deacon) at [Durham Cathedral](/source/Durham_Cathedral) in 1991. He then served in the parish of St Mary, [Cockerton](/source/Cockerton), in the [Diocese of Durham](/source/Diocese_of_Durham), where he was ordained priest in 1992. He served as [curate](/source/curate) of St Francis' Church, [Newton Aycliffe](/source/Newton_Aycliffe), in 1994 before becoming [team vicar](/source/team_vicar) there in 1995. The team became the [Great Aycliffe](/source/Great_Aycliffe) [Team Ministry](/source/Team_Ministry) when the parish of St Andrew, [Great Aycliffe](/source/Great_Aycliffe) was added the following year.

In 1998, he became [priest in charge](/source/priest_in_charge) of St Barnabas' Burnmoor, also taking up the post of officer for Continuing Ministerial Education and Post Ordination Training in the [Diocese of Durham](/source/Diocese_of_Durham).

On 19 November 2015, Chamberlain was [consecrated](/source/consecrated) a bishop by [Justin Welby](/source/Justin_Welby), the [Archbishop of Canterbury](/source/Archbishop_of_Canterbury).<ref name="linc">[http://www.lincoln.anglican.org/news-events/news-stories/new-bishop-of-grantham-announced/ Diocese of Lincoln — New Bishop of Grantham announced] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005180658/http://www.lincoln.anglican.org/news-events/news-stories/new-bishop-of-grantham-announced/ |date=5 October 2015 }} (Accessed 8 September 2015)</ref>

In April 2019, he wrote an Easter devotional expressing thanks "that the silence over [LGBT+](/source/LGBT) people has been broken."<ref name="churchtimes.co.uk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2019/18-april/news/uk/bishop-grateful-for-end-to-silence-on-lgbtplus|title=Bishop grateful for end to silence on LGBT+|website=www.churchtimes.co.uk|access-date=2019-04-23}}</ref>

In February 2026 he became acting [Bishop of Lincoln](/source/Bishop_of_Lincoln) following the suspension of the current bishop, [Stephen Conway](/source/Stephen_Conway).

===Views===
In November 2023, he was one of 44 Church of England bishops who signed an open letter supporting the use of the ''Prayers of Love and Faith'' (i.e. blessings for same-sex couples) and called for "Guidance being issued without delay that includes the removal of all restrictions on clergy entering same-sex civil marriages, and on bishops ordaining and licensing such clergy".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Francis |title=Don’t delay guidance allowing priests to be in same-sex marriages, say 44 bishops |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2023/3-november/news/uk/don-t-delay-guidance-allowing-priests-to-be-in-same-sex-marriages-say-44-bishops |access-date=2 November 2023 |work=Church Times |date=1 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102131648/https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2023/3-november/news/uk/don-t-delay-guidance-allowing-priests-to-be-in-same-sex-marriages-say-44-bishops |archive-date=2 November 2023}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Chamberlain was the first bishop in the Church of England to [come out](/source/coming_out) as gay on 2 September 2016, following threats of an [outing](/source/outing) from an unnamed [Sunday newspaper](/source/Sunday_newspaper). He said he was in a [celibate](/source/celibate) same-sex relationship,<ref group="N">The term "celibate relationship" is currently used in the [Church of England](/source/Church_of_England) to mean sexual abstinence; this usage is disputed. See [celibacy](/source/celibacy) and [sexual abstinence](/source/sexual_abstinence).</ref> as required by the bishops' guidelines, under which [gay clergy](/source/LGBT_clergy_in_Christianity) must assure bishops that they are celibate and may not marry.<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|last=Sherwood|first=Harriet|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/02/nicholas-chamberlain-bishop-of-grantham-c-of-e-gay-relationship|title=Bishop of Grantham first C of E bishop to declare he is in gay relationship|work=The Guardian|date=2 September 2016|access-date=2 September 2016}}</ref><ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/02/bishop-of-grantham-becomes-first-church-of-england-bishop-to-com/ The Telegraph — Bishop of Grantham becomes first Church of England bishop to come out publicly as gay] (Accessed 3 September 2016)</ref><ref>[http://changingattitude.org.uk/archives/8747 Press release — Changing Attitude England welcomes Bishop Nick Chamberlain’s openness] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160903235748/http://changingattitude.org.uk/archives/8747 |date=3 September 2016 }} (Accessed 3 September 2016)</ref><ref>[http://www.lgcm.org.uk/news/the-bishop-of-grantham/ Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement — The Bishop of Grantham] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811010835/http://www.lgcm.org.uk/news/the-bishop-of-grantham/ |date=11 August 2017 }} (Accessed 3 September 2016)</ref> Gay bishops are, however, permitted to enter into [civil partnerships](/source/Civil_union).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/04/church-of-england-gay-bishops|title=Church of England rules gay men in civil partnerships can become bishops|last=Walker|first=Peter|date=2013-01-04|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2016-09-16}}</ref> Chamberlain also described his relationship with his partner and their commitment. "Chamberlain said he had been with his partner for many years. 'It is faithful, loving, we are like-minded, we enjoy each other’s company and we share each other’s life,' he said."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/02/nicholas-chamberlain-bishop-of-grantham-c-of-e-gay-relationship|title=Bishop of Grantham first C of E bishop to declare he is in gay relationship |last= Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=2016-09-02|work=The Guardian|access-date=2017-10-28|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> ''[Church of England Newspaper](/source/Church_of_England_Newspaper)'' reported that he and his partner have been together for over 30 years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.churchnewspaper.com/45605/archives|title=Gafcon says appointment of Bishop was a 'major error'|date=September 8, 2016|website=Church of England Newspaper}}</ref> An overwhelming proportion of approximately 500 letters and emails prompted by his coming out were supportive.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Davie|first1=Grace|last2=Starkey|first2=Caroline|date=2019|title=The Lincoln letters: a study in institutional change|journal=Ecclesial Practices|volume=6|pages=44–64|url=https://brill.com/view/journals/ep/6/1/article-p44_44.xml|doi=10.1163/22144471-00601001|s2cid=190165311|issn=2214-4463|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222174729/https://brill.com/view/journals/ep/6/1/article-p44_44.xml|archive-date=22 December 2019|url-access=subscription}} [http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/141492/ Alt URL]</ref>

His interests include music, reading, cycling and running; he runs in [half-marathon](/source/half-marathon)s to raise money for [Christian Aid](/source/Christian_Aid) and other charities. As aforementioned, he has a partner with whom he shares his life.<ref name="churchtimes.co.uk"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2016/09/02/bishop-of-grantham-i-am-gay-and-in-a-relationship-1/|title=Bishop of Grantham: I am gay and in a relationship - AOL|website=www.aol.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2019-04-23}}</ref>

==Styles==
*''[The Reverend](/source/The_Reverend)'' [Doctor](/source/Doctor_of_Philosophy) Nick Chamberlain (1991–2015)<ref>[http://stgeorgesjesmond.org/about-us/ Contact | St Georges Church Jesmond]. Stgeorgesjesmond.org. Retrieved on 19 November 2015.</ref><ref>[http://shipoffools.com/mystery/2008/1513.html The Mystery Worshipper] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929064653/http://www.shipoffools.com/mystery/2008/1513.html |date=29 September 2013 }}. Ship of Fools (6 January 2008). Retrieved on 19 November 2015.</ref>
*''[The Right Reverend](/source/The_Right_Reverend)'' Doctor Nicholas Chamberlain (2015–present)<ref>[http://www.lincoln.anglican.org/news-events/news-stories/service-of-welcome-for-the-new-bishop-of-grantham/ Diocese of Lincoln — Service of welcome for the new Bishop of Grantham] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210191147/http://www.lincoln.anglican.org/news-events/news-stories/service-of-welcome-for-the-new-bishop-of-grantham/ |date=10 December 2015 }} (Accessed 7 December 2015)</ref>

==Notes==
<references group="N" />

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Portal|Christianity}}
{{S-start}}
{{S-rel|en}}
{{S-bef|before=[Tim Ellis](/source/Tim_Ellis_(bishop))}}
{{S-ttl|title=[Bishop of Grantham](/source/Bishop_of_Grantham)|years=2015–present}}
{{S-inc}}
{{S-end}}
{{Bishops of Grantham}}
{{Diocese of Lincoln}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chamberlain, Nicholas Alan}}
Category:1963 births
Category:Living people
Category:21st-century Church of England bishops
Category:Bishops of Grantham
Category:LGBTQ Anglican bishops
Category:English gay men
Category:People from Staines-upon-Thames
Category:Alumni of St Chad's College, Durham
Category:People educated at Christleton High School

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Nicholas Chamberlain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_Chamberlain) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_Chamberlain?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.