Bishop's biography

The Rt. Rev. John H Chapman, B.A. (Carleton); M.Div. (UWO); D.Min.
(University of the South); D.D. (Huron University College)

John Holland Chapman was consecrated Bishop on Ascension Day 2007 and enthroned as the ninth Bishop of Ottawa on September 16, 2007. Bishop John grew up in the Diocese of Ottawa and this is where he was ordained deacon and then priest, in 1978.

Following ordination, he started out as assistant curate at St. Matthias in Ottawa, moving on in 1979 to become Anglican chaplain at the University of Western Ontario (Huron College) in London, Ontario. During the 1980s, he served as lecturer and assistant professor, received a Doctor of Ministry degree from the University of the South (Sewanee, Tennessee), and was appointed rector of St. Jude's Church in London. During his stretch of years at St. Jude's (1987-99), the parish enjoyed significant growth and undertook a substantial building project.

Bishop John returned to academic life in 1999 as the Huron Lawson Chair in Pastoral Theology at Huron University College. His teaching was mainly devoted to the Christian spiritual tradition, leadership development, and pastoral competence. In 2000, he was appointed Dean of Theology, a position he held until his 2007 election as Bishop of Ottawa.

Bishop John's leadership at Huron University College was marked by significant growth in student enrolment, two new degree offerings (B.Th. & M.A.), and an academic partnership with the Caribbean Conference of Churches. During this period, he helped start up and maintain the Ask and Imagine program that continues to inspire and empower the next generation of Anglican church leaders.

He also worked closely with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada including seminary accreditation and service on the editorial board of the journal, Theological Education. He maintained his connection with day-to-day pastoral life with regular parish work, preaching, pastoral care and leadership training, retreat leadership and various guest lectures. As well, he served the Anglican Church of Canada faithfully on diocesan, provincial and national committees and synods.

In addition to his role as chief pastor of the diocese, Bishop John had a seat at the table of an Anglican Dialogue of African and Canadian Bishops (2010), discussing matters relating to human sexuality and to mission. More information. A follow-up meeting will be held in 2011 with bishops from Africa, the United States, the UK, and Canada.

At the national meeting (General Synod) of the Anglican Church of Canada in June 2010, he introduced a successful motion on strengthening partnership with the Diocese of Jerusalem.

As a member of General Synod's Faith Worship and Ministry Committee, he chaired a task force on theological education in Canada and made their report and recommendations to General Synod 2010. Subsequently, he continues, until 2013, to work on the new Commission on Theological Education.

Bishop John is married to Catherine (née Brabazon) and they have three adult children, Geoffrey, Simon and Sarah.

January, 2011



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