The Rt. Rev. Dr. Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of Coventry, read Theology at the University of Manchester. After teaching Religious Studies and Economics in secondary education, he trained for ordination and pursued doctoral studies. Bishop Christopher has served in parochial and chaplaincy ministry and in theological education, latterly as principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge. In 2010, he was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity by the University of London for his services to education. Bishop Christopher has written several books and articles in the area of Christian theology and worship and is currently working on a book, Mary: Bearer of Life, which will be published by SCM.
Bishop Christopher was a member of the Church of England Liturgical Commission from 1996 – 2006, co-chair of the Joint Implementation Commission for the Anglican-Methodist Covenant from 2009 – 2014, and chair of the Faith and Order Commission from 2012 – 2022. From 2017 he chaired the Co-ordinating Group responsible for the creation of the ‘Living in Love and Faith’ teaching and learning resources which were launched in November 2020, for which Bishop Christopher was granted the Lambeth Doctorate of Divinity. Bishop Christopher entered the House of Lords in January 2013 where he contributes on international matters, education, and ethics of beginning and end of life; he also seeks to give voice to life on the ground in Coventry and Warwickshire. He is the recipient of the Großes Verdienstkreuz of the Federal Republic of Germany for his work on peace and reconciliation.
Christopher is married to Charlotte, and they have a large family. Among his hobbies is organic fruit and vegetable gardening.
