Jonathan Frost
Jonathan Hugh Frost (born 26 September 1964) is a British Anglican bishop. He has served as the Bishop of Portsmouth since 18 January 2022. He was previously Dean of York and Bishop of Southampton, a suffragan bishop in the Church of England's Diocese of Winchester since 2010. Early life and educationFrost was born on 26 September 1964.[1] He studied at the University of Aberdeen, graduating with a Bachelor of Divinity (BD) degree in 1988.[2] From 1991 to 1993, he trained for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, an evangelical Anglican theological college.[3] He continued his studies at University of Nottingham, completing a Master of Theology (MTh) in 1999.[2] Ordained ministryFrost was ordained a deacon on 27 June 1993, by Patrick Harris, Bishop of Southwell, at Southwell Minster[4] — directly before he began his curacy at West Bridgford — and then a priest on 2 July 1994 at St John's, Beeston, again by Harris.[5] In 1994, alongside his curacy, he became a police chaplain until he moved on from both posts in 1997 when he became Rector of Ash until 2002. Frost also served on the General Synod[6] during the 2005–2010 session.[7] His most recent posts prior to the episcopate, since 2002, were as Anglican chaplain to the University of Surrey and a canon residentiary at Guildford Cathedral.[6] In 2007, he became co-ordinating chaplain at the university[6] and was appointed the Bishop of Guildford's Advisor for Inter-Faith Relations.[8] Episcopal ministryIt was announced on 30 July 2010 that Frost would become Bishop of Southampton in the Diocese of Winchester, succeeding Paul Butler (following Butler's translation to Southwell).[6] He was consecrated a bishop at St Paul's Cathedral on 30 November 2010.[8][9] He was welcomed to the Diocese of Winchester as Bishop of Southampton and installed as an honorary canon on 4 December 2010 at Winchester Cathedral.[8] On 26 November 2018, it was announced that Frost would be the next Dean of York, the head of the chapter of York Minster;[10] his installation as Dean occurred on 2 February 2019.[11][12] In March 2019, he was also licensed an honorary assistant bishop of the diocese, with a place in the diocesan House of Bishops.[13] On 8 October 2021, it was announced that Frost is to become the next Bishop of Portsmouth, the ordinary of the Diocese of Portsmouth, from the end of 2021.[14] He was elected by the College of Canons on 2 December 2021 (becoming bishop-elect);[15] he legally took the See on the confirmation of that election on 18 January 2022.[16] He was installed as tenth Bishop of Portsmouth on 12 March 2022.[17] ViewsIn November 2022, in response to the Church of England's Living in Love and Faith process, Frost stated "I am arguing for positive change which would enable us, as a Church, to bless, recognise and encourage signs of God's grace, presence and holiness in relationships between same-sex couples".[18] 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".[19] Personal lifeFrost is married to Christine, who is a teacher; they have three children.[6][20] As of 2018, Frost is a Benedictine oblate.[10] Frost is also an avid Fulham FC Fan.[21][22] Styles
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