The Right Reverend James Langstaff
Bishop of Rochester
The Rt Rev James Langstaff was Suffragan Bishop of Lynn in the Diocese of Norwich
since June 2004. For the previous eighteen years, he served in the Diocese of Birmingham
in the parishes of St Matthew’s, Nechells and Holy Trinity, Sutton Coalfield. He
acted as chaplain to the Bishop of Birmingham for three years and served as vice
chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance.
Prior to moving to Birmingham in 1986, Bishop James was Curate at St Peter’s, Farnborough in the Diocese of Guildford having trained for Ordained ministry at St John’s College, Nottingham. His first degree was in Philosophy, Politics and economics at St Catherine’s College, Oxford.
Bishop James has a particular interest in urban regeneration initiatives and social and affordable housing. Bishop James is Chair of Housing Justice, the national voice of the churches on housing and homelessness.
Of his times as Bishop of Lynn, he says, I have especially valued and enjoyed the opportunities to visit parishes and get to know the clergy and lay leaders. The concept of a Christian presence in every neighbourhood is one that I value greatly. Financial and other challenges are often considerable and in many places, people are responding with imagination and prayerful commitment. Fruit is being borne for the Kingdom. One highlight for me has been our Link with the Province of Papua New Guinea. It has been a huge privilege to develop friendships with Christians in a very different culture, from whom I have learnt so much.