Rev Andrew Bishop

Biography

Being a chaplain to the University and working at Guildford Cathedral is in many ways my dream job. It combines my interest as a chaplain in working with people with enquiring minds and the associated pastoral care with the life of the Cathedral in its worship and mission. Both communities feed me, and I aim to give back to them in my enthusiasm and faith..

I grew up in Northamptonshire, and, after doing spectacularly badly at ‘A’-level, went to one of the Church of England’s College’s of Higher Education, in Ripon, N Yorks. There I had a most wonderful time and developed what has become a rather insatiable appetite for academic work (not bad after my unpromising start). One of the most influential people there was a wonderful chaplain, so I know the possibilities of a vibrant chaplaincy. Before that I spent six months working in Bangladesh at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed http://www.crp-bangladesh.org/ My passion for Bangladesh and its people remains undimmed, and I am a member of the Bangladeshi Society here at Surrey!

I am married to Alice and have four young school age children. I have been a priest since 1996 and have worked in central London and Basingstoke.

I play squash at Surrey Sports Park and enjoy reading, walking the dog and pottering in the garden. I write poetry, but the sort I like to keep very much to myself!

Spiritually I am deeply influenced by Benedictine spirituality and I am an Oblate (associate) of Alton Abbey in Hampshire http://www.altonabbey.org.uk/ .

Departmental Duties

I work as the Co-ordinating Chaplain within the team of Chaplains of a range of faiths and Christian denominations. 

My role is primarily a pastoral one amongst students and staff: this may be in times of celebration and crisis, sadness and joy. It may also involve advice on local churches, spiritual direction and companionship and Christian teaching and reflection.