Arthur Mervyn Stockwood (1913–95) was a British Anglican bishop known for his progressive leadership and influence in the Church of England. As Bishop of Southwark (1959–80,) he encouraged social activism and theological debate.
Born in Bridgend, Wales, he was introduced to Anglo-Catholic worship at All Saints’ Church, Clifton, shaping his liturgical preferences. He studied at Christ’s College-Cambridge, graduating in 1934, and trained for the Anglican ministry at Westcott House.
Ordained deacon in 1936 and priest in 1937, Stockwood served as curate and later vicar of St Matthew’s Church, Moorfields, Bristol, for 19 years. In 1955, he became vicar of Great St Mary’s, Cambridge, where his preaching drew large undergraduate audiences.
As Bishop of Southwark, he embraced liberal theology, supporting worker priests, anti-racism marches, and modernized clergy training. He defended John Robinson’s controversial Honest to God (1963,) which challenged traditional Christian beliefs.
His publication Stockwood on Friday Night, Saturday Morning (1979) reflects his views on faith and social issues. Michael De-la-Noy’s Mervyn Stockwood: A Lonely Life (1996) explores his personal struggles and leadership style.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Mervyn Stockwood
A psychiatrist is a man who goes to the Folies-Bergere and looks at the audience.
—Mervyn Stockwood
Topics: Psychiatry
Leave a Reply