Frank White (bishop)

Francis White (born 26 May 1949) is an English retired Anglican bishop. He was Bishop of Brixworth and then the Assistant Bishop of Newcastle in the Church of England.^[3]

The Right Reverend Frank White
Assistant Bishop of Newcastle
White in 2022
Diocese	Diocese of Newcastle
In office	2010–2016
Predecessor	Paul Richardson
Successor	Mark Tanner (as Bishop of Berwick)
Other post(s)	Bishop of Brixworth (2002–2010) Acting Bishop of Newcastle (2014–2015)
Orders
Ordination	1980[1]
Consecration	2002[2]
Personal details
Born	(1949-05-26) 26 May 1949 (age 76)
Nationality	British
Denomination	Christian (Anglican)
Spouse	Alison White
Profession	formerly social worker
Alma mater	University of Wales

Early life

White was educated at University College Cardiff, after which he was a social worker for nine years.^[4]

Ordained ministry

White was ordained in 1980 and was a curate at St Nicholas' Church, Durham^[5] and then hospital chaplain at the University Hospital of North Durham, vicar of Birtley, Rural Dean of Chester-le-Street and Archdeacon of Sunderland.

He has strong views on why fewer Anglicans regularly attend church.^[6]

Episcopal ministry

White was ordained to the episcopate in 2002 as the Bishop of Brixworth in the Diocese of Peterborough. For much of 2008 and 2009 he deputised for Ian Cundy, Bishop of Peterborough, before Cundy's death from cancer.

In May 2010 it was announced that White would become the Assistant Bishop of Newcastle from 28 November 2010.^[1][2] He retired on 30 September 2016.

Personal life

Frank (right) with wife Alison White during her farewell service at York Minster, February 2022

White is a supporter of his hometown football team, Newcastle United. He is a keen ornithologist.^[4]

White is married to Alison White, retired Bishop of Hull. They are the first husband and wife both to be bishops.^[7]

Styles

• The Reverend Frank White (1980–1997)
• The Venerable Frank White (1997–2002)
• The Right Reverend Frank White (2002–present)