William Telfer (academic)

The Revd Canon William Telfer MC (16 January 1886 – 13 January 1968)^[1] was an English clergyman and academic, who specialised in early Christian studies.^[2] Telfer held various prestigious positions throughout his career, including Dean of Clare College, Cambridge (1921),^[3] Ely Professor of Divinity at Cambridge University (1944–1947) and Master of Selwyn College, Cambridge (1947–1956).^[4]

Telfer was born in Rochester, Kent, the son of a schoolmaster.^[2] After graduating from Clare College in 1908, he was ordained and became the Vicar of All Saints Church in Rotherhithe, which was later destroyed by a bomb in 1944. In 1921, Telfer returned to his alma mater as a Fellow. Even after retiring, he continued to write on theological subjects.

During the First World War, Telfer served as a chaplain and was awarded the Military Cross in the 1916 Birthday Honours.^[5]

Publications

• The Treasure of São Roque: A Sidelight on the Counter-reformation. SPCK. 1932. ISBN 9785871241141. {{cite book}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)
• 'Cyril of Jerusalem and Nemesius of Emesa. Westminster Press. 1955.
• The Forgiveness of Sins: An Essay in the History of Christian Doctrine and Practice. SCM Press. 1959.
• Office of a Bishop. Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd. 1962.
• Faversham Abbey and Its Last Abbot, John Caslock: a Paper Read Before the Faversham Society on Thursday 19 March 1964, Faversham Society, 1965