A 17th-century Scottish cleric who served as Bishop of Aberdeen and was a strong advocate for the restoration of episcopacy in the Scottish church. He played a key role in shaping the Church of Scotland's governance and liturgy.
David Urquhart, born on April 14, 1952, is a prominent figure in the Church of England, renowned for his unwavering dedication to his faith and his exemplary leadership as the ninth Bishop of Birmingham.
Urquhart's educational journey began at Croftinloan School, a private institution near Pitlochry, followed by Rugby School, an all-boys public school. He then pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies at Ealing Technical College Business School, graduating in 1977.
Before devoting himself to the Church, Urquhart had a successful career in commercial management with British Petroleum. However, he felt a higher calling and decided to pursue a career in the ordained ministry. He trained at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, an evangelical Anglican theological college, from 1982 to 1984.
Urquhart's ordination as a deacon took place on July 1, 1984, at York Minster, and he became a priest the following year. He served in various capacities, including as the vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Coventry, and as an honorary canon of the cathedral. In 2000, he was appointed suffragan Bishop of Birkenhead in the Diocese of Chester.
In 2005, he was appointed Prelate of the Order of St Michael and St George and holds the Freedom of the Borough of Wirral. He accompanied the Archbishop of Canterbury on a visit to China in 2006, solidifying his role as the Archbishop's envoy to China.
In 2006, Urquhart's appointment as Bishop of Birmingham was announced, and he was enthroned on November 17, 2006, succeeding John Sentamu as the Bishop of Birmingham. Around 800 people attended his enthronement at Birmingham Cathedral.
On October 26, 2010, Urquhart was introduced as a Lord Spiritual to the House of Lords. He became the Convenor of the Lords Spiritual on May 18, 2015. In the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours, he was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (KCMG) for his services to international relations as a clergyman.
In April 2022, it was announced that he would be retiring as Bishop of Birmingham on October 18, 2022, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in his life of service.
Throughout his illustrious career, Urquhart has made significant contributions to the Church of England and beyond. His unwavering commitment to his faith, coupled with his exceptional leadership skills, has inspired countless individuals and communities. As a respected voice in the Anglican Communion, he has worked tirelessly to foster greater understanding and cooperation between nations and faiths.
Urquhart's legacy extends beyond the realm of the Church, as he has made a profound impact on modern society through his advocacy for international relations, social justice, and community engagement. His life's work serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith, compassion, and dedicated leadership.
Born in 1545
A 16th-century Scottish theologian and scholar who played a key role in the Scottish Reformation and was a strong advocate for Presbyterianism. He's known for his debates with King James VI of Scotland and his contributions to the development of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
