Stephen Platten

Photograph of Stephen Platten

​Stephen Platten is an Assistant Bishop in the Dioceses of London, Southwark, and Newcastle. He has written extensively on theology, cathedrals and associated topics.

He was formerly the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Secretary for Ecumenical Affairs, Dean of Norwich, Bishop of Wakefield, and Chairman of Hymns Ancient and Modern. He was a member of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England from 2006 to 2016 and Chair of the Church of England Liturgical Commission from 2004 to 2014.

More information about Stephen Platten can be found on his Wikipedia page.

Exploring Northumberland: A Journey Through England's Enchanting Border County in 4 minutes

Northumberland is a stunning county of great contrasts. Stephen Platten gives us a whistle-stop tour as a foretaste of his stunning hardback guide to England’s most magical county. Making one’s way northwards on the old Great North Road, or even travelling by the motorway through Co…

Added about a year ago.

Easter Hope in Times of Wicked Weather

GUEST BLOG: As Lent fast approaches author Stephen Platten introduces us to his new book Wicked Weather for Walking: A Passiontide Progress In the days of yore, the young peoples’ group from Portsmouth Cathedral would make an annual pilgrimage to a fairly local shrine. On one occasio…

Added about 3 years ago.

Christmas Journeys, Pilgrim Journeys

GUEST BLOG As part of our December #ThemeOfTheMonth Stephen Platten, author of Pilgrims: Pathways of Christian Life, reflects on the parallels between journeying to family for Christmas and acts of pilgrimage and discusses the importance of pilgrimage to the establishment of Christianity in these …

Added about 3 years ago.

The Rediscovery of Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage has had a renaissance in recent years. At the release of his new book on the subject, Stephen Platten explores the history of Christian pilgrimage and why it remains a popular and fulfilling spiritual experience today. In the mid-1990s, novelist David Lodge published his book Therapy…

Added about 4 years ago.

Cathedrals: the Jewel in the Crown of English Worship

GUEST BLOG: What makes cathedrals such an integral part of England’s sacred and secular life? #BookOfTheMonth author Stephen Platten explains. Image: The nave of Peterborough Cathedral (David Iliff / CC BY-SA) “God said to Moses: ‘Come no nearer; take off y…

Added about 4 years ago.

Liturgy Animated!

GUEST BLOG: Ever wondered why church services take the form they do? #BookOfTheMonth author Stephen Platten gives us a behind-the-scenes look at some of the rigorous discussion and contemplation around the purpose of worship and liturgical change. Credit: Paul Robson / Durham…

Added about 5 years ago.

Living Cathedrals

GUEST BLOG: Do cathedrals still matter in the twenty-first century? Bishop Stephen Platten shares why they are still popular, but also the challenges they face. Stephen is the editor of Holy Ground, a new book which was cited extensively in the draft Church of England report on cathedral governan…

Added about 7 years ago.

Be part of a triple book launch...

Bishop Stephen Platten has been a busy man. He has written three crucial new books – two for Sacristy Press and one for SCM Press – and there are four (count them, FOUR!) launch events to celebrate. Events will be held in London, Canterbury, Mirfield and Newcastle. Here is …

Added about 7 years ago.

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