Peter Forsyth Christensen (born December 24, 1952) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who serves as Bishop of Superior.
Born in Altadena, California, he was the fourth of eight children[1][2] born to Robert and Ann (née Forsyth) Christensen. The family later moved to Palos Verdes, and in 1964 Robert and Ann obtained a divorce. Christensen attended Palos Verdes High School.
He moved to Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1975 and there studied at the University of St. Thomas, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in art history. Christensen then worked as a graphic designer before entering St. Paul Seminary in 1981. During his seminary education, he studied in Israel for a semester. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop John Roach on May 25, 1985, and then served as assistant pastor of St. Olaf parish in Minneapolis before becoming spiritual director (1989) and rector (1992) of the archdiocesan minor seminary until 1995.
In June 1999, he was made pastor of Nativity of Our Lord parish in St. Paul, where he continued traditional practices, such as perpetual Eucharistic adoration. He also reconstructed the church and rectory.
On June 28, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI named Christensen Bishop of Superior, Wisconsin. After receiving a telephone call from Archbishop Pietro Sambi bringing news of his appointment, he "sobbed for about 15 minutes" as he had not sought the episcopal office.[3] During a press conference, Christensen promised to be a "good listener" in his new role as bishop.[2] Christensen received his episcopal consecration at the Cathedral of Saint Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 14, 2007, and was installed as Bishop of Superior on September 23, 2007.
| Preceded by Raphael Michael Fliss |
Bishop of Superior 2007—present |
Succeeded by incumbent |