Peter John Ball (born 14 February 1932) is the co-founder of the Community of the Glorious Ascension and a former Bishop of Lewes and of Gloucester. Educated at Lancing College and Queens' College, Cambridge, he was ordained in 1956[1] and began his ministry with a curacy at Rottingdean, after which he was Prior of the Community he founded until his elevation to the episcopate.[2] Whilst Prior of CGA, he combined his duties as a religious with several other pastoral roles including three years as Vicar of Hoar Cross in Staffordshire.
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While he was the suffragan Bishop of Lewes, and consistent with the principles of the religious order he earlier co-founded, Bishop Peter Ball initiated a "Caring and Sharing" scheme based on two simple ideas: first, that by making a small sacrifice, people can begin to turn away from materialistic values of the western world; and second, that they can share comparative wealth by sending the savings from this small sacrifice to projects in poor countries that help provide the basic needs of life. Caring and Sharing projects are generally done by a group—a village, parish, or circle of friends. Multiplied by the donations of many, even small savings can make a big difference.[3]
After having been translated to the See of Gloucester in 1992, he resigned from his position as Bishop of Gloucester in 1993, after admitting guilt and receiving a formal police caution associated with the allegation of gross indecency with a 17-year-old novice monk.[4] No charges were brought. George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury, said at the time,"Bishop Peter is a highly gifted and original man who has inspired many people to deepen their faith in Jesus Christ. He has been much loved, both in his diocese and in the wider church, including the House of Bishops. His resignation is therefore a cause of great sorrow."[5]
Following his retirement, Bishop Peter Ball continued pastoral service, and accepted invitations to give prayers, blessings, comments, and leadership at dedications, funerals, lectures, and Anglican worship services. He is noted for short, pithy sermons marked by humility and humor.[6] The Vicar of Whalley reflects this in a blog recollection:
During the service there was lots of noise from younger children. Perhaps that put some people off, but does that matter from time to time? I’m sure God loves their inarticulate cries of delight, and sympathizes with their wails of frustration . . . During the service I told the story of Bishop Peter Ball of Gloucester. When a child began to cry during his sermon at a Parish visit, the mother hurried to take it out. “Stay where you are, my dear!” cried the Bishop. “I am delighted that someone is awake and listening.”[7]
His twin brother, Michael, is also a bishop.
| Church of England titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by James Herbert Lloyd Morrell |
Bishop of Lewes 1977 –1992 |
Succeeded by Ian Patrick Martyn Cundy |
| Preceded by John Yates |
Bishop of Gloucester 1992 –1993 |
Succeeded by David Edward Bentley |
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