James Lawton Thompson (11 August 1936 – 19 September 2003) was a British Anglican bishop. He was firstly the suffragan Bishop of Stepney (one of five Episcopal Areas of the Diocese of London in the Church of England since the 1979 creation of the London area scheme) from 1978 to 1991 and later the diocesan Bishop of Bath and Wells in succession to George Carey who had become Archbishop of Canterbury. He retired in 2001.
Thompson was probably best known to many as a regular contributor to the "Thought for the Day" segment on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Following his death in 2003, obituaries in the national press praised his deep humanity and lively sense of humour. One obituary referred to his gift of "conveying the warmth of his physical presence in his voice and in his words", adding that "his reflection on the events of 11 September 2001 was nominated for a Sony Broadcast Award, uniquely for religious broadcasting." He used his seat in the House of Lords to express his concerns for equality and education. The Telegraph described him as "the Church of England's best known commentator on social and political matters as well as a prominent advocate of religious and racial tolerance." Thompson wrote that "a bishop who doesn't give offence to anyone is probably not a good bishop." Thompson was also an important figure in interfaith relations in Britain, chairing the British Council of Churches advisory committee and co-chairing the Interfaith Network for the United Kingdom. He believed that when Christians helped to create opportunities for all faiths to participate in public and in institutional life (such as in educational and health care chaplaincy) they were being good neighbours in a multi-faith world.
Career
Thompson was born in Birmingham and was a theology graduate with a Master of Arts degree from Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1959 and National service saw him commissioned into the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment (1959–1961) with the rank of Second Lieutenant, stationed mainly in Germany, before returning to Emmanuel College, Cambridge and then going to Cuddesdon Theological College, Oxford. He was ordained deacon in 1966 and priest in 1967. He was a curate in East Ham from 1966 to 1968 and became chaplain to Cuddesdon Theological College under Robert Runcie (then Principal) in 1968. From 1971 he was Ecumenical Team Rector of Thamesmead. He became Bishop of Stepney in 1978, succeeding Trevor Huddleston and the first area bishop in 1979. In 1991, he was translated to the historic diocesan see of Bath and Wells. He retired in 2001 although continued to minister as an honorary assistant bishop in the Diocese of Exeter.
Ideological clashes
Before beginning his ministry as a bishop in 1978, Thompson, for a public figure, attracted perhaps more than the usual share of criticism – particularly from supporters of the Thatcher Government in the 1980s. This was largely due to his championing of the causes of those he viewed as disadvantaged; these particularly included the urban poor of East London, where Thompson served as bishop.
Some of his public comments were perceived by some as unduly political. This was undoubtedly behind Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's decision to overrule the Church of England's appointment procedure by not appointing him Bishop of Birmingham (the second name on the list submitted to her was appointed).
In later life, however, Thompson could not have been said to be party political, instead aiming – perhaps idealistically – to apply the values of the Kingdom of God to everyday life and issues, which lead him into the political arena, intentionally or not. Thompson's clergy – whether or not they agreed with him on particular issues – tended to regard him as a good man, a warm-hearted pastor and an engaging personality.
In 1995, Thompson chaired the Church of England's Board for Social Responsibility's sub-committee, who produced the report Something to Celebrate. The report stirred controversy by suggesting that partners who were faithful in relationships outside marriage should not be thought as of living in sin. From some of his colleagues, says Ruth McCurry, "he met with little support for his passionate concerns – for gay and women's rights, for Bangladeshis, for all who were marginalised".