Patron of Christian Nightlife Initiatives:
The Rt Reverend Tony Robinson
Christian Nightlife Initiatives is delighted to announce the appointment of its first patron, the Rt Reverend Tony Robinson. The Rt Reverend Tony Robinson is the Bishop of Wakefield. Bishop Tony has been a huge supporter of the work of Street Angels throughout his time in the Diocese of Wakefield and been instrumental in the setting up of a number of local projects. The Diocese of Wakefield covers Halifax where Street Angels was founded by Paul Blakey MBE in 2005. Bishop Tony has not just sat in committees discussing Street Angels but has been a volunteer in the night time economy over the years. Committed to the national vision of Christian Nightlife Initiatives, Bishop Tony will take on the role of patron which will be about speaking on behalf of and advocating the work of the charity.
Bishop Tony joined at an exciting time in the history of charity, as Halifax Street Angels and Christian Nightlife Initiative splits into two independent charities.
Speaking of his new role within the charity, Bishop Tony said
“I am privileged to have been asked to take on this important role within the charity. Having heard the recent statistic that Halifax in my own Diocese has a significant reduction in violent crime within the town centre, I am committed to enabling projects and groups work towards that in their own town. One of my passions is to see communities transformed, and Christian Nightlife Initiatives goes a long way to achieving that. I very much look to see where the charity goes next and I offer my support to opening doors and creating conversations.”
Welcoming news of Bishop Tony as patron, Street Angels - CNI Network commented:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Bishop Tony to the CNI family. He is the obvious choice for us given his commitment to Street Angels in his own Diocese and advocacy so far for our national vision. We look forward to working closely with the Bishop in seeking to spread the news of Christian Nightlife Initiative wider than Yorkshire.”
Bishop Tony began his work as Patron on 1st September 2011.
More about Bishop Tony
Bishop Tony is married to Sue. They have three children William, Lucy and Matthew. Bishop Tony was born and educated in Bedford. After leaving school he trained to be a Teacher and taught Mathematics and Computer Studies for two years in a comprehensive school in Chelmsford. He then went to train to be a priest in the Church of England. His first parish was in Tottenham opposite the Spurs football ground. It was a very lively parish with a predominance of African and Caribbean people in the congregation and community.
He then moved to Leicester to a large team parish working alongside three other clergy and three nuns. The parish included three urban priority areas with all the associated social problems. During his time in Leicester Bishop Tony helped establish four community projects including an innovative project working with men who had committed domestic violence. During his twelve years in Leicester the parish had helped to secure over £1.5 million of funding to employ a number of community workers. The parish also contained a wonderful mix of peoples. The parish embraced the largest Hindu community in Britain as well as people from other faith communities. During his time in Leicester he also became Rural Dean of part of the City and also a Canon of Leicester Cathedral.
In 1997 he moved to Yorkshire to be appointed Archdeacon of Pontefract and in 2002 he was consecrated Bishop of Pontefract becoming Bishop of Wakefield in 2014.
Bishop Tony joined at an exciting time in the history of charity, as Halifax Street Angels and Christian Nightlife Initiative splits into two independent charities.
Speaking of his new role within the charity, Bishop Tony said
“I am privileged to have been asked to take on this important role within the charity. Having heard the recent statistic that Halifax in my own Diocese has a significant reduction in violent crime within the town centre, I am committed to enabling projects and groups work towards that in their own town. One of my passions is to see communities transformed, and Christian Nightlife Initiatives goes a long way to achieving that. I very much look to see where the charity goes next and I offer my support to opening doors and creating conversations.”
Welcoming news of Bishop Tony as patron, Street Angels - CNI Network commented:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Bishop Tony to the CNI family. He is the obvious choice for us given his commitment to Street Angels in his own Diocese and advocacy so far for our national vision. We look forward to working closely with the Bishop in seeking to spread the news of Christian Nightlife Initiative wider than Yorkshire.”
Bishop Tony began his work as Patron on 1st September 2011.
More about Bishop Tony
Bishop Tony is married to Sue. They have three children William, Lucy and Matthew. Bishop Tony was born and educated in Bedford. After leaving school he trained to be a Teacher and taught Mathematics and Computer Studies for two years in a comprehensive school in Chelmsford. He then went to train to be a priest in the Church of England. His first parish was in Tottenham opposite the Spurs football ground. It was a very lively parish with a predominance of African and Caribbean people in the congregation and community.
He then moved to Leicester to a large team parish working alongside three other clergy and three nuns. The parish included three urban priority areas with all the associated social problems. During his time in Leicester Bishop Tony helped establish four community projects including an innovative project working with men who had committed domestic violence. During his twelve years in Leicester the parish had helped to secure over £1.5 million of funding to employ a number of community workers. The parish also contained a wonderful mix of peoples. The parish embraced the largest Hindu community in Britain as well as people from other faith communities. During his time in Leicester he also became Rural Dean of part of the City and also a Canon of Leicester Cathedral.
In 1997 he moved to Yorkshire to be appointed Archdeacon of Pontefract and in 2002 he was consecrated Bishop of Pontefract becoming Bishop of Wakefield in 2014.