Geoff Annas

Born in London,[4] Annas was a senior social worker before attending Salisbury and Wells Theological College.[5] Upon leaving theological college, he was ordained a deacon at Petertide (on 3 July) 1983[6] and a priest the following Petertide (1 July 1984), both times by Ronald Bowlby, Bishop of Southwark, in Southwark Cathedral,[7] and became a curate at Holy Trinity with St Matthew, Southwark until 1987. Annas then served as a Team Vicar at St Christopher's Church, Walworth and Warden of the Pembroke College Mission[8] before moving to Southampton in 1994 to be Vicar of St Christopher's Church, Thornhill. He also acted as Theatre Chaplain to The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton from July 1996 to July 2010. In 2007, he additionally became Assistant Area Dean of Southampton and an honorary canon of Winchester Cathedral.[2] He was also known within the local area for helping to set up the Street Pastor Scheme in Southampton, as well as being a Street Pastor himself.[5]

It was announced on 2 June 2010 that Annas was to move to the Diocese of Lichfield as area Bishop of Stafford in late September 2010, in succession to Gordon Mursell, who retired early on grounds of ill health.[5] Annas was consecrated on 21 September[9] by Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, at St Paul's Cathedral and installed on 26 September 2010.[5] Annas retired effective 30 November 2019.[10] He retired back to Southampton and has been licensed as an honorary assistant bishop of the Diocese of Winchester since 2020.[11]

He has been married for 30 years[4] to Dr Ann Clover (Annas)[1] an ophthalmologist.[5] They have one adult daughter (youngest child), and one adult son.[2]

• The Reverend Geoff Annas (1983–2007)
• The Reverend Canon Geoff Annas (2007–2010)
• The Right Reverend Geoff Annas (2010–present)