Barry Jones (bishop)


Barry Philip Jones was a New Zealand prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as the Coadjutor Bishop of Christchurch from 2006 and then Bishop from 2007 upon the retirement of Bishop John Cunneen in 2007. Jones was bishop during the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010

Early life and education

Born in Rangiora, New Zealand, in 1941, Jones received his education at St Joseph's Convent Primary and St Bede's College, Christchurch. He studied for the priesthood at Holy Name Seminary (Christchurch), and at Holy Cross Seminary College, Mosgiel.

Priesthood

He was ordained a priest on 4 July 1966, aged 24, by Bishop Ashby.

Episcopacy

On 28 June 2006, Jones was appointed as Coadjutor Bishop of Christchurch, and consecrated on 4 October 2006. On 4 May 2007 Jones succeeded to the position of Bishop of Christchurch on the retirement of his predecessor John Cunneen.
In 2015, he suffered a number of strokes and his health declined. He decided to step down when he turned 75. Following a heart attack, Jones died on 13 February 2016.