Colenso, John William 1814-83
English clergyman

Born in St Austell, Cornwall, he was a graduate of St John's College, Cambridge. In 1853 he was appointed first Bishop of Natal, where he learned the Zulu language, writing a grammar and dictionary, and translating the Prayer Book and part of the Bible. His The Pentateuch and the Book of Joshua Critically Examined (1862-79), which cast doubts upon biblical accuracy, was regarded as heretical and his Metropolitan, Bishop Gray of Capetown, attempted to have him deposed, even publicly excommunicating him (1864). He was also unpopular for supporting dispossessed Africans. He was eventually deposed in 1869. His publications include Miscellaneous Examples in Algebra (1848), Plane Trigonometry (1851) and Village Sermons (1853).