As a
Church of England priest, Fenwick worked at
Lambeth Palace as ecumenical secretary to two
Archbishops of Canterbury, and co-secretary to the international Anglican-Orthodox dialogue. Having served in the
Church of England at the beginning of his career, Fenwick left the Established Church after general synod voted for holy orders to be open to women. Fenwick then joined the
Free Church of England (otherwise called the Reformed Episcopal Church). On 4 June 2025, Fenwick retired from his offices as Bishop Primus and Bishop of the Northern Diocese of the Free Church of England. Bishop Fenwick had been Bishop Primus, the senior bishop and representative leader of the denomination, as well as diocesan bishop for the Northern Diocese since 2006. Upon his retirement, he was succeeded in both capacities by Bishop Paul Hunt, who assumed the roles of Bishop Primus and Bishop of the Northern and Southern Dioceses, respectively.
Legacy and impact In early 1991, whilst assistant secretary of ecumenical affairs to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Fenwick contacted Arthur Ward, bishop of the
Southern Diocese, regarding partnership between the established Church of England and the Free Church of England. This contact brought the Free Church of England to file with
The London Gazette requesting application of the
Sharing of Church Buildings Act 1969 to be a Designated Church. Consequently, on 28 January 1992, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York designated the Free Church of England as a church to which the
Church of England (Ecumenical Relations) Measure 1988 applies. ==Works==