William Forbes (bishop)

William Forbes (1585 – 1634) was a Scottish clergyman who became the first Bishop of Edinburgh in the Scottish Episcopal Church.

Forbes was born in Aberdeen, the only son of Duncan Forbes of Monymusk and Marjorie Gray. He was educated at Marischal College, Aberdeen, where he displayed exceptional theological aptitude from a young age. He became professor of logic there at the age of 21, and subsequently served as a minister in Alford and Aberdeen.

Known for his erudition, piety, and irenic disposition, Forbes sought reconciliation between different theological viewpoints, particularly between Calvinism and Arminianism, within a broadly Reformed framework. He aimed to find common ground and promote Christian unity. His approach earned him both admiration and suspicion.

In 1633, he was appointed the first Bishop of Edinburgh by King Charles I, as part of the King's efforts to establish episcopacy in Scotland. However, Forbes held the position for only a few months before his death on April 28, 1634.

Forbes's major work, Considerationes Modestae et Pacificae Controversiarum de Justificatione, Purgatorio, Invocatione Sanctorum, et Christi Mediatoris Intercessione ("Modest and Peaceful Considerations of Controversies Concerning Justification, Purgatory, Invocation of Saints, and the Intercession of Christ the Mediator"), published posthumously in 1658, outlined his irenic theology. It remains a significant text for understanding his conciliatory approach to theological debate. He also left behind a collection of sermons.