John MacWilliam

John Gordon MacWilliam, M. Afr. (born 20 November 1948) is a British Roman Catholic bishop and former soldier. Since 2017, he has been the Bishop of Laghouat in Algeria. From 1968 to 1984, he was an officer of the Queen's Regiment in the British Army. After leaving the military, he joined the White Fathers, making his vows in 1991 and being ordained priest in 1992. After studying in London and in Rome, he ministered in Algeria and in Tunisia. In 2015, he was appointed Superior Provincial of the White Fathers for North Africa. Early life and education MacWilliam was born on 20 November 1948 in Wimbledon, London, England. He was educated at a Catholic school (Worth School) and at a number of military schools due to his father's military career. Career Military career MacWilliam underwent officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. On 20 December 1968, he was commissioned into the Queen's Regiment, British Army, as a second lieutenant. He was promoted to lieutenant on 20 June 1970, and to captain on 20 December 1974.