Samuel Wilberforce

Wilberforce, Samuel (1805–73), English priest of the Anglican church. He held important church offices, including bishop of Oxford, dean of Westminster, and chaplain of the House of Lords. Wilberforce mediated a dispute between the Anglo-Catholic and the Evangelical factions of the church. Politically, he fought for prison reform and measures to prevent the abuse of women and children.

See also: Anglicans.