Bishop of Oxford announces retirement date

The Right Reverend Dr Steven Croft said he was "deeply thankful" to have served as Bishop of Oxford

The Bishop of Oxford has announced he is planning to retire from his role in the summer of 2026.

The Right Reverend Dr Steven Croft will have led the diocese for 10 years when he leaves in July.

His retirement also means he will no longer have a place in the House of Lords after 13 years as a member.

Dr Croft, who was ordained in 1983, said: "I am deeply thankful for the ministries of so many people called to sustain the life and mission of churches, chaplaincies and schools across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire."

As Bishop of Oxford he oversees 800 churches in  609 parishes in the Thames Valley - the largest number of churches of any diocese in the Church of England.

The diocese is also home to 284 schools and academies, educating some 60,000 pupils.

Dr Croft, who also spent seven years as Bishop of Sheffield, added: "It has been and remains an immense joy and privilege to serve as Bishop of Oxford and I am deeply thankful for God's grace in so many different people and communities across the diocese."

During his tenure he became the most senior figure in the Church of England to support same-sex marriage when he published an essay entitled Together in Love and Faith in 2022.

He has also written about the importance of online safety and digital ethics, as well being an advocate of fossil fuel divestment within the national church.

However, he has also faced some controversy during his tenure.

'Failed to act'

A man told Dr Croft in 2012 - when he was Bishop of Sheffield - about sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of a priest, but an independent review in 2023 found senior clergy had "failed to act" on the information.

It led to calls for him to resign.

Dr Croft apologised and said it was one of his "deepest regrets" that he did not do more to ensure the disclosure was followed up.

Following his retirement, which will come after a special service at Christ Church Cathedral in May, the Bishop of Dorchester, the Right Reverend Gavin Collins, will temporarily assume the duties of the Bishop of Oxford.

Sir Hector Sants, chairman of the Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance, praised Dr Croft's legacy and said he had led with "contemplation, compassion and courage".

"We are in a good position to begin the process of discernment for Bishop Steven's successor and we would ask for your prayers for this important work," he added.