Bishop of Tewkesbury to take up Bishop of Gloucester's duties

The Right Reverend Michael Perham became Bishop of Gloucester in 2004

The Bishop of Tewkesbury is to take up the duties of the Bishop of Gloucester, who withdrew from his role last week "for personal reasons".

The Right Reverend Michael Perham is due to retire in November.

The diocese said "the process is under way to enable the Right Reverend Martyn Snow to take up the duties of the Bishop of Gloucester in his absence".

It said Mr Perham had "stepped back from his role as Bishop of Gloucester".

The Diocese of Gloucester has not given any more details about the move. A spokesman said: "It follows standard procedure set out in church legislation and is a process used on other occasions. It is expected to be formally ratified in the near future."

A special service had been due to take place on 8 November to celebrate Mr Perham's time as Bishop of Gloucester. Church officials said they "did not know" whether this was still going ahead.