Bishop of Lichfield, Jonathan Gledhill, to retire
- Published
The Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill is retiring to Kent
The Bishop of Lichfield has announced his retirement after 12 years in the post.
In a video message, external posted on YouTube, the Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill, 66, said he was leaving "with mixed feelings" but added "it would not be right to continue much longer".
He will leave the position, which covers Staffordshire, Shropshire and the Black Country, in September.
The bishop made the announcement as the diocese was marking St Chad's Day.
Educated at Keele University, Bishop Gledhill served as a minister in Kent for 20 years before becoming Bishop of Southampton in 1996.
He was installed as Bishop of Lichfield in 2003.
St Chad was the first Bishop of Lichfield in the 7th Century
History of a bishop
St Chad, who features in the works of Bede, was the first Bishop of Lichfield in the 7th Century
Bishop Gledhill is the 98th Bishop of Lichfield
The post is widely seen as one of the biggest jobs in the Church of England
The diocese covers an area serving two million people
During his time in the role, he called on Christians not to feel intimidated about wearing crosses in public and also expressed strong views opposing gay marriage
He said: "Forty years of ministry seem a good stint."
He and his wife, Jane, plan to retire to Kent.
The Rt Rev Clive Gregory, the Bishop of Wolverhampton, said: "It has been a privilege to serve under Bishop Jonathan's wise and godly leadership.
"He and Jane will be greatly missed."
The bishop's final formal engagement will take place at Lichfield Cathedral on 26 September.