Bishop of Worcester to retire

Oct 31 2006

THE Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby, has announced his retirement.

Dr Selby, aged 64, said he would step down from his post next September, the day after the 40th anniversary of his becoming a priest.

He made the announcement during the Bishop's presidential address at a meeting of the Diocesan Synod, while he outlined some of the challenges the Synod will face over the next three years.

The Bishop of Worcester, who is also bishop of prisons across England, said that reaching three milestone dates had led him to the conclusion that it was the right time to move on.

"I am about to reach three milestone dates: in a few weeks I shall be 65; on July 1 2007 I shall have been Bishop of Worcester for ten years; and on September 29 2007 I shall celebrate the 40th anniversary of my being ordained priest," he explained.

"Although my life here is a hugely privileged one, one I have no wish to leave, these milestone dates have led me to reflect on what might be the best time for me to move on, both to find a new context to live out my calling and for the diocese to have the opportunities that come from the appointment of a new bishop."