Bishop of Thetford thankful as he announces his retirement
A bishop, who has covered the likes of St Mary’s Church in Diss and St John the Baptist in Harleston for 13 years, has announced his retirement.
The Bishop of Thetford, the Rt Rev Dr Alan Winton, has announced he will retire in April.
For the Diocese of Norwich, Bishop Winton has cared for churches in the south and east of the diocese, including Diss and the surrounding villages, as well as the benefices of Redenhall, Dickleburgh and the Pulhams to the east, and those of Harling and Thetford to the west.
He said: “I am very aware of how blessed I’ve been to serve as one of the bishops in such a lovely part of the country.
“Visiting the churches of the diocese week by week, worshipping in such beautiful buildings, meeting such caring and committed people has been a joy.
“I’m also grateful for the chance I’ve enjoyed to play a small part in encouraging the fabulous and crucial work that goes on in our schools.
“It has been deeply moving to witness the commitment and generosity of so many people whose faith leads them to serve their communities, particularly where poverty, homelessness and other marks of our tragically unequal society are present.”
The bishop was consecrated at St Paul’s Cathedral in September 2009 and ordained as a priest in 1992, serving the church in London, Hertfordshire and Norfolk.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher, said: “Alan’s ministry as Bishop of Thetford has been marked by grace and pastoral care.
“He has made a significant contribution to many areas of diocesan life, including the selection and training of clergy, our church schools, and parishes in his care.
“Bishop Alan and his wife, Pippa, will go into retirement with our love and our thankfulness.”