THE Bishop of Lichfield has confirmed his plans to retire.
The Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave has held the role for the past decade, but The King has now granted permission for him to step down at the end of September.
He confirmed the news on St Chad’s Day yesterday (2nd March) in Lichfield Cathedral – exactly ten years since his nomination as the 99th Bishop of Lichfield.
Bishop Michael said:
“I know that I have been blessed over the last ten years to work in one of the friendliest, most down to earth and least pretentious parts of the Church of England – thank you from my heart.”
The Diocese of Lichfield confirmed that there would be “many opportunities” for people to meet with Bishop Michael before his retirement.
The Rt Revd Jan McFarlane, Dean of Lichfield, said:
“The time for farewells is, thankfully, some months’ away but as Bishop Michael prepares to retire we know already just how very much he will be missed.
“In the leading of our Diocese, our Bishop has modelled true servant leadership, as a prayerful, wise and learned teacher and pastor.
“We will always remember his openness and honesty following the death of his son, Frank, when even in the very depths of his bereavement he courageously shared with us what he’d learned of God.
“A prayerful Bishop who loves God and loves his flock is a true gift. We will be holding Bishop Michael and Julia in our prayers as they prepare to say their farewells to a diocese they’ve served with distinction.”
