[Ely Events] Bishop Anthony to retire

[Owen Spencer-Thomas]

Bishop Anthony announces his retirement



The Rt Revd Dr Anthony Russell has announced today that he is to retire as Bishop of Ely on 28 February 2010.  

 

He is one of the longest-serving Bishops in the Church of England and was installed as the 68th Bishop of Ely in the year 2000 after serving as Area Bishop of Dorchester for twelve years.

 

Bishop Anthony's ministry will continue publicly and fully until 23 January 2010 when members of the Diocese will say farewell to him at a service in Ely Cathedral.

 

He has been a member of the House of Lords since 2008 and during his time at Ely he has taken a keen interest in rural affairs and in the farming community.  He has been a well-known speaker and commentator on agricultural affairs in a wide range of capacities and was President of the RASE (Royal Agricultural Society of England) from 2004 until 2005.

 

He has been closely involved in the life of the University of Cambridge and serves as the Visitor of St John's College, Jesus College and Peterhouse.  He was Chaplain to HM the Queen from 1983 until 1988.   (More details appear in the attached biography)

 

"It has been a privilege to serve the diocese for ten years," said Bishop Anthony.  "My wife and I have made many friends, and greatly enjoyed living in Ely.  The diocese of Ely, with the Fens and Cambridge, is a lively and special diocese which this year celebrates its 900th anniversary".  

 

His wife Sheila said, "Our time in Ely has been very happy.  We have loved being in such a wonderful house.  It will be sad to leave so many friends.   

 

The Dean of Ely, the Very Revd Michael Chandler said, "The Bishop of Ely's retirement means that the Diocese, including the Cathedral, will lose a wise pastor whose quietly effective style of leadership has enabled us to get on with our mission confident that there is a steadfastness of purpose, and real Christian maturity, at the heart of all our activities.   

 

"Having worked alongside Bishop Anthony for nearly six years, I have greatly appreciated his understanding of the Cathedral and its ministry, and I know that many others also appreciate his wise counsel and guidance," he added.

 

The early announcement means moves to appoint a successor can start. The diocesan Vacancy in See Committee will draft a Statement of Needs, and a group from that Committee and the Crown Nominations Commission will work with the Archbishop of Canterbury to fill the post. It is hoped a new Bishop will be named later this year and take up his duties in 2010. 

 

 

For more details and information: 

Canon Owen Spencer-Thomas, MBE  

Bishop's Press Officer                                                          

52 Windsor Road

Cambridge

CB4 3JN

 

Phone:  01223 358448         

Mobile: 07801 492151

email: owenst at btinternet.com         

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             23 April 2009

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