The Rt Rev'd Jonathan Bailey, Bishop of Derby has officially announced he will retire in 2005.

The sixth Bishop of Derby, who will be 65 in February, has made the announcement early so that the extensive consultation process of appointing a new Bishop can get underway.

But Bishop Jonathan is determined it will be 'business as usual' until he leaves the Diocese in May next year. He is keen to be just as involved in community and church activities as he has always been since he came to Derbyshire in 1995.

He said: "It remains a great privilege to be Bishop of Derby. This is a Diocese at work among a million people. It is set in a good part of England, including the multi-racial university City of Derby, famous Chesterfield and the former coalfield communities, alongside market towns and picturesque villages and the open spaces of the Peak National Park.

"We have much to do to equip our parishes to meet the challenges and opportunities for mission and service in future decades. Over the last nine years I have experienced so much creativity, hope and hard work, so I look forward my final year as Bishop."

From the public announcement of a Bishop's retirement, it usually takes several months before the first meetings take place regarding the appointment of a new Bishop. Further notices about this process will therefore be issued in the autumn.

Ends

For further information, please contact:
Ruth Green,
Bishop's Press Officer,
CofE Diocese of Derby
01332 388680