The Rt Revd David Hawtin, retiring as Bishop of Repton at the end of November, is leading a service on Sunday, October 8th, 11am at Christ Church, in Holloway - the village where he and his wife, Elizabeth, live. This is his 'farewell' to the village.

Bishop David, who is the assistant Bishop in Derbyshire supporting the work of the Bishop of Derby, is well known for his tireless work in the area of Christian unity, that is, encouraging Christians of different denominations to work together.

Encouraged by Bishop David and others, the congregation at Christ Church has been working towards closer working ties with the congregation of Holloway Methodist Church, resulting in their intention to sign a local Anglican-Methodist agreement. The opportunity for combining the signing of the agreement and marking the Bishop’s retirement came together in a very timely way.

Bishop David also has national responsibilities for encouraging Christian unity at the local level. He said: ”It's great that what we encourage through our national work is actually happening on my own home patch. Being present for the signing of this unity covenant is the best possible ingredient for a farewell - because it points to the future.”

A county-wide farewell service for the Bishop’s retirement will also take place at Derby Cathedral on Saturday, November 4th at 4pm. All are welcome.

ENDS