Bishop of Lynn announces retirement
The Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Rev Jonathan Meyrick, is to retire from the role next year.
The 68-year-old will stand down in January after nearly a decade in the post and 45 years in the church.
His decision was announced during a virtual meeting of the Diocese of Norwich's Diocesan Synod last night.
He said: "I have been blessed in being able to work with stimulating, supportive colleagues, and in living amongst such welcoming communities.
“There have been so many individual highlights, starting with the nine days cycling around the groups of parishes I have responsibility for in my first Lent here.
"But what I have valued most have been the regular acts of sacramental care that are a bishop’s lot: confirmations; blessing new ventures in churches, schools and churchyards; the deanery pilgrimages of prayer; and the annual opening of the Mart in King’s Lynn.
“Offering, in whatever ways I can, something of the love of God for everyone has always seemed to me the heart of Christian ministry.
"As always, I have received so much more than I have been able to give, and when the time comes, I will leave Norfolk and the Diocese of Norwich with a huge amount of gratitude and love for all its people – but of course, there are nearly seven months to go which will give plenty of opportunity for more of the same!”
Bishop Jonathan was appointed to the Lynn role in 2011 and came to be known as the 'Singing Bishop' through his appearance on the ITV show Stars In Their Eyes and performances of classic songs from the 1960s, many of which raised funds for good causes.
He and his wife, Rebecca, are now planning to move to Oxfordshire, close to where he began his career in the church in the 1970s.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher said: “Bishop Jonathan has served the Diocese of Norwich with much energy, wisdom and dedication, together with his own unique and joyous style.
“I know that we will want to find ways to thank Bishop Jonathan and Rebecca for all that they have given in the service of Christ amongst us and pray that they will have a happy retirement in Oxfordshire.”
The announcement of the Bishop's retirement comes just two weeks after another prominent church official, Canon Christopher Ivory, announced he was standing down as the vicar of King's Lynn Minster.
