It has been announced this morning that Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, the 106th Bishop of Rochester, will step down as Bishop of Rochester from 1st September 2009. The precise area of work he is moving into has not yet been announced.
I have to say: I am very sad at this news, from the perspective of those of us who live, worship and minister in this Diocese. He has been a good Bishop. I have only been here for just over a month (in post), but it is clear that Bishop Michael has done an extraordinary amount of good work in his 15 years here. He has also found time to serve in many other areas, both nationally and internationally.
Having said that: I am sure that "the perspective of those of us who live, worship and minister in this Diocese" is not the only perspective through which to see anything. Christ's kingdom spans the whole globe and accordingly everything is joined up. If one part of the body is blessed, the whole body experiences that blessing. I'm sure that we, in the Diocese of Rochester, will be blessed through whatever area of ministry Bishop Michael will move onto next.
All we know about what is next is what was in the Press Release from Bishopscourt this morning: “Bishop Michael is hoping to work with a number of church leaders from areas where the church is under pressure, particularly in minority situations, who have asked him to assist them with education and training for their particular situation. Details of this arrangement are still being worked out.”
Please join us in praying for Bishop Michael and his family, and in praying for the process leading to the appointment of the 107th Bishop of Rochester. May God send us "a man after his own heart" who will shepherd his people.
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