Bishop’s Management Group letters are sent approximately once a month to the clergy, churchwardens, lay ministers, diocesan and cathedral staff, they are included in your monthly Peterborough Diocesan News distribution.
They are mainly informative, may include policy announcements, or raise discussion on strategic and longer-term issues. Here is the most recent letter, earlier letters are linked below.
BISHOP’S LETTER 28 9 April 2025
Dear Friends,
Bishop Debbie has kindly invited me to write this letter to share with you the news that I have decided to retire as Bishop of Brixworth on September 30th.
Serving the people and communities of Peterborough Diocese has been the most wonderful privilege. We have loved living in this beautiful area and sharing ministry alongside you has been great fun and immensely rewarding. We have so many lovely memories and will miss you dearly. I have always felt sustained knowing that members of the Diocesan family pray for their Bishops by name every day.
My recent sabbatical break gave me time to rediscover the specialness of non-episcopal ministry. Being a temporary chaplain on a cruise ship (surprisingly hard work!) reaffirmed my love of pastoral care. I also enjoyed the opportunity to see more of my family, to read and to travel. I have loved being one of your Bishops, but I am hoping that retirement will offer scope for new ministries, possibly including volunteering at a Retreat Centre.
We believe that our new home is likely to be in the area where Dorset, Somerset and Devon come together. This is close to our family, the sea and Bristol City Football Club!
There is much work to be done between now and September, helping to progress Bishop Debbie’s vision for our Diocese. Meanwhile, thank you so much for your friendship, care, understanding, encouragement and love. This is a wonderful Diocese and you are very fortunate in the remarkable clergy and lay leaders who serve you. We are so grateful that God called us to follow Christ here fifteen years ago and will continue to pray for you in the future.
With my love, thanks and prayers,
 |
+John
Read more on Bishop John's retirement here
Previous letters
Bishop's Management Group Letter 27 - 11 March 2025
Bishop's Management Group Letter 26 - 11 February 2025
Bishop's Management Group Letter 25 - 14 January 2025
Bishop's Management Group Letter 24 - 17 December 2024