Bishop of Plymouth bound for South Australia

The Bishop of Plymouth, Rt Revd John Ford, has been elected to serve as Diocesan Bishop of The Murray, South Australia.

The diocese has been without a bishop for three years and in a statement it said there was “great joy” in being able to announce Bishop John’s appointment as the fourth bishop of The Murray.

Bishop John has served as Bishop of Plymouth since 2005. He is married to Bridget and has three grown up children.

He said he was “surprised and moved” by his new appointment.

In a letter sent to parishes yesterday, he said: “I have been greatly blessed during my time as Bishop of Plymouth. The people of the diocese, especially those in the archdeaconries of Totnes and Plymouth, will always have a special place in my heart and prayers. It has been a joy to travel the pilgrim road with you for what will be almost eight years. I ask forgiveness from those whom I have in any way failed, let down or offended. It has been a special privilege to serve as chair of the Board of Education and to be involved in so many schools across the County. The responsibility of being the first Chairman of governors at All Saints Academy will remain as a highlight of my time in Devon as will the time spent in visiting deaneries during the Bishops in Mission events in 2011.

“We are sad to leave but do so in the knowledge that the future is in God’s hands and with the sense of contentment that we are responding to his call.”

Bishop John will leave the diocese in the autumn, and will be enthroned on 6 December.

As there is a vacancy for the diocesan bishop in Exeter – following Bishop Michael’s retirement – the Bishop of Crediton, Rt Revd Nick McKinnel, will be looking after the diocese during this time. A successor to Bishop Michael is expected to be announced before Christmas.

Bishop Michael sent a letter to all parishes following his farewell service in Exeter Cathedral on Saturday, thanking people for their love and support, and informing them of Bishop John’s new appointment.

He said: “Bishop John and Bridget will be hugely missed by so many here in Devon, where he has been a true bishop and friend. He is a gifted pastor and teacher, with a heart for mission, always in much demand for teaching weeks and parish weekends. Bishop John’s departure marks a significant loss for the Diocese and the Church of England but I have no doubt that this is to Australia’s gain.”