Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese in Europe Announces Retirement: Bishop David Hamid, suffragan bishop of the Diocese in Europe and one of the longest-serving bishops in the Church of England, has announced his plans to retire.
After almost 21 years of serving as the suffragan bishop of the Diocese in Europe, Bishop David who was consecrated in October 2002 said he will retire in February 2024. This was disclosed in a Tuesday statement shared by the Diocese in Europe.
Speaking of his retirement, Rt Rev Robert Innes, Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe, said: “Bishop David’s retirement will leave a huge hole in the diocese. We will miss his vast knowledge, mature experience, and personal friendship.”
“These days, senior roles in the Church are extremely demanding, arguably all the more so in our diocese with the demands of frequent international travel. The Church therefore owes Bishop David an immense debt of gratitude for more than two decades of devoted episcopal service,” he added.
Sharing his experience in his years of service, Bishop David said: “For over 20 years I have been blessed to have one of the most fulfilling and enriching jobs in the Church. At times the Diocese in Europe is difficult to explain to outsiders and to many in other parts of the Church of England, but I can sum up from my experience that it is a family, a family of committed and loving people, a truly rich and diverse, if scattered community, which seeks to live the Christian life in the Anglican way.”
“I am grateful beyond words for the kindness and generosity that is shown to me in my pastoral visits, and I give thanks to God for all the many signs of growth in faith and Christian witness and service that I see from the shores of the Baltic to the Mediterranean, and beyond.”
Bishop David explained that the time now felt right to step down from his role and “look towards the next phase of life” with his wife of 45 years, Colleen.
The process to select another suffragan bishop in Europe will begin as soon as Bishop David retires.