THE Bishop of Tewkesbury has announced he will retire from the role in March after 17 years.
Rev John Went said he will look back with "great joy" at his time with the Diocese of Gloucester.
He plans to return to parish ministry and will be licensed as a part time parish priest in Latimer and Flaunden in Buckinghamshire on April 17.
Bishop John and his wife Rosemary have been in the Diocese of Gloucester for 17 years under two successive Bishops of Gloucester, Rev David Bentley and Rev Michael Perham.
He said highlights of his time in office include sponsored sleep-outs to raise money for homeless projects, leading pilgrimages and confirming people into the Church.
He said: "As Rosemary and I approach 17 years in the Diocese of Gloucester we look back with great joy on our time in this wonderful part of the world.
"We shall both miss the busy and richly varied life of a bishop, but after 17 years look forward to a fresh challenge and fresh opportunities."
There will be a farewell service in Gloucester Cathedral on March 2.
A Diocese of Gloucester spokesman said: "A process now begins to explore whether there should be a new Bishop Suffragan of Tewkesbury.
"If there is a decision that the post should be filled, the appointment will be made by the Queen on the nomination of the Bishop of Gloucester, who will draw around him a group to advise on the appointment."
Rev John Went said he will look back with "great joy" at his time with the Diocese of Gloucester.
He plans to return to parish ministry and will be licensed as a part time parish priest in Latimer and Flaunden in Buckinghamshire on April 17.
Bishop John and his wife Rosemary have been in the Diocese of Gloucester for 17 years under two successive Bishops of Gloucester, Rev David Bentley and Rev Michael Perham.
He said highlights of his time in office include sponsored sleep-outs to raise money for homeless projects, leading pilgrimages and confirming people into the Church.
He said: "As Rosemary and I approach 17 years in the Diocese of Gloucester we look back with great joy on our time in this wonderful part of the world.
"We shall both miss the busy and richly varied life of a bishop, but after 17 years look forward to a fresh challenge and fresh opportunities."
There will be a farewell service in Gloucester Cathedral on March 2.
A Diocese of Gloucester spokesman said: "A process now begins to explore whether there should be a new Bishop Suffragan of Tewkesbury.
"If there is a decision that the post should be filled, the appointment will be made by the Queen on the nomination of the Bishop of Gloucester, who will draw around him a group to advise on the appointment."
