The suffragan bishop for the Diocese in Europe and one of the Church of England's longest-serving bishops has announced his plans to retire.
Rt Rev David Hamid, who was consecrated as a bishop in 2002, will retire from his position in February 2024.
As suffragan bishop for the diocese in Europe, Bishop David has helped oversee the largest geographical diocese of the Church of England for nearly 21 years.
Speaking of his time in the role, Bishop David said: "The diocese embodies a profound vision of ecumenical outreach and collaboration and is a beautiful multicultural and multi-ethnic mosaic. These particular aspects of her life are very close to my own heart and have added to my joy in serving the diocese as one of its bishops."
"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," he added.
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.
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."
Bishop Robert remarked on the "numerous international crises" Bishop David has supported the diocese through, including banking, sovereign debt, migration, Brexit and Covid.
"Bishop David has nurtured personal relationships with ecumenical colleagues for the good of the whole Church. He retires with prayers and love from across our diocese," Bishop Robert added.
Bishop David also served as co-chair of the International Anglican Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission, chair of the Church of England's Porvoo Panel - which serves the links between Anglicans and Scandinavian and Baltic Lutherans and as President of the Society of St. Willibrord, which brings together Anglicans and Old Catholics.
Upon his retirement, the process to appoint the next suffragan Bishop in Europe will begin.
