Bishop of Hereford quits over women priest vote
The Bishop of Hereford is to retire early – and has fired a parting shot at the Church of England over its refusal to allow women bishops.
The Right Reverend Anthony Priddis said he had wanted to stay in the post long enough for a woman to be able to replace him.
And he said the General Synod's rejection of the idea of appointing women bishops following a vote in November last year had 'had a bearing' on his decision.
Bishop Priddis will step down from his role with the diocese – which covers much of south Shropshire and parts of Powys – in September and will become an assistant bishop with the Diocese of Gloucester.
He said: "I would have waited longer if the decision of our General Synod had been different last November. With our general synod decision it's now rather uncertain what the timing will be."
At the time of the 'no' vote, Mr Priddis said he was 'reeling with shock and sadness' and described it as a 'huge disappointment'.
A farewell service will be held in Hereford Cathedral on September 7. The Bishop said: "In many ways I would be happy to stay. But I think it's a bit like a party, you should leave while you are enjoying it. It has been a huge privilege to serve the people of the diocese."
The diocese covers Herefordshire, south Shropshire, parts of Worcestershire and 12 parishes in Powys and Monmouthshire.
