The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, will preach at a service of thanksgiving for the ministry of the Bishop of Selby, the Right Reverend Dr John Thomson, and the Bishop of Whitby, the Right Reverend Paul Ferguson, marking the retirement of both, in York Minster at 5.30pm on Tuesday 16th July 2024.
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Johanna Ropner, will attend the service of Evensong, accompanied on this occasion by the Chapel Choir of Hatfield College, Durham.
Paul Ferguson and John Thomson have served for ten years as Suffragan Bishops in the Diocese of York, as colleagues who ministered alongside Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York and his predecessor Lord Sentamu. They served, exercising particular care respectively, for the Archdeaconry of Cleveland (largely Middlesbrough and the Cleveland Hills) and the Archdeaconry of York (largely the City and Vale of York).
Both Bishops have been Members of the College of Canons of York Minster in its role as Cathedral Church of the Diocese of York; the 16th July service will end with prayers of leave-taking and commending both to God in their retirement.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said, “A goodbye is always sad, even though we’ve had a whole year to get used to the idea, but that’s a year to reflect on the blessings John and Paul have been to us.
“They have been caring pastors to their clergy and people, thoughtful and supportive colleagues, clear thinkers about the challenges facing the world and the church, and through all this good friends too.
“They have put in spadework that we will be grateful for into the future – John in environmental work and Paul in education, but so much more too – and I know each of them has plans for the future including in the ministry to which God continues to call them.
“As we will be praying, ‘May the power of your presence bless this moment of our leave-taking and guide us all on our pilgrimage; for the sake of Jesus Christ, our redeemer. Amen.'”
Archdeacon of York the Venerable Sam Rushton, who works closely with the Bishop of Selby, said, “I will miss John’s companionship and ministry enormously – his wide parish experience and his African upbringing have blessed us as a team as have his humility and kindness.
“Mostly I have cherished his sense of fun and lack of embarrassment in preaching the Gospel in word and action. The cycling, knitting, punning, eco-warrior Bishop of Selby will be sorely missed!”
Archdeacon of Cleveland the Venerable Dr Amanda Bloor, who works closely with the Bishop of Whitby, said, “I’ve enjoyed working alongside Bishop Paul over the last four years. His deep knowledge of the archdeaconry and its people has been invaluable and his love for the area has shone through in all that he’s done in Cleveland, first as archdeacon and then as bishop.
“I’m glad that he’s remaining in the Diocese so that we can continue to benefit from his wisdom and experience.”
HM Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Johanna Ropner, said, “Bishop Paul Ferguson and Bishop John Thomson have served not just the churches but the communities and people of their areas, bringing the voice of faith into the public square where they have been able to speak up for some of those who struggle to be heard and remind us of the bigger picture. I’m tremendously grateful to them both for their ten years in office and wish them and their families the very best for a long and fruitful retirement.”
