Bishop of Maidstone Retires
As first reported in the English Churchman in January 2022, the Bishop of Maidstone, the Rt Revd Rod Thomas, announced his intention to retire the first Sunday in October 2022. He has now retired from his post. A service of thanksgiving was held at Oak Hill College on 1 October.
Thomas’ remit as Bishop of Maidstone was to provide episcopal care for those congregations which do not accept the ordination of women to the office of presbyter. His successor, as yet unnamed, will be known as the Bishop of Ebbsfleet. The office is one of being a Provincial Episcopal Visitor. There are three such bishops that look after Anglo-Catholic parishes and one for complementarian parishes.
Bishop Thomas preached from Ephesians 1:15-23 and offered “his own reflections on his period of ministry.” The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally and Johnny Juckes, Principal at Oak Hill also offered reflections on Thomas’ time as a PEV.
Tea was served and presentations were made after the service which was also attended by Bishop Rod’s wife, Lesley.
The service was originally scheduled to be held at All Souls’ Langham Place but fell victim to the rail strike on the day.
