The Rt Revd Glyn Webster, Bishop of Beverley and Provincial Episcopal Visitor in York Province, will retire on Epiphany 2022.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said, “Bishop Glyn’s tireless ministry has been a huge blessing to many people and churches across the north of England. I pray that in retirement he will find well-deserved rest, as well as new opportunities to serve the gospel he has preached and lived so faithfully over many years of ministry. He is a wonderful example of the sacrificial and joyful love that is, and will continue to be, needed in order for us to live together well in our diversity and to witness to our unity in Jesus Christ.”
Bishop Glyn said: “As I approach my retirement from stipendiary ministry, I thank all those who I have had the privilege of ministering to. I am also deeply aware of how much I have received from the many thousands of people I have had contact with in my life as priest and bishop. I pay a particular debt of gratitude to the clergy with whom I have been privileged to serve alongside.
“Serving in the ordained ministry has become much more complex and harder than when I was ordained in 1977 and I respect and admire all those who are presently serving their people, perhaps especially in our parishes, which is where the Church of England is routed and to be found. In spite of the increasing complexities of ordained life, if I had my time over again – I would do exactly what I have attempted to do, namely so serve my dear Lord and His people.”
As Provincial Episcopal Visitor, Bishop Webster cared for the parishes that had petitioned for Extended Episcopal Care under the Act of Synod — the Ordination of Women to the Priesthood.
Before ordination in 1977, Bishop Webster had been a State Registered Nurse at the Royal Infirmary in Blackburn. After ordination, he served eleven years as Vicar of St Luke’s York, and Senior Chaplain at York District Hospital. He also served in various diocesan capacities as well as Acting Dean of York Minster during two vacancies. Additionally, Bishop Webster served on the Crown Nominations Commission and as a Chaplain to Her Majesty The Queen.
The Revd Carl Schaefer, Vicar of Goldthorpe and Hickleton said of Bishop Webster; “Bishop Glyn will be really missed by many; he has worked hard to sustain the parishes in his care and has been tireless in his support for clergy and laity alike throughout the Province and beyond. His approachability and common touch, alongside his good humour has been particularly appreciated”.
