From the Revd Paul Burr
Sir, - Rome isn't the only Church that needs to think about
what retirement for its bishop should mean (
Letters, 15 February). The Church of England has become
increasingly used to bishops' (even archbishops') continuing to
make pronouncements, give interviews, write letters to the press,
and adopt hobby horses, praying in aid the prestige of their former
office without any accountability to their colleagues or the wider
Church.
When an incumbent leaves a benefice, he or she is required to
surrender that ministry in order to make way for a successor. Does
not the same principle apply to bishops? Retirement surely ought to
include withdrawing from the national stage in order not to
undermine the ministry of your successors - even when you are
certain that you are right.
PAUL BURR
The Vicarage, The Common Swardeston
Norwich NR14 8EB
