Bishop Tom Wright to leave Durham


The Bishop of Durham, Dr N. Tom Wright, has announced that he will resign from the See of Durham on 31 August this year. He will be returning to academic life as he takes up the position of Research Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

Bishop Tom Wright is well known for his theological writing, both academic and popular. He is considered to be one of the world's foremost New Testament scholars. As I travel around the diocese I note that almost all our clergy and readers are familiar with and use Bishop Tom's work, particularly his biblical commentaries, including the popular For Everyone series. He admits that the decision to return to academic life was the hardest decision of his life. It will however allow him to concentrate on his research, teaching, writing and broadcasting.

The bench of bishops in England will miss Bishop Tom. The Archbishop of Canterbury said that Bishop Tom, "has given generously of his extraordinary gifts in the life of his diocese and the Church of England at large, and he will be greatly missed by his fellow bishops. But we are all delighted that he will have fuller opportunity now to develop the unique ministry of Christian scholarship which has enriched so many minds and hearts across the world".

The official announcement on the Diocese of Durham website is here.

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