Bishop of Grimsby announces retirement

The Bishop of Grimsby has announced he will retire in July after more than 11 years.

The Right Reverend Dr David Court will hold a farewell service at Lincoln Cathedral in June before officially retiring on 31 July. His successor is expected to be named in the coming months.

He was consecrated in 2014 and, in 2019, acted as Bishop of Lincoln when Christopher Lowson was suspended in relation to a safeguarding children inquiry.

Bishop Court said: "I am hugely grateful for the privilege of serving and being part of the Church here in Greater Lincolnshire."

He added: "Although there have been surprises and unexpected challenges along the way, I want to say thank you for the support and trust I have experienced from so many during that time.

"I am looking forward to doing what I can to continue to support the work of the local church in a different role and hopefully at a slightly slower pace."

Bishop Court confirmed that, post-retirement, he would continue to live in Grimsby with his wife Ann.

During his career, Bishop Court led the diocese's national Strategic Development Fund bid and oversaw work to support local churches and communities through grants.

He was the chairman of St Lawrence Academy Trust and headed a diocese panel on climate change and environmental sustainability.

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Stephen Conway, led tributes to the outgoing Bishop, praising his "humility and loyalty".

He praised Dr Court's role in leading the diocese in 2019 while the then Bishop of Lincoln, Christopher Lowson, was investigated for a child safeguarding issue.

Bishop Lowson accepted a misconduct penalty and apologised.

Bishop Conway said: "When he (Bishop Court) took on the role of acting Bishop he displayed exemplary leadership during a very challenging period.

"I have learned a lot from Bishop David spiritually, and I know that people across the diocese are grateful for his preaching and teaching."

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