The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd John Perry, retired this week after seven years as the diocesan bishop.
Following Sunday's Evensong at Chelmsford Cathedral, the Bishop joined in a special celebration attended by guests including Essex Lord Lieutenant Lord Petre, the Bishops of Barking, Brentwood and Colchester, and other local dignitaries.
The Bishop praised the friendship of other churches in Essex and East London, and was presented with a vacuum cleaner from the Dean, the Very Revd Peter Judd, and a cheque from the Diocese and Cathedral congregation.
In his final address, he referred to three priorities: the need for prayers shared with others, the need for awe and wonder in the church, and for Christians to face the cost of speaking out on moral issues of the day.
The Revd Elizabeth Caswell, Moderator of the United Reformed Church in the Eastern Region, presented him with a book of prayers on behalf of the 'Churches Together' organisation as a mark of their deep friendship.
Bishop Perry and his wife Gay will retire to Dorset. After the formalities, he laid his crozier, as the seal of office, on the alter. It was accepted by the Dean, who will safeguard it until the new Bishop is appointed in the autumn.
Published Friday, June 13, 2003
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