The Bishop of London, the Rt. Revd. Richard Chartres, is retiring at the end of this month after 20 years in post. He has overseen a remarkable season of church growth in a time when every other diocese has reported decline. He will be greatly missed.

On Thursday February 2nd there will be a Farewell Service at St Paul’s Cathedral at 6pm. It promises to be a wonderful occasion, when the whole diocese will come together to give thanks for Bishop Richard’s ministry, and all that has been achieved over the past two decades. All are welcome to attend, either in the Cathedral (unallocated seats available from 5pm) or outside in Paternoster Square (where part of the service will take place as an act of witness to those outside). Please let the parish office know if you intend to come, as it would be good to give the Cathedral an indication of numbers.

The diocese is also setting up a fund – The Richard Chartres Fund for London - to mark his many years as Bishop of London, and before that, of Stepney. The Fund will be managed by the London College of Bishops and will, aligned with the Diocese of London’s Capital Vision 2020 objectives, invest in initiatives that will:

  • grow the church
  • provide buildings that are fit for purpose for communities
  • support young people
  • promote education and innovation

If you would like to contribute to the parish donation to this fund, please:

  • send a cheque to Church of St Mary with Alban and indicate ‘Richard Chartres Fund’ on the envelope
  • send cash to the parish office using a yellow gift aid envelope from church and indicate ‘Richard Chartres Fund’ on the envelope
  • pay the money directly to the Diocese of London bank account - Sort code 20-06-05, account number 00107123 and ask your bank to include our parish number, 0912, and RCFL17 as the reference. You will also be able to donate online via the Diocesan website

We are truly grateful to God for the leadership and vision Bishop Richard has given us over the years. It would be good to mark his departure with generosity and style!