Bishop steps down from role for parish ministry return

Bishop Mark will return to the Diocese of Exeter to become the Priest-in-Charge of Ashburton and Moorland Team.

He’d previously served in the diocese before moving to his current role in 2009.

Addressing the reason for his move, he said: “It will be sad to leave. And for some it may seem a surprise move. But, for me, I have sensed God’s beckoning to serve as a parish priest again.

“For the last 16 years, as both diocesan missioner and area bishop, much of my ministry has been to encourage, challenge and help churches and church leaders to embody and share the Good News of Jesus Christ in the local community.

“I have heard God calling me now to ‘go and walk the talk’.”

Bishop Mark will continue in his role until July when he will have a special farewell service.

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Rt Rev Mark Rylands, the Bishop of Shrewsbury, has announced that he’s stepping down from the role to return to parish ministry.