Date: 13 January 2023
Bishop Jo bows out from six and a half years ministry as the Bishop of Dorking this week with her farewell service at the Cathedral this Saturday.
She’s been appointed as the first Bishop for Episcopal Ministry in the Anglican Communion. It’s a new post to build on the success of last year’s Lambeth Conference is designed to, “foster a collaborative, engaged, enriched fellowship among the bishops of the Anglican Communion."
In a farewell video Bishop Jo thanks all those across the diocese who have, “Sent me off with so many hugs and prayers.”
“A bishop doesn’t serve alone,” says Bishop Jo. “It’s God who keeps his promises. It’s the Holy Spirit who works. I simply seek to be the hosepipe for the Holy Spirit and what a privilege that has been,” she says.
Bishop Jo, who was appointed Bishop of Dorking in 2016 was formerly Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury.
“When Paul gathered the Ephesians elders on a beach he spoke to them through tears,” says Jo. (Acts 20). “I don’t speak to you through tears, except for the sadness of leaving the diocese of Guildford. It has been joy, joy, joy. I am so grateful to the many who have taught and trained me as your bishop.”
Bishop Andrew responds by saying, “Bishop Jo speaks of her ministry among us as being 'joy, joy, joy', and that's been our experience of her presence among us too. Jo, we're so grateful for all that you've brought to us - the depth of your teaching, warmth of your fellowship and keenness of your insight - and above all for encouraging us to 'get over ourselves' and focus on Jesus, the Lord of the worldwide Church to which he is now calling you. Thank you, and may the Lord bless you and keep you in all that lies ahead. “
What lies ahead is aptly described by Bishop Jo as she remarks, “I now move to a much more disparate collection of sheep, scattered across 43 provinces in the Anglican Communion around 165 countries. ”
Concluding her video message with, “Thank you and I commend you to the grace of God that has sustained me in this ministry and unities us as we serve him together, for his glory. Amen."