Bishop of St Albans Dr Alan Smith announces May retirement

After 16 years of ministry in the Diocese Bishop, Alan will be leaving his post on May 31, moving back to his childhood county of Wiltshire.

Bishop Alan. (Image: Toby Shepheard) Bishop Alan said that it had been the "privilege of his life" to serve as the Bishop of St Albans, but as he turns 68 next month, the time had come to lay down his responsibilities and to hand the baton of leadership on to "whomever the Lord calls to succeed him".

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Dean Jo said: "As the Mother Church of the Diocese of St Albans we are so very grateful for the faithful and generous leadership of Bishop Alan Smith.

"He has encouraged and inspired us to live God's love and cared deeply for the communities of this Diocese. Bishop Alan has also served our nation with wisdom and dedication in the House of Lords as a Lord Spiritual.

"We pray for him as he prepares for retirement and for our Diocese in this time of transition". 

In the spring there will be opportunities to thank and say farewell to the Bishop.

The Bishop will retire to his childhood county of Wiltshire in May 2025. (Image: Toby Shepheard)