The Bishop of Oxford has announced he is planning to retire from his role in the summer of 2026.
The Right Reverend Dr Steven Croft will have led the diocese for 10 years when he leaves in July.
His retirement also means he will no longer have a place in the House of Lords after 13 years as a member.
Dr Croft, who was ordained in 1983, said: “I am deeply thankful for the ministries of so many people called to sustain the life and mission of churches, chaplaincies and schools across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.”
As Bishop of Oxford he oversees 800 churches in 609 parishes in the Thames Valley – the largest number of churches of any diocese in the Church of England.
The diocese is also home to 284 schools and academies, educating some 60,000 pupils.
Bishop of Oxford announces retirement date https://t.co/xxknUJEz4L
— BBC Oxfordshire (@BBCOxford) November 18, 2025