Bishop Alan has been the Bishop of Thetford for nearly 14 years, having been consecrated on 29 September 2009 at St Paul’s Cathedral. He was ordained as a priest in 1992, and has served the church in London, Hertfordshire and Norfolk.
Bishop Alan says;
“In announcing my intention to retire at the end of April next year, I am very aware of how blest I’ve been to serve as one of the bishops in such a lovely part of the country. Visiting the churches of the diocese week by week, worshipping in such beautiful buildings, meeting such caring and committed people has been a joy.
I’m also grateful for the chance I’ve enjoyed to play a small part in encouraging the fabulous and crucial work that goes on in our schools.
It has been deeply moving to witness the commitment and generosity of so many people whose faith leads them to serve their communities, particularly where poverty, homelessness and other marks of our tragically unequal society are present.
I’ve often said that the task of ministry can be summarised as learning to love the people God has given you to serve. I feel very thankful that God placed me in a diocese where that has been such a happy task.
As Pippa and I move away from the diocese next year, we will do so with much to give thanks for to God. The people of Norfolk and Waveney will remain in our hearts and our prayers, with thanksgiving for all we’ve shared.” + Alan
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher says;
“Over the last 13 years Alan Winton’s ministry as Bishop of Thetford has been marked by grace and pastoral care. He has made a significant contribution to many areas of diocesan life, including the selection and training of clergy, our church schools, and parishes in his care.
Like many others, I am grateful for his friendship and the way in which he welcomed me to the diocese. His wife, Pippa, has been a gentle and prayerful presence amongst us with an ability to come along side people, especially partners of the clergy.
Bishop Alan and Pippa will go into retirement next April with our love and our thankfulness to God for all that they have given to our life together in the Diocese of Norwich.”