Bishop announces his retirement

The bishop says he is looking forward to spending time with his family

The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham has announced he is to retire after 10 years in post.

The Rt Revd George Cassidy, 65, said he plans to step down in August 2009. He was enthroned as the 10th Bishop of Southwell in September 1999.

He became the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham when the name of the diocese was changed in 2005.

He will be retiring with his wife, Jane, to her home county of Somerset, the bishop has confirmed.

He said: "By next year I will have served 10 years in a demanding job which has been a great trust and privilege, but there is a relentlessness about the role.

Challenges ahead

"I'm conscious that a younger person with new energy will help lead the team in meeting all the challenges arising in the years ahead."

He added: "It's been a privilege to be in such a great place, Nottinghamshire is a wonderful county and Nottingham is a buzzing city too. It's a diocese with a strong focus on mission and an emphasis on sacrificial giving."

George Cassidy was born in Belfast. He studied Politics and Economics at Queen's University Belfast and University College London.

He spent two years working in Kenya and his first parish was in Bristol.

In 1987 he was appointed Archdeacon of London and Residentiary Canon at St Paul's Cathedral.