Hundreds to mark retirement of popular bishop at Minster ‘party’

Hundreds of people are set to pack York Minster on the evening of Sunday October 27 to mark and celebrate the retirement of the Rt Rev Martin Wallace, Bishop of Selby.
Archbishop of York Dr John SentamuArchbishop of York Dr John Sentamu
Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu

Bishop Martin, who announced he was stepping down in May this year, has been in the role for more than 10 years.

Bishop Martin said, “My 10 years as Bishop of Selby have been an enormous privilege.

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“To work with the Archbishop of York and the clergy of the diocese, to be with the people of York and the surrounding towns and villages, and to see so much vibrancy in our churches and communities has been just wonderful.

People have always been so welcoming and friendly, and it has been particularly exciting to see so many people deciding to become committed Christians. The farewell in York Minster on Sunday October 27 at 6pm will be not so much a service, more a party.

“It will be great fun with some real surprises and an opportunity to enjoy the company of each other and God with live entertainment as well as prayers and reflections.”

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu said: “We have got hundreds of people coming from all over the diocese, which is a sign of how well-loved Martin is.

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“We will all miss Martin hugely, and we thank God for his years of service with us.

“Martin has served the churches in this diocese for 10 years with a wonderful sense of humour and a heart full of God’s love. I wish Martin and Diana a long and happy retirement in their new home in Bridlington.”

Originally born in London, Bishop Martin served in parishes in an industrial area of Sheffield, the commuter-lands of Surrey, inner city east London and rural Essex before becoming Archdeacon of Colchester.