Southwark Diocese bids farewell to Bishop Christopher

The Diocese of Southwark has given thanks for the ministry of The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, as he prepares to retire from his role. The special valedictory eucharist, at which Bishop Christopher presided and preached, recently took place at Southwark Cathedral

“As a person approaches retirement, there are inevitably plenty of opportunities to say goodbye – but there are rarely enough opportunities to express appreciation and gratitude,” said Bishop Christopher in his sermon. “So, the first and most important thing I wish to say today is ‘Thank you.’ Thank you for who you are, and for all that you give. I retire with a deep and heartfelt sense of gratitude for the joy of walking alongside you as fellow pilgrims in the way of Christ, and for all of us working together for the common good.”

During the service, Bishop Christopher handed on the Diocesan Crozier to The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon, who will serve as Acting Bishop of Southwark until a new Diocesan Bishop is appointed.

Bishop Christopher began public ministry as the tenth Bishop of Southwark in March 2011. 

He will retire on his 70th birthday in August 2026, after 43 years in ordained ministry.