This is a text-only version of an article first published on Friday, 31 October 2014. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
+ John places his Diocesan staff on the altar Bishop John said farewell to the Diocese of Oxford in a packed Cathedral the night before his final day in office (Friday 31 October). He presided and preached at a Eucharist, which was followed by a drinks reception at the Town Hall. Bishop John chose all the music for the service himself, which involved a band from St Andrew's Church, Linton Road, and two trumpeters as well as a traditional choir and organ. Towards the end of the service a portrait of Bishop John was unveiled.
The portrait, which was painted by his son in law, the artist Ben Davies-Jenkins, will be hung at Diocesan Church House, alongside portraits of Bishop John's predecessors.
+ John and his portrait A number of thank you gifts were presented to Bishop John and his wife Wendy, which have been given by the whole diocese in recognition of his service over the past seven years. At the very end of the service Bishop John laid down his episcopal staff on the altar, a symbol of his office.
The staff will be picked up by the next Bishop of Oxford when he or she takes office.
Bishop John's portrait During the vacancy, the Bishop of Dorchester will be Acting Bishop of Oxford, a role he has held before during the last vacancy.