The Ven Guy Elsmore, Archdeacon of Buckingham, will be retiring from his post at the end of September this year.
Guy was ordained as a deacon in 1993, and as a priest in 1994, and served the first 23 years of his ministry in and around Liverpool, where he became the area dean for Wavertree and Toxteth and Honorary Canon of Liverpool cathedral in 2014. He joined the Diocese of Oxford in 2016.
Guy said: “I am deeply grateful for the opportunities to serve the Kingdom of God which my role has given me. I will never forget the friendship, faith and kindness of the parishes, the Bucks Area Team and the wider Diocesan family. Working with Bishop Alan over so many years was a huge privilege, and I am holding Bishop Dave in my prayers as he takes up the mantle of Bishop of Buckingham. It has been a joy to be part of the process which led to his selection and to work with him through these first months of his episcopacy. As I move into retirement, I am looking forward to the next stage of life, and to being of continued service locally as a priest with Permission to Officiate.”
Bishop Steven said: “I am grateful for the exemplary service Guy has given to the parishes and clergy across Bucks for the last nine years as our Archdeacon and a gifted priest. Guy’s ministry and friendship has been hugely appreciated by clergy and churches of all traditions across Bucks and the wider Diocese. Many people have commented on his strength and care during the recent episcopal vacancy. We will miss working with Guy deeply but wish him and Petra peace and happiness in the next stage of life.”
Bishop Dave said: “Guy and I have worked together for his whole nine years as Archdeacon, initially while I was Team Rector in Marlow and Area Dean of Wycombe. During that time, he has been an outstanding Archdeacon and has justly earned the respect and affection of all those he served. His wisdom, kindness and faith in God have provided immense support to us all. He has provided exceptional support to me during the transition to my current role and I am very sad we will not have longer working together.
"All those who know Guy will recognise his priestly gifts of seeing and responding to the needs of others. This is now a time for him to respond fully to the family he loves so deeply. I invite everyone to join me in praying for him, Petra and their family as they begin a new chapter of their family life together.”