Bishop Steven announces his retirement

The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, has announced he will retire next July. After 10 years as diocesan bishop for the Diocese of Oxford, Bishop Steven will lay down his crozier at a service at Christ Church Cathedral on 31 May. Bishop Steven’s retirement means he will also step down from […]

/by

A day in the Abingdon Deanery

I began a new part of my journey across the Diocese of Oxford last week.  In October there were four Welcome Eucharists, one in each Archdeaconry.  In November, I’ve travelled across the city of Oxford, visiting incumbents in the Cowley…

Sing songs of hope, new hymns of joy

From time to time, I try and write a new hymn.  Some are better than others.  I’m not a musician so I write them to an existing hymn tune.  For the last few years I’ve tried to write a new hymn as the verse on my official Christmas card. …

Presidential Address to Diocesan Synod 12.11.16

Welcome to this Synod and thank you in turn for your welcome to me. I am deeply honoured to be here. I am enjoying exploring the Diocese. I am greatly in need of your prayers. I am thankful for so many able colleagues and especially grateful…

Safeguarding Matters

Some of you will be aware that on the day of my inauguration as Bishop of Oxford, there was a small demonstration outside Christ Church by two survivors of sexual abuse who go by the names of ‘Joe’ and ‘Michael’. Christ Church welcomed…

St Luke’s Day 2016

A message for all those leading groups for enquirers and new Christians I write this message on St Luke’s day to everyone in the Diocese of Oxford and beyond who is involved in planning or leading groups for enquirers and new Christians…
,

Sing to the LORD a new song

Welcome Eucharists Psalm 96; Matthew 5.1-10 Thank you so much for your welcome.  It is very good to be here. I’m deeply thankful for the Church in these three counties.  I have experienced good things over many years. I am enjoying…

What’s your favourite film, Bishop?

I did a couple of television interviews on the morning of my inauguration service on 30th September.  At the end of the second interview, Emma from ITV asked me a question which should have been very simple: “What’s your favourite film?” My…

The Church of the Beatitudes

Inauguration as Bishop of Oxford Christ Church Cathedral Genesis 12.1-8 and Matthew 5.1-10 May I speak with humility, mercy and joy, May I speak of Jesus and his ways May I speak clearly and with boldness now and always.  Amen. Thank…

An immense privilege…’

We moved house a week ago and I write this in the midst of builders and packing cases.  It’s been a good move and we are glad to be here.  I’m looking forward to the inauguration of my ministry on September 30 and to the four Welcome Eucharists…