THE Bishop of Winchester broke down during the cathedral service that marks his retirement.
The Rt Rev Tim Dakin, 63, had laid up his pastoral staff on the altar and was kneeling to say a final prayer, starting with "God of beginning and endings" when his voice started to quaver and then break and several times he had to take a pause of several seconds to compose himself.
The service was streamed live on YouTube. After the third pause, he said "I am going to finish, by the way", prompting some laughter in the congregation.
When he did force himself through to the finish there was sustained applause from many in the congregation.
The Choral Evensong, in a packed cathedral, yesterday offically marked his retirement after nearly ten years as bishop. He officially retires on February 6, his 64th birthday.
READ MORE HERE: Archbishop confirms arrangements following Bishop of Winchester’s retirement
His tenure has been controversial with unhappiness over his management style. A letter from a group of priests in the diocese led to the bishop stepping down last year before his retirement was announced last summer.
A new bishop is due to be appointed later this year and in the meantime the Bishop of Southampton, the Rt Rev Debbie Sellin, will be acting bishop.
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