Bishop of Rochester is stepping down

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/jonathanwynnejones/blog/2009/03/28/bishop_of_rochester_is_stepping_down

[Telegraph] 30 Mar 2009--An email has just dropped in my inbox revealing that Michael Nazir-Ali is stepping down as the Bishop of Rochester.

Still only 59, his decision to resign so early begs many questions.

The offical explanation is as follows: "he is hoping to work with a number of church leaders from areas where the church is under pressure, particularly in minority situations, who have asked him to assist them with education and training for their particular situation."

That he has a passion for supporting and defending the persecuted church is not in doubt.

But his decision has almost certainly been influenced by the dismay he feels at the direction that the Church of England has taken under Rowan Williams.