Bishop of Oxford to Retire

The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, has announced he will retire in July 2026.

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 31st May. Bishop Steven’s retirement means he will also step down from his place in the House of Lords.

Reflecting on 17 years as a Bishop, seven of them in Sheffield and latterly here in Oxford, Bishop Steven said: “It has been and remains an immense joy and privilege to serve as Bishop of Oxford and I am deeply thankful for God’s grace in so many different people and communities across the diocese."

“My own retirement from this role will come shortly after my 69th birthday and therefore in my 70th year. By God’s grace, it will mark exactly a decade as Bishop of Oxford and 17 years as a Diocesan Bishop in two very different dioceses, including 13 years as a member of the UK House of Lords. This has been and remains an enormously privileged role in which I have learned so much from so many lay and ordained colleagues, past and present."

“I am deeply thankful for the ministries of so many people called to sustain the life and mission of churches, chaplaincies and schools across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. I have appreciated so many opportunities to interact with so many civic, university and faith leaders across our three counties.”