The Roman Catholic bishop of Hexham and Newcastle has left his post, saying the role is “too great a burden”.
Bishop Robert Byrne took on the position in 2019, becoming the 14th person to take the role. He has offered his resignation to the Pope, which has been accepted.
Bishop Robert revealed his decision to leave in an address to worshippers at St Mary’s Cathedral in Newcastle. The diocese will be overseen by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, the archbishop of Liverpool, until a permanent replacement is appointed.
Read more: Church of England appoints new Bishop of Newcastle
In a letter to worshippers, he said: “I have recently had need to discern and reflect upon this question for myself and the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. Having done so, and with great sorrow and reluctance, I have concluded that the office of the Diocesan Bishop has become too great a burden and I feel I must resign from my position as your bishop.
“When, in February 2019, I was asked to accept the privilege of appointment as the 14th Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, I responded in obedience. Then, as now, I was committed to serve you as your bishop to the best of my ability. Some of you may well have attended the service of my installation on the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25) that same year. Both the date of the installation and my Episcopal motto, Soli Deo (God Alone), were specifically chosen to reflect that all ministry is and must be in the service of the Gospel.
“My own discernment has caused me to recognise that I now feel unable to continue serving the people of the diocese in the way that I would wish. Having undertaken this discernment process, and with due consultation with others, I indicated my wish to resign to the Holy Father and he has graciously accepted my request.”
Bishop Robert said that his time in the North East had seen him receive “considerable kindnesses, care, and support of so many of you.” He is set to return to his Oratorian Community in Oxford.
READ NEXT:
