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Bishop set to retire early to fight lung cancer
THE Bishop of Peterborough Rt Rev Ian Cundy announced yesterday (Tuesday) that he is to take early retirement as he battles with cancer.
THE Bishop of Peterborough Rt Rev Ian Cundy announced yesterday (Tuesday) that he is to take early retirement as he battles with cancer.Mr Cundy will step down next July – nine months short of his 65th birthday.
His decision to retire comes a year after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung cavity.
Although he is currently undergoing his second course of chemotherapy, Mr Cundy says his ill health will make it difficult for him to carry out his duties.
He said: "I am naturally sorry to be leaving earlier than I expected, but it is clear to me that even with the benefit of a further course of treatment I am unlikely to be able to meet the demands of a bishop's ministry to my own satisfaction, and fulfil the needs and expectations of the diocese."
He added: "It has been a privilege to work with talented and dedicated clergy and lay people across the diocese during a period of significant change.
He added: "Despite the financial constraints and changing patterns of church attendance, I believe the diocese is in good heart, and that its churches are well placed to continue to present the Christian message in word and deed in the communities they serve."
Mr Cundy came to the Peterborough diocese (which covers Northamptonshire, Rutland, and most of the city of Peterborough) in 1996.
After retirement, Mr Cundy and wife Jo, who have three grown-up children, plan to live in the north-east of England.
A church spokesperson said that during the time it took to find a replacement and while Mr Cundy received chemotherapy between now and Christmas, his duties would be carried out by the Rt Rev Frank White, Suffragan Bishop of Brixworth.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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