3rd September 2021
St Gregory the Great
Bishop Jonathan Goodall’s decision to step down after eight years as Bishop of Ebbsfleet was announced in a statement by Lambeth Palace this morning.
“I have arrived at the decision to step down as Bishop of Ebbsfleet, in order to be received into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church, only after a long period of prayer, which has been among the most testing periods of my life.
“Life in the communion of the Church of England has shaped and nourished my discipleship as a Catholic Christian for many decades. This is where I first received – and for half my life have ministered, as priest and bishop – the sacramental grace of Christian life and faith. I shall always treasure this and be thankful for it.
“I trust you all to believe that I have made my decision as a way of saying yes to God’s present call and invitation, and not of saying no to what I have known and experienced in the Church of England, to which I owe such a deep debt.
“I am abidingly grateful to all who have so generously supported Sarah and me in these years, especially the laity and clergy of the See of Ebbsfleet – who have been the focus and joy of my ministry and devotion since becoming bishop in 2013. It has been an immense privilege. I look forward to serving the Church in the future in whatever way I may be called to do.
Bishop Jonathan’s ministry in the Church of England will cease on 8 September. The Archbishop of Canterbury is responsible for carrying forward the appointment of his successor.
