Sir, —
It is with both joy and sadness that I read of The Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton’s intention to retire in 2026. Joy, because his episcopal ministry has been marked by commitment to the oneness (precarious unity), holiness (theological depth), catholicity (glorious diversity), and apostolicity (critically constructive continuity) of the Church; sadness, because his presence will be greatly missed.
The Bishop has been a prophetic voice in the life of the Church, reminding us that catholicity is not a matter of uniformity but of Christ-centred and Spirit-enabled diversity. His willingness to ask the difficult questions of inclusion, and to resist oppressive powers contrary to the breadth and depth of the Gospel, reflects the apostolic calling to witness to the fullness of the kingdom of God.
His ministry has recalled the Church to its identity as a priestly people (I Peter 2:9), sharing in Christ’s threefold office of prophet, priest, and king by virtue of our union with him in baptism.
As we give thanks for the Bishop’s years of faithful service, we are reminded of our baptismal ecclesiology and hence also called to repentance: for the Church is not yet what it is meant to be, nor yet as diverse and welcoming as the God who has reconciled the world in Christ. His successor must continue this work of reminding the Church of its true identity in communion, and of its mission to reflect the breadth of God’s kingdom.
A Church that ordains women to all three orders but has only one female bishop now serving is faced with a real anomaly at best, or a nonsense at worst. It introduces an obscurity into what we are saying about baptism and about the Church’s absorption in the priestly self-giving of Christ.
In Bishop Paul Colton, we have seen the episcopal office exercised with courage and devotion. For this we give thanks, even as we pray for what is still to come. Joy and sadness mingle, as they so often do. Best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement.
The Reverend Christopher N West
(PhD candidate in Practical Theology, University of Aberdeen, and Church of Ireland priest)
