THE retiring Bishop of Rochester, the Right Rev Michael Nazir-Ali has been visiting Bexley to conduct a confirmation service.
It may be one of the last times he visits the borough as he announced in March that he will stand down on September 1 from the office he has held for nearly 15 years.
Dr Nazir-Ali, 59, was at St Mary the Virgin Church in Bexley Village for the confirmation service for members of the congregations at St Barnabas Church in Joydens Wood and St John’s Church in Bexley.
After the service, the bishop attended a reception in the parish hall where he was able to meet parishioners.
Dr Nazir-Ali was the church’s first Asian bishop when he was appointed in 1994 and has been particularly outspoken about the rise of Islam in Britain.
He says he is standing down to help in places where the Anglican church is in the minority and under pressure.
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