Bishop of St Edmundsbury Bids Emotional Farewell after Decade of Service
By Nnamani Favour
Bishop Martin Seeley, of the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, bids farewell to mark the end of his ten year tenure as bishop.
After nearly five decades of dedicated service to the Church of England, bishop Martin Seeley has hung up his clerical collar, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and devotion. His farewell ceremony, attended by nearly 800 people, was a testament to the profound impact he had on the community.
During his decade-long tenure as Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, bishop Seeley has been a vocal advocate for radical change within the Church of England. His commitment to promoting transparency and accountability has been unwavering, particularly in response to reports of child abuse within the Church.
As he prepares to embark on a new chapter, bishop Seeley reflected on the memories and experiences that have shaped his time in Suffolk, and Ipswich. “Suffolk has been my life and love for 10 years,” he said. “Living in Suffolk and Ipswich has been a gift – I have absolutely loved it.”
The ceremony, held at Bury St Edmunds Cathedral, was an emotional and overwhelming experience for bishop Seeley. As he removed his ceremonial attire and handed back the Bishop’s crook, he felt the weight of his departure. “We were all in tears,” he recalled. “I had this overwhelming sense that the people of Suffolk – that family I had been caring for 10 years – had just given me back to my family.”
As the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich begins the process of selecting Bishop Seeley’s successor, meetings will be held in March and April. Until then, Bishop Graeme Knowles will serve as Acting Diocesan Bishop.
Bishop Seeley’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide the community he has served with such dedication and passion. As he embarks on this new chapter, he carries with him the love, respect, and gratitude of the people of Suffolk.
