The Diocese of Southwark gives thanks for the ministry of The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, the 10th Bishop of Southwark, as he prepares to retire from his role. Below is a brief summary of Bishop Christopher’s retirement ‘farewells’, on what Bishop Christopher calls ‘this season of farewells’.
Final Presidential Address to Southwark Diocesan Synod on 8th July
On Wednesday 8 July 2026, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun gave his final Presidential Address to Southwark Diocesan Synod ahead of his retirement as Bishop of Southwark this Summer. You can read the sermon here.
Farewell Evensong for Bishop Christopher on Thursday 9 July
On Thursday there was a farewell Choral Evensong attended by Diocesan SDBE staff, sung by the Lay Clerks and Girls’ Choir. Canon Samson Fan presenting Bishop Christopher with a diocesan coat of arms from Hong Kong on behalf of Archbishop Andrew. The Dean of Southwark Cathedral, Roz on behalf of SDBE and Odette on behalf of Trinity House gave thanks to Bishop Christopher for his service and ministry.
Bishop Christopher’s final speech at General Synod as Bishop of Southwark on 15 July
Bishop Christopher was in York for the final session of the Quinquennium and spoke to endorse the Carlisle motion. To quote the Church Times: ‘The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, speaking at his final group of sessions before he retires, said that it was not enough to acknowledge the testimonies of Palestinian Christians: their plights must be “heard” and “named”. Any attempt to remove Kairos II from the motion would send a dangerous signal, he said. He did not want Israel to become “its own worst enemy”.’
Bishop Christopher’s Valedictory Speech in the House of Lords on 16 July
On Thursday 16 July 2026, Bishop Christopher gave his final speech to the House of Lords ahead of his retirement as Bishop of Southwark this Summer. The speech was given during the debate on Future Capability of the Armed Forces. You can also read the full speech or watch it below.
Bishop Christopher’s Farewell Eucharist on 18 July
On Saturday 18 July 2026, Bishop Christopher presided and preached during a special valedictory eucharist at Southwark Cathedral ahead of his retirement this summer. You can read his valedictory sermon here and see photos of the service here.
Ecumenical Reception for the retirement of Bishop Christopher on 22 July 2026
On 22 July 2026 Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Bishop of London, hosted an ecumenical reception for Bishop Christopher, also attended by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, to express their appreciation for Bishop Christopher’s faithful ministry.
