Retiring Bishop of Lichfield has Parkinson's disease

The Right Revd Jonathan Gledhill confirmed he was in the early stages of the progressive condition, which affects the nervous system.

This month the 66-year-old will step down from the Dioceses of Lichfield, where he has been bishop for 12 years.

He said: "So far it hasn't prevented from me doing most of what I need to do and I'm very grateful to God for enabling me to continue until my retirement date."

Bishop Jonathan was educated at Keele University and worked for twenty years of ministry in Kent, where he now plans to retire with wife Jane to be closer to friends and family.

He was installed as the Bishop of Southampton in 1996 and then at the invitation of then Prime Minister Tony Blair became the 98th Bishop of Lichfield in November 2003.

The diocese serves more than two million people across Staffordshire, Shropshire and the Black Country.

On St Chad's Day in March, Bishop Jonathan announced his retirement at a meeting of the College of Canons at Lichfield Cathedral.

He said: "Forty years of ministry seem a good stint to Jane and me.

"It is with great mixed feelings that I make this announcement.

"But Jane and I know that, much as we will find it difficult to leave your love and prayers, it would not be right to continue much longer."

Following confirmation of his diagnosis the Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield paid tribute to him.

He said: "Bishop Jonathan has been very candid about his illness and on behalf of all the Cathedral community and all who know him in the Lichfield diocese, I want to express our sympathy and concern for him.

"As he and Jane approach retirement we hope that they will both have chance to enjoy their new home, have more time for their family and friends, and get some well-deserved leisure.

"Our Bishop has been a very conscientious and generous pastor and he hasn't spared himself in meeting all the demands that the role has made on him.

"We hold him in our prayers and affection."

Bishop Jonathan will say goodbye to thousands of well-wishers at The Goodness of God Celebration on Saturday held at the Bethel Convention Centre in West Bromwich.

His final act as Bishop will be to hand of his pastoral staff at Lichfield Cathedral on Saturday, September 26.