The Bishop of Truro has announced that he will be taking a short sabbatical this Autumn after consulting members of Episcopal College.

Revd Canon Philip Mounstephen, the 16th Bishop of Truro said it is something that all clergy are encouraged to do.

“We encourage clergy in this diocese to take a sabbatical from time to time to aid their own personal and ministerial development – and bishops are no exception to that rule!

“I’m planning to take a relatively short sabbatical this autumn which will include trips to both Lebanon and Israel, and I intend to find further opportunities to invest in the work on Freedom of Religion and Belief I’ve been engaged on over the past four years.

"I’ve always said this work is a natural expression of our diocese’s commitment to encouraging international links, and indeed to Cornwall’s spirit of ‘One and all’ so it seems an appropriate thing to do."

Bishop Philip said he was encouraged to consider taking a sabbatical by the Archbishop of Canterbury in a recent ‘Ministerial Development Review’ (such as all clergy undertake).

"It’s 18 years since I last took a sabbatical so, to be honest, I’m looking forward to this one!," he said.

"I know the diocese will be well looked after by Bishop Hugh and other members of Episcopal College in my absence and I look forward to returning with fresh vigour for the work of seeking fruitfulness and sustainability upon which we’ve embarked.”