People from across Worcestershire and Dudley gathered in Worcester Cathedral on Sunday to bid farewell to the Bishop of Dudley.
The Right Reverend David Walker has been Bishop of Dudley since 2000 and is leaving the diocese to become the 12th Bishop of Manchester.
In his sermon during the farewell service, he spoke of the church's calling to be responsive to the needs of each particular locality and the benefits of remaining calm, still and serene with God in the midst of busyness.
On his departure, Bishop Walker said: "Whilst I am excited about returning to my home city as Bishop, my wife Sue and I will also be sad to leave so many friends that we have made in the Diocese of Worcester. I'm grateful for the many opportunities that I have been given both to support the mission and ministry of the Church of England in Dudley and Worcestershire and to contribute to the life of our villages, towns and communities."
After the service, the Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge, presented him with several gifts from the diocese, including a specially made Cope and Mitre to wear in his new role.
Bishop Inge said: "Although I shall be very sorry to lose a wonderful colleague from our diocese, I'm delighted that Bishop David has been appointed as Bishop of Manchester.
"As anyone who knows him will be aware, he is a person of great gifts, immense wisdom and deep personal holiness. I have reason to be profoundly grateful to him – I could not have wished for a better colleague during the last five years.
"The Diocese of Manchester is very fortunate, as is the wider church and I pray for God's rich blessing upon David and Sue as they prepare to move and in their new life and ministry."
Bishop David was officially made the next Bishop of Manchester last week in York Minster at a service to confirm his election. His formal enthronement service will take place in Manchester Cathedral on Saturday 30 November.
