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Rebelling priests and worshippers have forced one of England s most senior bishops to stand down for several weeks amid threats of a vote of no confidence.
A group of about 30 are understood to be unhappy with the management of Bishop of Winchester, the Right Rev Tim Dakin.
Local reports say he is stepping down for six weeks because of the discontent.
The Rt Rev Deborah Mary Sellin, Suffragan Bishop of Southampton, said in a statement: Bishop Tim has today informed me he will be stepping back from his role as Bishop of Winchester for the next six weeks, so that he can focus on discussions about future leadership and governance reform in the Diocese.
THE Bishop of Winchester is taking a break from his role as the most senior churchman in Hampshire. The Rt Rev Tim Dakin, bishop since 2011, has temporarily stepped down from his role based at Wolvesey Palace in Winchester. The news was revealed by the Rt Rev Deborah Mary Sellin, Suffragan Bishop of Southampton, in a messages to local churches. The exact reasons are unclear but Bishop Deborah says it concerns internal church matters. She said: I wanted to contact you all directly with an important update. Bishop Tim has today informed me that he will be stepping back from his role as Bishop of Winchester for the next six weeks, so that he can focus on discussions about future leadership and governance reform in the Diocese. I fully support his decision. Bishop Tim and Lambeth Palace have requested that, over this period, I temporarily take responsibility for the Diocese and I shall be working with the team at Wolvesey to ensure full continuity.