The Reverend Eric Petrie, Priest in Charge of Salwarpe and Hindlip with Martin Hussingtree, and Chaplain to the West Mercia Police, is to retire early through ill health.

Mr Petrie has been unwell and off duty for some months. He will remain on sick leave until retirement. The date for his resignation to take effect is yet to be determined, as he and his family will need to find accommodation. They are being assisted in this task by the Church of England Pensions Board.

The Bishop of Dudley, the Right Reverend David Walker, speaking on behalf of the Diocese of Worcester commented, “Eric will be sadly missed. He has been a faithful parish priest and a good friend to the police. In addition to fulfilling his official duties he has written on the subject of healing and given much to the wider diocese. He was one of the speakers at our main clergy training day in 2006. My prayers and best wishes will go with Eric, Heather and their family for the future”.

Until the appointment of a priest whose responsibilities include these parishes the Rural Dean of Droitwich, the Revd Canon Peter Kerr, will work with the churchwardens to ensure the continuing provision of services and pastoral care. Discussions about future chaplaincy will also take place with West Mercia Police.

ENDS      

The Diocese of Worcester is one of 44 dioceses in the Church of England. It covers an area of 671 square miles and includes parishes in the County of Worcestershire, the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, and a few parishes in northern Gloucestershire, south east Wolverhampton and Sandwell.