Bishop Chang-Him retires, thanks President Michel for support |29 December 2004

Bishop French reached the age of retirement in May last year, but his mandate was extended to another one year.

Tuesday December 28 he paid a courtesy call on President James Michel to thank him for the support the government has given to the Anglican Church throughout his mandate.

Bishop French said until a new Bishop was elected, Father Danny Elizabeth, who is the Church's general vicar, would take charge of the administration of the diocese.

The consecration of the new Bishop is expected to be after Easter in April next year.

Bishop French, who was ordained priest in June 1963, said his retirement was an emotional moment not only for him, but for the whole Anglican community to whom he had been very close.

"I would like to thank God, the government, other Churches, members of my family and people of Seychelles in general, for all the
encouragement they have given me. But it is only the status which will be changing as I will not be retiring completely from Church services. I'll be willing to assist my successor whenever I'm called upon," Bishop French said.

"Once a Bishop you are always a Bishop," he added.
During his retirement, Bishop French said he would continue to be very active on the Cancer Concern Association, of which he is a founding member.

He said he would be spending a few months overseas to complete some research work he had started.

On behalf of the Anglican Church, Bishop French has also expressed his deepest sympathy to all those affected by the earthquake in Indonesia and its subsequent tidal waves which have wreaked havoc in the Indian Ocean region.