Tributes have been paid to a much-loved bishop following his retirement.

The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, was honoured at a special service at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford on Trinity Sunday, May 31.

The service, attended by clergy, church leaders and community members from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, celebrated Bishop Croft’s 10 years of ministry in the diocese.

During the service, Bishop Croft laid down the diocesan pastoral staff in a traditional act marking his retirement.

In his sermon, he reflected on the theme of spiritual wrestling, drawing inspiration from the biblical stories of Jacob and St Paul.

The bishop also offered thanks for the support and companionship he had received throughout his ministry.

Tributes were delivered by Marjorie Glasgow BEM, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire; Imam Monawar Hussein MBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire; Professor Irene Tracey CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford; and the Rt Revd Gavin Collins, Bishop of Dorchester.

Imam Monawar said: "It has been both a privilege and a deep personal joy to work alongside Bishop Steven over the past decade.

"During that time, across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley, we have witnessed the quiet but powerful deepening of relationships between our communities of faith and our wider civic life.

"We have gathered for peace vigils, bringing together people of all faiths and of none, united in compassion, hope, and a shared longing for peace."

The imam emphasised Bishop Croft's role in shaping inclusive interfaith dialogue by involving not only faith leaders but also civic authorities, police, university representatives, and MPs.

He said: "You have called us not to remain strangers across faiths, across institutions, across difference but to come to the table, to trust, to listen, and to build peace.

"You have lived those words in every quiet gesture, every patient conversation, and every act of leadership."

Bishop Gavin Collins spoke of Bishop Croft’s enduring influence on the church.

He said: "You have consistently reminded us of our calling, and challenged, inspired and equipped us to be, “a more Christ-like church - that’s the call you have led for us, as this particular part of the church: those who call ourselves Anglicans in these three counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

In a heartfelt conclusion to the service, Bishop Croft offered a final blessing for the diocese, praying it would be “contemplative in glory, compassionate in kindness and courageous in bringing life to desert places.”

As he formally relinquished his role, Bishop Croft removed his cope and mitre to reveal an L plate on his back, a nod to his installation in 2016 when he wore the same symbol.

He said: "We never lose the L plates as Christians."