The Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, has responded to the Bishop of Ebbsfleet's decision to seek full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.
Bishop Michael said: "Following the news that he will be seeking full communion with the Roman Catholic Church, I want to assure parishes and clergy in the Diocese of Lichfield who have looked to the Bishop of Ebbsfleet for sacramental and pastoral oversight that they are in my prayers in what will be an unsettling time.
"I have much valued Bishop Jonathan’s ministry as an Assistant Bishop in this diocese, and I have been encouraged and inspired by him as a colleague and as a brother priest and bishop.
"Please pray for Bishop Jonathan and for Sarah following the announcement of this decision, which will have been costly for them.
"I will send more detailed information to the parishes and clergy who are directly affected in the near future."