Ewen Ratteray last night told of the "nastiness" and abuse he and his wife have suffered during his 11-year stint as the Island's first Bermudian and first black Anglican Bishop.

And in his final service at the Cathedral, Bishop Ratteray bowed out by urging the clergy to be fearless in speaking out about what's wrong — whether they're Bermudians or not. And he called for them not to be intimidated by those who want them to silence them.

Regarding the abuse he and his wife have suffered, he told the Mass of Thanksgiving: "We cannot escape the costliness of the cross, that is, the pain, the suffering, even the rejection that comes from following the call of the Lord Jesus.

"I have come to understand how true that is during the last few years. This means that the cross is never far from the life and experience of those who would follow Jesus Christ. This is the price we must pay for being obedient to him.

"So it was that, over the years, I have learned to accept that much of the nastiness that came my way was an inevitable part of being a servant of the Lord.

"Abusive letters, phone calls, e-mails and personal confrontations or attacks on me and my wife fall into this category. Of course they hurt, yet it seems it is inescapable if one seeks to be faithful to Christ; it is part of the price that must be paid."

Bishop Ratteray is retiring today and is set to fly out to the UK with wife Jennifer. As well as the Island's first Bermudian Anglican Bishop, he was the first black and the youngest ever Bishop. Later in his farewell sermon, the Bishop said: "So what is the essential message that I want to leave with you all?

"To the clergy: love your people, even those who are far from easy to love; God loves them, so must you. Keep them ever close to your hearts. Say your prayers, be regular about that. Be diligent and faithful in the celebration of the Eucharist.

"Be fearless in speaking out about anything that you see happening in our society that is wrong, and contrary to the Gospel of our Lord.

"Speak up, whether you were born here or not. Do not be intimidated by those who would silence you."

He added that people need to support their priests as together they are called by God to do "great and wonderful things within this community".

He said: "Support your priests when they are bold in proclaiming the good news of Jesus. Don't leave them out there on their own. I've been there and it is lonely and no fun. However, latterly, the support I have received has been most gratifying."