The Archdeacon of Bermuda, The Ven. Dr. Arnold Hollis, has decided to retire due to ill health.

Dr. Hollis was appointed the position seven and a half years ago and will retire early in 2004, but he will stay on as Rector of Sandys Parish.

“I am grateful to him for the work he has done for the church since his appointment in 1996 and we will continue to offer prayers daily for his full recovery to good health,” said the Bishop of Bermuda, the Rt. Rev. Ewen Ratteray, in a press release. He added that Dr. Hollis will officially retire on January 30.

Rt. Rev. Ratteray said Dr. Hollis will be granted the title Archdeacon Emeritus and he announced that Rev. Andrew Doughty will become Archdeacon of Bermuda.

Rev. Doughty has been the Rector of Warwick for eight and a half years will be granted that title on February 15 in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity. “We pray for God's blessing upon him in his new ministry,” said Rev. Ratteray.