After four years of dedicated service, the Anglican Observer at the United Nations, the Rt Revd James Ottley, has resigned, with effect from 31 March.

Bishop Ottley, who moved to this post in New York from being Bishop of Panama, has made a significant contribution to the International ministry of the Anglican Communion in a variety of fields. He has been a powerful proponent of human rights, and justice for the poorest peoples of the world; he has organised seminars and spoken widely in the United States on these matters and has always been ready to travel to troubled parts of the world to gain a better understanding of issues.

In accepting Bishop Ottley's resignation, the Archbishop of Canterbury said:

"Bishop Ottley has brought rare gifts to the office... I have no doubt his visionary ministry will continue in a new context, and for that the whole Anglican Communion will be grateful."

There will now be a period of review of the structures of the office, during which it is hoped that an interim Observer will be appointed, and a new Observer will be recruited in due course.