Archbishop Peter Jensen has announced that Dr John Woodhouse, will retire as principal of Moore Theological College early next year.

Dr Woodhouse would have reached retirement age at the start of 2014, but has told the Board that after careful deliberation, he believed the time had come for him to plan to step aside from the role.

“It has been nothing but a privilege to serve the College, first as lecturer and for the past ten years as principal” Dr Woodhouse says. “Exciting plans are in train and I am confident there are great days to come. There is nothing dramatic in this decision.  It is simply my judgment about what is best for the College at this time.”

“Our staff and faculty are doing a wonderful job, and are more than able to respond to the needs of the years ahead. The body of students that the Lord sends us is, in my opinion, outstanding. I really am excited about the next few years of the College's life.”

Dr Woodhouse indicated that he has several writing projects to complete, once he finishes his term as principal.

“A commentary on 2 Samuel awaits - and several others in that series. We will also be on the lookout for other ways in which we can serve the Lord in the coming years.” he says.

Archbishop Jensen, who is president of the College's Governing Board, described Dr Woodhouse as an “outstanding Christian leader and a fine Principal of Moore College."

"He has guided the College through a period of dramatic growth and played an integral role in the fulfillment of our diocesan mission. I am very grateful to God for his personal qualities and godly leadership. ” Dr Jensen said in a statement announcing the move.