To have been Bishop of Birmingham for nearly 15 years will have been a great privilege

The Right Reverend Mark Santer

He has also been a non-executive director of University Hospital's Trust.

But he said his most important role was helping to bring all the city's faiths together.

Since the terrorism attacks in America Mr Santer has warned about damaging community relations by the use of war-like language.

He said: "A bishop must work very closely with people of other faiths in this multi-faith and multi-cultural city of ours.

"A bishop must take an interest in public affairs and in what church and faith communities can contribute."

Mr Santer was enthroned as Bishop of Birmingham in 1987, having previously served as Bishop of Kensington.

He was also formerly the Dean of Clare College Cambridge and also a former Principal of Westcott Theological College.

'Immense contribution'

Mr Santer said: "To have been Bishop of Birmingham for nearly 15 years will have been a great privilege.

"One of the best things has been the quality of clergy God has given me as my colleagues.

"I thank God for their support and affection in hard times as in good times.

"I am also grateful for the vibrancy of the city and the region, and for friends and colleagues in the community."

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend George Carey, said that Mr Santer would be missed.

He added: "His contribution to the life of the Church over many years has been immense.

"He has brought passion and compassion, insight and strong intelligence, wit and humour to a great many topics and a great many lives."