Before standing down today Sunday, September 29 Bishop Olivia of Reading has been reflecting on her time in service. 

"I've loved every minute of it," she told The Chronicle. "I've worked with amazing people and churches and have engaged with so many diverse communities. 

"I have worked with huge numbers of different groups and I've been involved in many big civic occasions."

Reverend Olivia said it has been such a privilege to work alongside so many wonderful people. 

Her role has been focused on both the church and the wider community. She reflects that one of the difficult things has been that she served through covid and lockdown. 

"The fortunate thing was that I had already been the Arch Deacon of Berkshire, so I already knew all the churches," she said. 

"It was easy for me to go online and keep in touch, but those were difficult times for everybody. 

"I think the churches did a fantastic job of helping to reduce people's isolation. Church services and groups very quickly went online and we made the best use of that."

She also said that many people in her congregation helped each other during this difficult time, whether that be through sending food deliveries or simply words of encouragement. 

Olivia is also the lead bishop for the environment program and met in Glasgow with other faith leaders and discussed environmental issues with them. 

"It was a shared understanding that we are all called to look after this precious earth," she said.