The Church in Wales has announced that the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, The Rt Rev Anthony Pierce will retire in 2008.

The Right Reverend Anthony Edward Pierce was elected as Bishop of Swansea and Brecon on 20 January 1999, and was consecrated on 24 April 1999, with his enthronement taking place in Brecon Cathedral on 1 May 1999.

He has served his entire 42 years since his ordination in the diocese, first as curate at St Peter's, Cockett, and St Mary's, Swansea then as vicar at Llwynderw, St Barnabas Uplands and St Mary's, Swansea, the Church of England Newspaper has reported.

The Diocese of Swansea and Brecon was established as a Diocese of the Church in Wales in 1923 with Brecon Priory as the Cathedral. The Diocese has a border with five other Welsh Dioceses, as well as with the English Diocese of Hereford.

Bishop Pierce was born in 1941, and received his education at Dynevor County Secondary School, Swansea, and read history at the University of Wales, Swansea, and theology at Linacre College, Oxford.

The bishop will retire with effect on 16 January 2008. A successor will be elected by the diocesan synod following his retirement.