LONDON (RNS) The Church of England’s first (and so far only) Asian bishop, who received death threats after criticizing Islamic extremists last year, stunned the church by announcing his resignation to take up a job defending Christians.

The often outspoken Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali disclosed Saturday (March 28) that “I have decided that the time is now right for me to step down,” even though at age 59, he could have stayed on as bishop for at least 11 more years.

Nazir-Ali, born in Pakistan to Christian parents, became the first non-white diocesan bishop in the Church of England 15 years ago when he was named the 106th bishop of Rochester. He said he will leave his post by Sept. 12.

Although he was once considered as a likely choice to become the Archbishop of Canterbury, Nazir-Ali instead became a controversial figure in his own right, first via his interventions in the furor over homosexual clergy in the Anglican Church.

Nazir-Ali triggered perhaps even greater controversy last year with his claim that Islamic extremists were creating “no-go areas” for non-Muslims in parts of Britain — a stance that resulted in a number of death threats.

Police were called in for his protection and to investigate the threats, but no charges have ever been brought.

In announcing his resignation, Nazir-Ali said he intends to devote the remainder of his career working in communities where Christians are a minority and often under threat themselves, as well as helping Muslim converts to Christianity in Britain.

Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, with whom Nazir-Ali has had a sometimes tense relationship, issued a statement that said “in his new work with churches in minority situations, (Nazir-Ali) will need all our prayers and support.”

Williams added that “Bishop Michael’s decision to undertake this new and very challenging ministry will leave a real gap in the ranks of English bishops.”

For his part, Nazir-Ali conceded that “we take this step of faith not knowing where we are going.”