DURHAM, England (AP) _ Church of England Bishop N.T. Wright, a New Testament scholar and prolific writer, says he’ll step down as head of the Diocese of Durham.

Wright says he decided to retire because it’s become increasingly difficult to combine the work of a diocesan bishop with his writing and teaching. His last day in the Durham diocese will be Aug. 31.

He will then begin his new appointment as research professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of Saint Andrews in Scotland.

The 61-year-old Wright is considered a leading voice of the evangelical center of the Anglican Communion, a 77 million-member worldwide fellowship that traces its roots to the Church of England.

Among N.T. Wright’s most popular works are his introductory books to Christian faith, including “Simply Christian,” and “Surprised by Hope.”