Dear Friends,
It is with enormous sadness that we have just received the news of the death of our beloved Bishop Andrew in a letter from Bishop Paul.
“It is with very deep sadness that I write to inform you of the death of our beloved Bishop Andrew. Following his diagnosis of inoperable pancreatic cancer last month, he entered into his eternal rest this morning, Tuesday 3rd March at his home, Willow Grange, in the presence of his much-loved family.”
There will of course, be opportunity in the weeks ahead to give proper thanks for Bishop Andrew’s life and ministry. I will inform you of arrangements for his funeral and thanksgiving as soon as they have been made. Meanwhile, I ask that you hold Beverly and the whole family in your prayers as they come to terms with their loss. Please be assured that in these months ahead I, with the Bishop’s Leadership Team, will give our very best, in the strength of the Holy Spirit, to love, lead and care for the Diocese of Guildford in the way in which Bishop Andrew did with such commitment and devotion.”
The Cathedral will be open for prayer today and tomorrow, Thursday, from 8am until 8pm. Bishop Paul has written a prayer for us to use in our churches this Sunday.
Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for Andrew, our brother and bishop: for his faith and faithfulness to you in life and in leadership.
As we mourn his death and commend him to your everlasting arms, give us the same faith, hope and love rooted in the death and resurrection of your son, Jesus. We pray especially for Beverly, Hannah, Sam, Joe, Lydia and the whole family. Comfort them with your Holy Spirit and protect them in their grief.
And bring us, at the last, with Andrew and all your children, to that eternal joy where you live and reign in glory forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
With my love and prayers
Revd Liz
Post expires at 1:18pm on Thursday March 4th, 2027