It was with real shock that we learnt of Bishop Andrew’s death on Tuesday 3rd March 2026.
He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer at the beginning of the year, and although was hoping to make it to Easter, he succumbed to his illness much quicker than he hoped.
It’s a true testament to his character and faith and the impact he had on people that tributes have flowed in from around the world and from across religions. I knew him as my ‘Boss’ but one that was approachable and always had time for you with a kind and encouraging word to say.
He was a gentle, wise and supportive Bishop and my prayers go to Beverley, his wife, and his four children and grandchildren as they come to terms with their loss.
The last letter he wrote to the clergy across the diocese was inspiring and deeply impactful. I quote it here –
“I don’t fear the prospect of dying and find to my relief that my faith in the ‘resurrection of the body and the life everlasting’ has only grown stronger over the past few weeks. I’ve sometimes had private worries that, when faced with the starkness of a terminal diagnosis, my faith in the risen Christ might falter. Well, it hasn’t. Or better still, God hasn’t faltered. Quite the reverse.”
And he leaves us with a quote from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 which ‘articulates much of what I would want to say……. to the Diocese of Guildford’
But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labour among you and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, to admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely, and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers and sisters. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
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