The Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church says “To stand in the tiny cell which Nelson Mandela occupied for so many years was to wonder – to wonder how he could have emerged from such confinement with a warm personality and a generous and forgiving spirit.  In the death of Nelson Mandela, the world has lost its greatest statesman.  South Africa has lost a father figure, the founder of the post-apartheid nation.  People everywhere who dream of peace and reconciliation mourn a person who showed that such dreams can become reality – but a reality born only of costly suffering and forgiveness.

“We give thanks today for Nelson Mandela and what he taught a troubled world through the depth of his character and his humility.  We share the sadness of all who mourn his loss today – particularly with rainbow peoples of South Africa.

“May he rest in peace.”