The Archbishop of Canterbury has expressed his shock and sadness at the sudden death yesterday of the Archbishop and Primate of the Church of the Province of West Africa, the Most Revd Tilewa Johnson.

Archbishop Justin has written to Archbishop Johnson’s wife, Priscilla, and to the Archbishop of the Internal Province of Ghana, the Most Revd Dr Daniel Sarfo, to offer his condolences and assurance of his prayers.

Archbishop Justin wrote to Archbishop Sarfo: “I know that many will miss Archbishop Tilewa for his boundless energy and the great enthusiasm he had for his ministry, in the Church, both in Gambia, in the Province of West Africa, and in the wider Anglican Communion.

“His gifts were not confined exclusively to the Church, and he had an active role within the national life of Gambia, serving as a member of a number of boards and committees. He was generous in his hospitality, and was always glad to welcome visitors to the Gambia, where he had served as Bishop since 1990.

“I know that all my colleagues, the people of the Church of England, and especially those in the Diocese of Chichester with which the Diocese of the Gambia is linked, as well as your brothers and sisters across the Communion, will be holding you in prayer and love at this time.”