We received the sad news yesterday of the death of Bishop Richard Harries, who was Bishop of Oxford from 1987 to 2006. Bishop Richard died after a short illness and a few weeks before his 90th birthday. 

Bishop Richard will be remembered by very many people across the Diocese for his intelligence and kindness, his good humour and his deep pastoral wisdom. He made a very significant impact beyond the life of the Church in the life of the nation through his ministry in the House of Lords and his writing and broadcasting, particularly on Thought for the Day. He made key contributions to Christian ethics and to to interfaith relationships, particularly the relationship between Christianity and Judaism, both in Oxford and more widely. 

On retirement Bishop Richard was made a life peer and continued his work in the House of Lords as Lord Harries of Pentregarth. He was one of the very best speakers in the House: always thoughtful, always respected. His speech on assisted dying in September stood out among scores of speeches that day for its clarity and compassion. 

As a Diocese, we remain in debt to Richard for his gentle, encouraging leadership, inspiring appointments and skilled stewardship in his long ministry here. Like many others, I am deeply grateful personally for his encouragement and wisdom.

We give thanks for Bishop Richard’s life and witness. We pray for his wife Jo and children Mark and Clare and their families. We grieve his passing and we give thanks for the sure hope of resurrection. May Richard rest in peace and rise in glory. Alleluia.