The funeral of the late Rt Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford, who died on March 3 after a short illness, will take place on Monday, March 23, in Guildford Cathedral at midday, and will be live-streamed to churches across the diocese to those who are unable to be at the cathedral.

It has become clear that the cathedral is not big enough to accommodate all those who have said they would like to attend the funeral. Priority will be given to the family and friends of Bishop Andrew; bishops with whom he served in the Church of England and further afield; clergy of the diocese; representatives of different ministries within the diocese and the UK; and representatives of the geographical area covered by the diocese.

A number of seats will be allocated to each deanery so that representatives from each parish may attend. Everyone else is invited to attend on of the live-streamings which, in this area, will be at St. Andrew’s Church in central Farnham. The live stream will be available afterwards on the diocesan website and the cathedral’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Rt Revd Paul Davies, Bishop of Dorking, who will preside at the funeral, said: “I apologise that it will be impossible for us to all gather in the cathedral, but I hope that the gift of technology will enable the next best thing as we gather for fellowship in deaneries, as satellites of the cathedral service”.

Bishop Andrew requested that donations should be made to the cathedral in lieu of flowers, and people are also welcome to sign the physical Book of Condolence at the cathedral or the online book, as well as donate to the Cathedral mission and ministry.  You may also send cheques, made payable to Guildford Cathedral, to Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, GU2 7UP.

Please continue to pray for Beverly, Hannah, Sam, Joe, Lydia and the whole family and Bishop Andrew’s close friends and colleagues.

If you have been affected by this and would like to speak to someone, please contact the clergy.