It is with both shock and sadness that we announce the death of the Rt Rev’d Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford, who died peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 3rd, surrounded by his family, less than one month after he received a terminal diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

You can view here the official announcement made by the Rt Rev’d Paul Davies, Bishop Andrew’s friend and colleague and Bishop of Dorking.

Bishop Paul recalled that in his last email to the diocesan leadershiop team, Bishop Andrew had quoted from St Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth:
‘So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For our slight, momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, for we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen, for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.’’ (2 Corinthians 4:16).

The text of a letter written by Bishop Paul to the whole diocese may be read here.

St John’s is open today (Wednesday) for anyone who wishes to go in, light a candle and pray, and Guildford Cathedral is open today and tomorrow for the same purpose.

Bishop Paul has written a special prayer for anyone to use:
Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for Andrew, our brother and bishop: for his faith and faithfulness to you in life and in leadership. As we mourn his death and commend him to your everlasting arms, give us the same faith, hope and love rooted in the death and resurrection of your son, Jesus.
We pray especially for Beverly, Hannah, Sam, Joe, Lydia and the whole family. Comfort them with your Holy Spirit and protect them in their grief. And bring us, at the last, with Andrew and all your children, to that eternal joy where you live and reign in glory forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Details of the funeral will be announced shortly. In the meantime there is an online book of condolence here and a physical book of condolences in the Cathedral.

If anyone would like to speak to a member of the clergy about Bishop Andrew’s death or anything related, details may be found by clicking here. If specific support is required, these links may be helpful: Mind  wellbeing resources; Macmillan  for information and support.