The Bishop of Guildford, Rt Rev Andrew Watson has died at the age of 64.
Bishop Andrew died peacefully on Tuesday surrounded by family, less than a month after he received a terminal diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Announcing his death in a letter to the diocese, the Bishop of Dorking, Rt Rev Paul Davies described Bishop Andrew as a "much-loved diocesan bishop – as well as an inspiring fellow disciple, dear brother in Christ, precious friend and special colleague.”
Prior to his death, Bishop Andrew had shared his prognosis with the wider diocese, and had reassured them that he was “cheerfully persisting towards a good death”, and that his “faith in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting, had only grown stronger”. He also reflected that he had been blessed with a loving family and the opportunity to fulfil a series of ministries in his “beloved Church of England”.
In his letter to parishioners Bishop Paul said: “Whilst his family mourn the loss of a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, son and brother, we mourn the loss of a much-loved diocesan bishop – as well as an inspiring fellow disciple, dear brother in Christ, precious friend and special colleague.
“In the midst of the shock and sadness of the last few months, Bishop Andrew has been an inspiration. For me, personally, he has taught me so much about how we should live and, in these past months, about how we should die.”
Bishop Paul also encouraged the diocese that Bishop Andrew would want everyone to remain focused on “Jesus as our source of comfort, hope, salvation and strength”.
Last week, an all-day prayer vigil was held at Guildford Cathedral, in which almost 2,000 clergy and lay people from across the diocese and beyond, joined together in a huge show of support and prayer for Bishop Andrew and his family.
Most Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury recently visited Bishop Andrew in his home.
She said: “It is with great sorrow that I received news of Bishop Andrew’s death. Andrew was a man of deep Christian faith who lived his life in the service of Christ and others. In the face of death, he demonstrated a calm reassurance of God’s saving grace.
“Over four decades of ministry, Andrew made an enormous contribution to the life of the Church of England – and, through his concern for Anglicans and other Christians around the world, the global church. He was a gentle man and generous with those who held differing theological views. He will be greatly missed, not just by his family and friends, but by the whole church.
“At this time of grief and loss, I hold Beverly and their sons and daughters in my prayers, asking that God would comfort and strengthen them. I pray too for Andrew’s friends, colleagues and all those whose lives he touched. May Andrew rest in peace and rise in glory.”
Very Rev Bob Cooper, Dean of Guildford Cathedral said: “It is with profound sadness, and with hearts full of gratitude to God, that the Dean and Chapter of Guildford Cathedral mourn the death of Bishop Andrew. We have lost a shepherd, a servant, and a dear friend.
“A man of the Gospel, Bishop Andrew led not by command but by example, giving of his time and wisdom with an open hand and open heart. We give thanks for his life and ministry, and we grieve his passing — but not as those without hope.
"Run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith." — Hebrews 12:1–2
Diocesan Secretary, Geraldine Newbold added: “This is a very sad time for our diocese. Bishop Andrew was such a wonderful, caring man, who was genuinely interested in people and loved spending time with parishioners. He was also incredibly gifted and knowledgeable, and we all learnt a lot from him. His love of God, of his family, and the wider diocesan family, shone through in all he did. It has been a privilege to work with him and we will miss him dearly.”
Bishop Andrew grew up in Buckinghamshire and Hampshire, where his father was a Director of Music at Stowe School and Winchester College.
Music was a major part of his life and he composed a choral Mass for choir and organ to celebrate both his 60th birthday and the 60th anniversary of Guildford Cathedral in 2021.
He had an unwavering commitment to deepening discipleship, the revitalisation of churches, and the transformation of communities. As the grandson of missionaries in China, Bishop Andrew had a strong commitment to the global Church, especially in places where Christians face discrimination and persecution. Since his admission to the House of Lords in 2022, he was a particular advocate for freedom of religious belief.
Bishop Andrew is survived by his wife Beverly, four children (Hannah, Sam, Joe and Lydia) and three grandchildren, as well as his mother and three siblings.
Guildford Cathedral will be open from 8am-8pm on Wednesday and Thursday for those who want pray, light a candle and sign the Book of Condolence. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.