Tributes are being paid to Richard Harries, a former Bishop of Oxford, who has died after a short illness. He passed away just a few weeks before his 90th birthday.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, said it was a “great loss not just to the Church of England but to the country at large. His wisdom, compassion and profound commitment to the common good will be missed in the Church, the House of Lords and beyond.”

The current Bishop of Oxford, Rt Rev Steven Croft, said he will be remembered for “his intelligence and kindness, his good humour and his deep pastoral wisdom.”

A former British Army officer, Bishop Richard was ordained in 1963 and ministered as vicar of All Saints' Fulham and Dean of King’s College, London before serving as Bishop of Oxford from 1987 to 2006. On retirement, he was made a life peer and continued his work as Lord Harries of Pentregarth. Bishop Steven said he became “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.”

Lord Harries is regarded as having made a “very significant impact” beyond the church, not only through his work as a peer, but also through his writing and broadcasting, and he was a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day. He also made key contributions to Christian ethics and to interfaith relations, particularly between Christianity and Judaism, both in Oxford and more widely.

Giving thanks for his life and witness, Bishop Steven said he remains “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.”

Lord Harries leaves behind his wife Jo, his children Mark and Clare, and their families.