Bishop John Satterthwaite, RIP

It is with great sadness that I announce to the people of the diocese that Bishop John Satterthwaite died peacefully this morning, 23 May. He was 88.

Bishop John Satterthwaite has a permanent place in the history of this Diocese in Europe. He came into his episcopal ministry from a background outstanding ecumenical work, especially from his time as the General Secretary of the Church of England's Council in Foreign Relations. In that ecumenical work he forged so many significant friendships with Heads of Churches and other Church leaders in Europe which set the course for this diocese playing a role in nurturing those ecumenical links to this day.

He served the congregations in Europe first as Bishop of Fulham, then as Bishop of Gibraltar, and finally as the first diocesan bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe. Indeed the foundation of this diocese in its present form as a diocese of the Church of England in 1980 is part of his legacy to the Church.

He is warmly remembered for his gifts as a diplomat, ecumenist, pastor and congenial host.

The clergy and people of the diocese now commend him into the loving arms if his Heavenly Father. May he rest in peace.

O God, who called your servant John to serve as a bishop in your Church; enfold him into the arms of your mercy, and grant him the blessed rest of everlasting peace in the glorious company of the apostles and saints.

 

Comments

  1. rev.dr.peter long27 May 2014 at 21:33

    during my locum spells in the diocese,i always valued him as a wise bishop,pastor and friend.it was so easy to be in contact with the eastern churches,simply because he had prepared the way.a great loss to the church militant but a bonus for the church expectant!

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