Bishop Andrew’s pastoral update to the diocese

Bishop Andrew has issued a further update on his health in which he acknowledges, “may well prove to be my last message to the Diocese of Guildford.”

Due to his ill health, Bishop Andrew has now handed over interim leadership of the diocese to Bishop Paul.

In his letter, Bishop Andrew reflects that his “faith in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting has only grown stronger over the past few weeks.”

Read the full letter here.

In response to Bishop Andrew's health news, Bishop Paul has shared details of a forthcoming prayer vigil to be held on Monday 23 February from 12 noon to 10.00pm at Guildford Cathedral. See letter attached, here.

Bishop Andrew has written to clergy and others in the diocese to share the very sad news that he has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer.

Having only just received this diagnosis, Bishop Andrew is currently awaiting further information regarding medical options to support his comfort and care. He has advised colleagues across the diocese that he hopes to continue in his responsibilities as Bishop of Guildford for a while longer, with Easter being his first landmark.

I’m sure you will join with all of us in holding Bishop Andrew, Beverly, and their family in your prayers at this particularly challenging time.

You can read the full statement and letter here.

God of our hope and salvation,

we thank you for Andrew, our brother in Christ and father in God:

for his discipleship and leadership, and for his love and care of our diocese.

At this time of his illness, we pray that you would visit him with your healing love,

comfort and strengthen him with your Holy Spirit,

and protect him and his family with your holy angels.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. 

Amen.