Remembering Richard Harries: A Distinguished Life of Service and Faith
Richard Harries, who served as the Bishop of Oxford and a respected voice in the Church of England, passed away earlier this week. The church and the nation honor his profound contributions following his death.
Born in 1936, Harries was ordained in 1964 and led the Diocese of Oxford from 1993 until his retirement in 2006. During his tenure, he authored 26 books, marking him as a significant liberal theologian within the church.
Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, expressed the impact of Harries’ passing as a “great loss” for both the Church of England and the broader community.
She wrote on X, “His wisdom, compassion and profound commitment to the common good will be missed in the Church, the House of Lords and beyond. As I pray for his family and all who mourn, I give thanks to God for a life so well lived in service to Jesus Christ. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
Christopher Chessun, the Bishop of Southwark, paid tribute to Harries, describing him as “a rare example of a humane, intelligent and compassionate Anglicanism, serving the Church of England and the nation with great distinction.”
Even after his retirement, Harries’ influence continued as he was appointed a life peer, allowing him to serve in the House of Lords in a secular capacity.
Chessun further noted, “He was a distinguished member of the House of Lords – I was present when he spoke for the last time at the end of March on the Assisted Dying Bill which he did with great authority and without a single note. His writings explored the implications of the Faith with searching conviction that was credible yet humble. I give thanks for his life and witness, and commend him as well as Jo and their family to your prayers at this time of loss.”
The Bishop of Kingston, Martin Gainsborough, reflected on the privilege of having Harries in the Kingston parish, highlighting his humility despite a storied episcopal and academic career.
“I was conscious how we had in Bishop Richard one of the greats of Church of England bishops with such a distinguished episcopal and academic career. And yet I was struck by the humility with which he wore it. I give thanks for his life, witness and public service and pray for all who mourn his passing.”
Labour MP and former priest Chris Bryant shared his personal experience with Harries, stating on X, “I’m very sorry to hear that Richard Harries has died. He was a lovely kind intelligent and spiritual man who served as Bishop of Oxford and a member of the House of Lords. Many will know his books or his radio appearances. But I knew him as the man who ordained me. RIP”.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
