Mourned by Many: Tributes Pour in for Bishop Andrew

Published on: 8 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 8 Mar, 2026

Bishop Andrew, who has died aged 64

Messages have been pouring in to pay tribute to The Bishop of Guildford, the Right Reverend Andrew Watson.

Bishop Andrew, who was 64, died on March 3 of inoperable pancreatic cancer.

Sarah Mullally, The Archbishop of Canterbury, wrote:

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 by not just his family and friends, but by the whole church.

At this time of grief and loss, I hold Beverley 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.

Michael More-Molyneux CVO, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, said:

Bishop Andrew was held in the highest regard and loved throughout the Diocese. This was clearly reflected on the day of his prayer vigil at Guildford Cathedral and the attendance at Evensong. The whole day was so appropriate for Bishop Andrew.

My abiding memory will be of his involvement with various multi faith meetings around the county. His presence had a great effect on the meetings, and whenever he commented, all members of all faiths listened intently and respected his clear thinking.

The MP for Surrey Heath, Al Pinkerton, said:

Andrew was a great man, and it was a privilege to have got to know him through both his local work in Surrey and his contributions to national projects that came before the cross-House Ecclesiastical Committee.

My heartfelt condolences go to everyone who knew him, worked with him, and loved him. His passing will be mourned by many, and he will be long remembered by all whose lives he touched.

Imam Hafiz Hashmi, Head Imam or the Shah Jahan Mosque, said:

It was an honour to work alongside Bishop Andrew in our interfaith efforts, where he consistently demonstrated wisdom, humility, and a sincere commitment to building bridges between communities.

When he was being considered for the role of Bishop, I was consulted as part of a small committee to reflect on what kind of leadership our area needed. I recall expressing the need for a Bishop who would be present, compassionate, and open to meaningful engagement across faiths. Bishop Andrew embodied those qualities with integrity and grace.

His dedication to dialogue, mutual respect, and service to the wider community will not be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences go to his family, his colleagues, and the entire diocesan community during this time of loss.

Rabbi Alexander Goldberg said:

Andrew was a man of quiet courage, deep conviction and remarkable gentleness. He carried significant responsibility, yet met people as equals — with warmth, attentiveness and humility.

For the last few weeks he has been part of my daily prayers. That rhythm of prayer has now become a rhythm of grief. It reflected not only his public role, but a friendship that meant a great deal to me.

There are friendships in public life that remain courteous and professional. I believe ours went beyond that. He was a true friend of the Jewish people and to me personally. His commitment to Jewish–Christian dialogue was sincere and deeply lived. In times of tension, he chose relationship over rhetoric, and solidarity over division.

Guildford and Surrey have lost their Bishop. I have lost a brother from another faith and a friend whose counsel, support, kindness and quiet strength I will deeply miss. May his memory be a blessing.

Please leave a comment below if you wish to add your tribute.