The people of Holy Trinity & St Mary's Guildford are deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden decline and death of Bishop Andrew Watson. For the ten years of his ministry as our Bishop in Guildford Diocese, he has been a wise and gentle pastor, a great friend and supporter of our ministry in Guildford town centre, and a man of gentle, sincere faith.

Canon Simon Butler, who was appointed as Rector of Holy Trinity & St Mary's by Bishop Andrew in 2023, said this on hearing of his death: "We were all deeply shocked to hear the news of Andrew's diagnosis and the distressing prognosis, but the manner in which he approached his unexpected death, at the same time both deeply human and profoundly faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, has been his final gift to us as the people of God in the diocese. I give thanks for his pastoral ministry among us, for which I and the people of the parish had enormous respect, and give thanks for the hope he had in his Saviour and Lord".

We offer prayers for him, for Beverley and their family, and for all who will miss his gentle presence in the coming years.

Bishop Andrew will be remembered at Sunday services at both our churches in the coming days, and details of his funeral will be shared in due course.

The full statement from the Diocese can be read here: