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Bishop of Peterborough loses fight against cancer
Peterborough is in mourning today (Saturday) after the sudden death of the the Right Reverend Ian Cundy, Bishop of Peterborough.
Peterborough is in mourning today (Saturday) after the sudden death of the the Right Reverend Ian Cundy, Bishop of Peterborough.Bishop Ian, died just two months before he was due to take early retirement.
Tributes have poured in for the man who many saw as an inspirational character and a key figure in bringing together the city's diverse cultures.
It was while travelling with his wife, Jo (63), to a family event in the south-west on Thursday, that he collapsed and was taken by ambulance to Swindon General Hospital.
Although doctors battled to save him, their efforts were in vain and he passed away with Mrs Cundy by his side.
Bishop Ian (64), whose vast diocese covers 300 parishes across Peterborough, Rutland and Northamptonshire, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung cavity, in October 2007.
Despite undergoing chemotherapy, his doctor had warned him this week that the cancer had spread significantly.
He leaves his wife Mrs Cundy, three adult children Robert, Paul and Elizabeth, and a young grandson.
The Bishop of Peterborough, the Rt Revd Ian Cundy has died
Tributes: the Right Reverend Ian Cundy - respected by the whole community.
Rt Rev Ian Cundy: a fascinating life.
More on the life of the Right Reverend Ian Cundy
Today, Dean of Peterborough Charles Taylor expressed his sadness at the death of "a delightful friend".
He said: "Although Bishop Ian had been seriously ill for some time, news of his sudden death came as a great shock to me and the whole cathedral community.
"I had the privilege of working with Bishop Ian in Peterborough for only these last two years, but in that time I came to regard him as a true Father in God, a wonderful colleague and a delightful friend.
"He brought to this city and diocese a genuine concern for the whole community, a gentle wit, a keen intellect and a deep spirituality, all enhanced by a gracious gift for warm and generous hospitality."
In October last year, Bishop Ian had announced plans to take early retirement in July because of his illness.
However, remaining strong throughout his ordeal, he was adamant he would continue with his duties as best he could, and even on the morning of his death he had been writing letters.
Not only was he a popular figurehead in Peterborough as Bishop, but also in the surrounding areas as Assistant Bishop of Ely.
It was when he and Bishop of Ely, Dr Anthony Russell, worked together to end a centuries-old anomaly in which a substantial part of Peterborough fell within the jurisdiction of Ely Diocese that the pair formed a strong bond.
In 2004, they drew up an agreement to share the care and administration of parishes within the south Peterborough area, and to symbolise this move, Bishop Ian accepted the post.
Bishop Anthony said: "Ian was a particularly good friend and a deeply respected pastor and bishop.
"He will be remembered for his important contribution to the Church of England, especially his part in ecumenical matters.
"His wisdom and friendship will be greatly missed. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with his wife Jo and their family."
As a mark of respect, the flag at Peterborough Cathedral will fly at half-mast over the next few days. Anyone wishing to pay their respects is welcome to sign a book of condolences which is located at the rear of the cathedral.
Next page: Crown Nominations Commission will decide successorCommission will decide successor
The Suffragan Bishop of Brixworth, the Rt Rev Frank White, will assume the duties of diocesan Bishop until a new Bishop is appointed.
The process of appointing a successor was already underway following the announcement of Bishop Ian's early retirement, and the Crown Nominations Commission is due to meet towards the end of July to consider possible candidates.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has a choice in considering who to commend to the Queen, and it is possible he will ask the Commission to re-consider and submit further names.
Once he has reached his decision, he will invite the candidate to accept the nomination and once the post has been accepted, the Prime Minister will advise the Queen, who will formally nominate him.
It is expected that the new Bishop of Peterborough will be revealed in the autumn.
More on the life of the Right Reverend Ian Cundy
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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