Bishop Wilfred to preach at Requiem Eucharist for former Bishop of Woolwich

15 Mar 2005

Text of sermon

A requiem Eucharist celebrating the life of The Rt Rev & Rt Hon David Sheppard, former Bishop of Woolwich, who died on Saturday 5 March, will be held in Southwark Cathedral on Tuesday 22 March at 11am. All are welcome to attend.

Bishop Wilfred Wood, former Bishop of Croydon, and vicar of Catford St Laurence during Lord Sheppard's time in the Diocese, has accepted an invitation to preach at the Eucharist and will be travelling from his home in Barbados to do so. The Rt Rev Dr Tom Butler, Bishop of Southwark, will preside at the service.

Bishop Tom said of Lord Sheppard: "Bishop David was a towering presence in the church's ministry to urban people. He was much loved by the people of Woolwich in his time there, working tirelessly to change the lives of those around him.

"His part in the 'Faith in the City Report' brought him very much into public attention and his championing of the urban poor made him as popular with those he sought to serve as it made him unpopular with those he challenged. His work in this arena lives on today.

"I greatly valued the opportunities that I had to work with him. He will be greatly missed."

Ends.