On Monday 23 March, we gathered at the Cathedral and across satellite services to remember and give thanks for the life of Bishop Andrew who died from cancer on Tuesday 3 March.
Many of the hymns and readings had been chosen by Bishop Andrew before his death, including All Creatures of Our God and King, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, and In Christ Alone. The Cathedral Choir also led moving mass settings, among them Kyrie eleison and Agnus Dei—the latter composed by Bishop Andrew himself.
Dean Bob Cooper opened the service by reminding everyone that we gathered “not only in grief, but in the faith that Andrew proclaimed and embodied: that life is stronger than death, and love is stronger than the grave.”
In addition to family and friends, attendees included Church of England bishops, lead representatives from other faiths and denominations, including Archbishop Richard Moth, leader of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, clergy from the Diocese of Guildford and beyond, reperesentatives from the global Anglican church and civic leaders from Surrey and Hampshire.
Bishop Paul presided at the service, which included heartfelt tributes from members of Bishop Andrew’s family, offering a touching and humorous glimpse into his childhood and home life, including his competitive card playing, his love of bargains, and his passion for wildlife photography. The sermon, delivered by his long‑time friend and fellow bishop, the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield, spoke movingly of Bishop Andrew’s unwavering and joyful faith, and the inspiration he offered to so many—especially in the face of his illness and untimely death.
At the Commendation, symbols of Bishop Andrew’s priestly and episcopal ministry were reverently removed from his coffin, before the diocesan crozier was used by Bishop Paul to commend him to God before being laid upon the high altar.
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury, gave the final blessing before the coffin was led out of the Cathedral for a private committal.
A recording of the funeral remains available online for those who were unable to join us.