Faith leaders, local politicians and community figures across Surrey have paid tribute to the Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Andrew Watson, following his death on Tuesday 3 March.
Mr Michael More-Molyneux CVO, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey said:
“The news that Bishop Andrew had inoperable cancer struck shock and disbelief across the Diocese and the county. Andrew Watson became Bishop of Guildford in February 2015. I remember his inauguration on a beautiful sunny afternoon in Guildford Cathedral.
“He 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.”
Rabbi Alexander Goldberg, Rabbi of Guildford said:
“I am deeply saddened by the untimely death of my friend, Bishop Andrew Watson, the Bishop of Guildford.
"I saw in Andrew 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."
“My heart is with Beverly and their family. May they be comforted by the love and gratitude of the many whose lives Andrew touched.
"My thoughts are also with Bishop Paul Davies, Dean Bob Cooper, and all those across the Diocese of Guildford as they face the days ahead.
"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.”
Al Pinkerton, MP for Surrey Heath, said:
“This is unspeakably sad news. 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.
“This is a monumental loss. 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:
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bishop Andrew. It was an honour to work alongside him 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.
"May the Almighty grant comfort and strength to all who mourn him."
A spokesperson at The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC Guildford), said:
"As an organisation, we are secular, however, we would like to express our real sadness at the death of Bishop Andrew. He managed to write an outstandingly moving and uplifting letter to his diocese very shortly before he died in which he said he was “cheerfully persisting towards a good death.” That conveys perfectly the kind of person he was.
"Bishop Andrew was an advocate for improving safeguarding in the Church of England and we are grateful for the support he showed us in trying to progress this. After the Makin Review and report, he hoped that it would provide “salutary lessons as we redouble our efforts towards building a safer Church.”
"We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues and all those who will be deeply saddened at this news."