The Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, the Rt Rev Seamus Cunningham, has paid a warm tribute to one of his predecessors, Bishop Ambrose Griffiths, who died yesterday.
Speaking of Bishop Griffiths’ “infectious enthusiasm”, Bishop Cunningham said:
“I visited Bishop Ambrose Griffiths just a few weeks ago. He knew then that he had only a short time left and was dying as he had lived – full of gratitude and hope. His gratitude was for those who were caring and praying for him; his hope was in the Lord whom he has served so faithfully. His infectious enthusiasm meant that his ministry as Bishop of our diocese was a time of great blessing for us.
“He had a special gift for getting alongside young people and inspiring them to pass on their faith; the formation of the Youth Ministry Team and the foundation of the Youth Village came about thanks to his inspiration. Always approachable and kind to laity and clergy alike we will miss him and pray for him with great thanksgiving. The scripture reading at Evening Prayer on the day Bishop Ambrose went home to God contains these words ‘Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.’ (Romans 12:12) They describe perfectly the life of this good and faithful servant of God.”
