The Revd Christopher Gray was stabbed to death near the entrance of his vicarage in Anfield, Liverpool, on 13 August. His attacker had been visiting Mr Gray for advice and counselling and had an appointment. The assailant fled the scene in a stolen car but was later arrested.

The murder shocked people both locally and nationally. Bishop David Sheppard, Mr Gray's bishop, spoke afterwards about the murder "A frightening and evil act seems to have destroyed so much that is good." "I have no smooth answers. It feels like sheer loss and waste... All clergy have people come to talk. It is part of our tradition. We try to help in any way we can," he continued. At a Communion service later in the day Bishop Sheppard said that the Church had lost an outstandingly gifted young priest who was a deeply caring pastor and friend. The murder has increased public and Church concern about the safety of clergy, especially in city parishes.