[Lambeth Palace] The death has been announced today of Dr Donald Coggan, the former Archbishop of Canterbury. Dr Coggan, who died late yesterday, was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1974 to 1980.

Paying tribute to his predecessor, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, who is currently in Canada said:

"Dr Donald Coggan's death at the age of 90 brings to an end an illustrious ministry as a distinguished Hebrew scholar, devoted pastor and dedicated Archbishop.

"He will be remembered particularly for his remarkable contribution to the New English Bible and Revised English Bible, and for his unfailing support for the Council for Christians and Jews.

"Our prayers today are with his wife and family. We shall all miss him."

Notes for editors

Lord Coggan of Canterbury and Sissinghurst was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1974 to 1980, being elevated to a life peerage on his retirement in 1980. Since his retirement he has been an Assistant Bishop in the Dioceses of Canterbury and Winchester.

Prior to being Archbishop of Canterbury he had been Archbishop of York from 1961 to 1974; Bishop of Bradford 1956-61; Principal of the London College of Divinity 1944-1956; previously holding the curacy of St Mary's Islington, London and Professor of New Testament, Wycliffe College, Toronto, Canada.

Dr Coggan was President of the Liturgical Commission 1960-64; President of the Society for Old Testament Studies 1967-68; Prelate of the Order of St John of Jerusalem 1967-90; and Pro Chancellor York University 1962-74 and Hull University 1968-74.