The Most Revd Dr Donald Coggan, the former Archbishop of Canterbury died late yesterday. He was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1974 to 1980. Paying tribute to one of his predecessors, the Archbishop of Canterbury, speaking 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."
Archbishop Carey added, "Our prayers today are with his wife and family. We shall all miss him."
Other comments from American leaders:
From the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Canon John L Peterson:
The church has lost one of its great spiritual leader. Lord Coggan will be remembered for introducing the Anglican Communion to the programme of Mutual Responsibility and Interdependence in the Body of Christ, with one facet of that being the now popular Anglican Cycle of Prayer. Lord Coggan taught the Communion that prayer was at the heart of the matter of how we show care and concern for each other. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
From the former Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Canon Samuel Van Culin:
Archbishop Coggan had a great capacity for friendship, both pastorally and personally. He was a wise listener and took time to reflect. This was especially true at the time of the Lambeth Conference 1978. The picture I will always treasure is that of Archbishop Donald and his wife. They were a wonderful team, a genuine and affectionate partnership in their ministry.
Funeral arrangements
There will be a memorial service of thanksgiving held in Winchester Cathedral in late June. The funeral will be private for family and close friends, according to the Diocese of Winchester. (+44 1962 624786).
Note
Lord Coggan of Canterbury and Sissinghurst was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1974 to 1980, being made a life peer at 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.
He travelled widely in the Anglican Communion.