It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Lord Runcie. He fought bravely against cancer for the larger period of his retirement. But he did so with such cheerfulness while maintaining a full diary that few were aware of the battle being waged. He was as courageous in later life as he was in his war service.
Robert's graciousness of character won him friends and admirers all over the Anglican Communion. He gave a high priority to the unity of the Church of England and to the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury in our world-wide communion. That inheritance has been a great one on which to build.
Among his many contributions two in particular stand out. The first was his invitation to Pope John Paul II to pay that historic visit in 1982. A great deal has flowed from that meeting of two Christian leaders in Canterbury Cathedral. The second was the publication of the report Faith in the City and its practical outworking The Church Urban Fund. From this significant recommitment to the people of our inner cities has come a new confidence in the Church in its mission, particularly to the poor and marginalised.
But Robert will also be remembered for his deep Christian faith and the delightful sense of humour which was rarely absent from his faith and life. He loved people and was a wonderful after dinner speaker. As his successor I mourn the passing of a friend and brother bishop - whose attitude to death as for life was rooted in a firm conviction of God ever present.
Lindy, James and Rebecca and the family will be much in my prayers.
Notes to Editors:
Robert Alexander Kennedy Runcie was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1980-91.
He died peacefully at home with his family, after suffering from cancer for some years. He leaves his wife, Rosalind, his children-James and Rebecca, his grandchildren-Rosie, Charlotte, Matthew and Edward, his daughter in law-Marilyn and his son in law-Christopher.
There will be a funeral service at the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban at 11.00am on Saturday 22nd July 2000, to which all his friends are invited. A memorial service will be held at Westminster Abbey, on a date to be announced.