Former Bishop of Coventry dies from a brain tumour, diocese announces

THE FORMER Bishop Of Coventry Colin Bennetts has died.

A spokesman for the Coventry Diocese which he led from from 1998 to 2008 said he died at home on Wednesday a little under two years after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

He was 72.

It is understood his funeral will take place at Coventry Cathedral on Tuesday, July 26.

The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop Colin’s successor and the current Bishop of Coventry, led the tributes, describing him as a wonderful man.

"Bishop Colin showed a wonderful capacity for flexibility and imaginative thinking, which he encouraged his clergy to share. His wisdom, wit, humility and humour will be sorely missed and I thank God for the privilege of having known him.

"Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Veronica (his widow) and their lovely family.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby served under Bishop Colin for nine years in the Diocese of Coventry.

He said: "“Colin Bennetts was an outstanding Bishop, a wonderful parish priest and an exceptional friend and mentor to a huge number of people.

"Having known him at Coventry I was indebted beyond measure to him for wise advice and faithful prayer.

"Travelling with him was a pleasure, observing him a lesson. He faced, with his wonderful family, his last illness with faith in Christ. I will miss him and pray for Veronica and the rest of the family."

Share This

Regional news »