Diocese of Chichester

In 2022 Stephen stepped down as Senior Chaplain to the Bishop of Chichester and Canon Treasurer of Chichester Cathedral. He was given Canon Emeritus of the Cathedral following his departure. Bishop Martin writes:

Stephen Ferns died peacefully in Peterborough Hospital after an extended period of treatment.

He was part of a large, close-knit family that is still based in Stamford where he grew up. We pray for them in their loss and grief.

His love of life and learning, of travel and people, and of the Church and preaching the Christian faith made made him a much-loved priest and colleague.

Stephen loved Chichester. He valued the quality of the worship of the cathedral and its diverse congregation, whom he served as Canon Treasurer. He enjoyed diocesan life and engagement its rich and unpredictable vitality.

There are people, many of them ordained, who have reason to give thanks to God for the confident, intelligent, and cheerful ministry of Stephen Ferns.

May he come to rejoice in the heavenly banquet that is the fruition of his love and longing on earth.

+Martin