Diocese of Chichester

Bishop Martin said, “Bishop David Wilcox retired to the diocese of Chichester after a ministry characterised by teaching theology, forming clergy (at Ripon Cuddesdon College) and serving as Bishop of Dorking in the diocese of Guildford.

His death on Monday 8 December prompts us to give thanks for his life and ministry, to pray that he may rest in peace and receive the fruition of the faith he believed, taught and celebrated in sacramental mystery - life in heaven. We pray too for his family and all who mourn his death.

Bishop David has been a gracious and encouraging presence in the diocese since he arrived here in 1995 and made a home in Willingdon. His clear and consistent commitment to the ordination of women was invaluable, as the diocese of Chichester navigated a very conservative response to the General Synod decision in 1992 to ordain women as priests.

Lisa Barnett was one of those ordained and supported by him. She writes on behalf of those women to remind us of the gracious and vital ministry that he exercised in those years.”

Lisa, who is the Vicar of St Mary’s Church, Horsham said, “He was a man of such deep spiritual authority, always held with humility, gentleness, and grace. He continued to offer ongoing pastoral care to the women he had ordained, being available as a spiritual guide and confidante to any who reached out to him. I know I speak for many when I express profound gratitude for his ministry in Chichester Diocese in the later years of his life.”

The Revd Canon Doris Staniford was one of the first women ordained priest 25 years ago on the 15th of May at St Swithun’s church in East Grinstead by Bishop David Wilcox of Dorking.

She said, “He will be sadly missed.”

Bishop David’s funeral will be in Willingdon.  

In the picture: Bishop David with Revd Doris at her 25th anniversary service with Revd Steve Burston, vicar of Crawley, St John. You can read more about that service here