Tributes paid to bishop after death age 84
Tributes have been paid to bishop after his death aged 84.
The Rt Rev David Bentley, the former Bishop of Gloucester and Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Lichfield, passed away at Queen's Hospital in Burton following a short illness.
The Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Rev. Dr Michael Ipgrave paid tributes to the bishop, describing him as a lovely man and gifted bishop.
He said: "It was truly a blessing for our diocese that Bishop David and Clarice retired to Lichfield and I appreciated his ministry here very much."
Bishop David began his ministry following ordination in 1960 as a curate at St Ambrose's Bristol and Holy Trinity with St Mary in Guildford, serving in Bristol and Gloucester diocese.
He was consecrated as a bishop in 1986 and became Bishop of Lynn, before becoming Bishop of Gloucester from 1993 to 2003.
Following retirement in 2003, the bishop and his wife Clarice moved to Lichfield, where he became an honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Lichfield.
The Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Rev Rachel Treweek, said she was very saddened to hear the news of Bishop David's death.
She said: "He was a faithful follower of Christ and showed integrity and care in his leadership in the Diocese of Gloucester.
"I am personally thankful for the privilege of being one of his successors."
The Rev Canon Andrew Stead, Lichfield Cathedral’s Canon Precentor, said Bishop David was an active and supportive member of the worshipping community at the cathedral.
He said: "His ministry here in his retirement, as well as his companionship and friendship has been valued and appreciated hugely by so many people.
"He was a man of great compassion and wisdom, encouragement and prayerfulness."
His funeral will be at Lichfield Cathedral on March 23 at 12.30pm, presided over by Dr Ipgrave.
