Remembering Bishop John

Bishop John served as Chaplain to Bishop Lancelot Fleming from 1965 to 1969 and as Chaplain to Archbishop Michael Ramsey from 1972 to 1976 when he became Bishop of Sherborne, a post that he held with distinction for 25 years. During that time he was also Bishop to the Armed Forces (1992 to 2001) and the Archbishop’s Adviser to the Headmasters’ Conference. In retirement, Bishop John was an Assistant Bishop in this diocese.

Bishop John was a man of great faith, strength, kindness and gentleness. He will be remembered with enormous affection by the many whose lives he touched for good.

Bishop Nicholas said:

"Bishop John Kirkham was a bishop in this diocese for over 40 years, first as Bishop of Sherborne and then as an Honorary Assistant Bishop. He loved, and was much loved by, the clergy and people. In his retirement he helped at
the Spinal Injuries Unit in Salisbury District Hospital where he felt he rediscovered what it meant to be a deacon.
"He was a faithful shepherd for whom many will give thanks. His marriage to Hester was a great strength and blessing and we remember her in our prayers.”

Bishop John’s funeral will be a private one but there will be the opportunity to remember him at a service of thanksgiving in our Cathedral, the details of which will follow in due course.

Please remember Bishop John and his widow, Hester, in your prayers. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.