25/04/2024
The Bishop of Bristol, Vivienne Faull, and the Bishop of Ramsbury, Andrew Rumsey, who are the Church of England's joint lead bishops for Cathedrals and church buildings, have issued the following statement:
"We are truly saddened to hear of the death of Frank Field (the Rt Hon Lord Field of Birkenhead, CH) following a period of illness.
"Lord Field was deeply committed to the Church of England. As Frank Field, the active and long-serving MP for Birkenhead, he made time alongside his political career to serve from 2006-2016 as Chair of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England, the national advisory and decision-making body on changes to the Church of England’s cathedrals.
"Under his leadership, the Commission played a key role in shaping major development works at cathedrals including Norwich, Blackburn, Durham and Wells; supported the installation of innovative works of art at St Paul’s and Liverpool; and approved the installation of the first solar panels on cathedral buildings in Bradford and Gloucester. He also helped to secure £40 million of funding for Anglican and Catholic cathedrals under the government’s 2014-18 First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund.
"This role followed earlier periods as a member of the General Synod of the Church of England; a Vice-President of the National Churches Trust; Chair of the 2011 King James Bible Trust; and Chair of the Churches Conservation Trust. He was also a member of the Ecclesiastical Committee from 2002 until his death.
"To each role he brought an inquiring mind, a keen sensibility, a drive for action and a deep commitment to the Christian faith.
"We honour the memory of Lord Field and give thanks for all that he contributed to the work of the Church of England, and to wider society.
"We extend our deepest condolences to his family and many friends. May he rest in peace and rise in glory."
(Lord Field is pictured above, speaking at Liverpool Cathedral. Credit: Becky Clark)