Bishop of Oxford pays tribute after Buckingham bishop dies

Rt Reverend Dr Steven Croft has released a statement about the death of Rt Reverend Dr Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham, who has passed away recently.

Paying tribute, Revd Croft said: “Alan was a dear friend and colleague to many across the Diocese.

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Rt Reverend Dr Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham (Image: Diocese of Oxford)

“Alan has deep friendships and pastoral relationships across both church and community in Bucks. He has offered remarkable leadership to our work in education and church schools over more than a decade.

“Alan has been a friend and advocate for survivors of abuse and a strong ally and supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community for many years.”

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Revd Dr Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham. Alan was a wonderful human being, a friend and always stood for those on the margins of our society. He was always hugely supportive of my work. I shall miss him dearly. I send my heartfelt…

— Imam Monawar Hussain, MBE DL FRSA (@ImamMonawar) February 18, 2024

He continued: “Alan had recently begun a well-earned sabbatical and was planning to use the time to plan and prepare for retirement in the next year.

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“Alan loved God and loved God’s church with a rare passion. He was a bishop who prioritised the parishes and clergy in his care above everything else and served the people of Buckinghamshire with devotion over a long and demanding ministry. 

“I will miss him as a friend and colleague. The church has lost a wise, pastoral and prophetic bishop.”

Bishop Wilson served as Bishop of Buckingham for more than 20 years.

His entire ordained ministry was within the Diocese of Oxford as a curate in Eynsham, Vicar in Caversham and Sandhurst, Area Dean in Sonning and then Bishop of Buckingham.