Bishop Mike has paid tribute to Revd Bob Thorn who died in a rowing accident in Dorset earlier this week.
Revd Thorn was Vicar of St Augustine and St Nicholas churches in Whitchurch from 1994 to 2003.
Bishop Mike said:The people of the Diocese of Bristol who remember Bob Thorns time here were profoundly shocked and saddened to hear of Bobs sudden and tragic death.
Bob and Jean, his wife, are remembered with deep affection and their ministry here amongst us was indeed distinguished.
We shall be praying for Jean in this awful loss.
"May he rest in peace and rise in glory.