The Right Reverend Lord Harries of Pentregarth, a respected figure in British public life, has passed away at the age of 89. Lord Harries served as Bishop of Oxford from 1987 to 2006, during which time he became known for his progressive views and commitment to social justice. He was a prominent voice in the Church of England, advocating for the ordination of women and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Lord Harries was also a beloved broadcaster, contributing to BBC Radio 4's Thought for the Day for an impressive 54 years. His three-minute talks, typically broadcast at 7:25am, were a staple of the programme and provided a thought-provoking start to many listeners' days. The last of his talks was broadcast on 29 March, just a few days before he fell ill on Easter Sunday.
Lord Harries' contributions to British public life went beyond his role as a bishop and broadcaster. He was a vocal advocate for progressive causes, including environmentalism, human rights, and social justice. He was also a prominent critic of the Church of England's handling of certain issues, including the handling of child abuse allegations.
The news of Lord Harries' passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from across the country. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: 'Lord Harries was a remarkable individual who made a lasting impact on our country. His commitment to social justice and his ability to inspire others through his broadcasting will be deeply missed.'