Church leaders mourn loss of LGBTQIA+ affirming bishop

Right Revd Dr Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham, gave the blessing during the closing worship at the online celebration for the fifth anniversary of Open Table becoming a network in June 2020. WATCH HERE [17.5mins].

MOVING TRIBUTES to the Right Revd Dr Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham in the Church of England Diocese of Oxford, have appeared online following the announcement of his sudden death last Saturday.

Bishop Alan actively advocated for LGBTQIA+ people and survivors of abuse for more than 20 years. His publications include More Perfect Union? Understanding Same-sex Marriage, and To Heal and Not To Hurt: A fresh approach to safeguarding in Church, in partnership with his chaplain Revd Rosie Harper.

“Alan’s was such a courageous and truthful voice for so long, often speaking alone and without thanks, for those with no voice of their own.”

Revd Jide Macaulay, founder of House of Rainbow, an inclusive and affirming Christian community supporting Black LGBTQ+ people,, appeared with Bishop Alan in the BBC documentary Too Gay For God? [2019]. He said:

Bishop Alan's advocacy for justice and inclusivity, especially within the Church, was a beacon of light in a culture marked by silence and injustice. He stood as a friend and ally to the LGBTQIA+ community and survivors of abuse, offering unwavering support and understanding. Personally, his guidance and support were invaluable to me during a difficult period, demonstrating both pastoral care and practical wisdom.

The Archdeacon of Buckingham, Ven Guy Elsmore, who worked closely with Bishop Alan since 2016, was the Rector of the parish where the first Open Table community began in 2008. He said:

Bishop Alan with members of the first Open Table community at St Bride’s Liverpool who led a service to mark Asexual Awareness Week in October 2016. READ MORE.

We have lost a courageous, wise and exceptional pastoral leader and teacher. Alan’s ministry was centred in people, in valuing every person he met and in the quest to expand the circle of the Church’s love to embrace all.

Open Table Network Patron and former Bishop of Liverpool Paul Bayes said:

Alan's was such a courageous and truthful voice for so long, often speaking alone and without thanks, for those with no voice of their own.

Fr Robert Thompson, host of the Open Table community in West Hampstead, London, said:

Alan was a true friend of all in the LGBTQIA+ community of the church and beyond. Alan was also an immense and significant personal support to me. When I was subjected to a CDM [Clergy Discipline Measure] for whistleblowing about blatant homophobia in another parish he phoned me to offer any support he could. He was both deeply pastoral towards me and excellent in offering advice about the process. We talked at least once a week over a period of a year. I am deeply indebted to him personally and will miss him immensely.

Revd Dr Augustine Tanner-Ihm, a former Open Table Network trustee, said:

Emerging from a decade entangled in the shadows of conversion therapy and enduring the harrowing abuse at the hands of a priest, it was Alan Wilson who became a beacon of hope in my life. With unparalleled pastoral care, he extended his hand to me during moments when I was ensnared by the dual specters of racism and homophobia. With a heart heavy yet full, all I can muster is a deeply felt ‘Thank You, Friend!’ Your spirit, teachings, and kindness will forever be a guiding star in my life.

The Bishop of Oxford, Right Revd Dr Stephen Croft, who worked closley with Bishop Alan since 2016, has commended this prayer for Bishop Alan and all who mourn him:

Loving God,
Friend of the broken, the outcast and the hurting
Receive into your tender care our friend and brother Alan.
We give thanks for your abundant grace in his life and ministry.
We entrust Lucy, his family, friends and colleagues to your steadfast love.
We pray especially for the clergy and parishes of the Buckingham area as they grieve their faithful pastor, friend and shepherd.
We pray for all who mourn. 
Kindle in us afresh the hope of rest in Christ and resurrection to new and eternal life
May Alan, your servant, rest in peace and rise in glory
Through Christ our Lord we pray
Amen