Former bishop of Derry and Raphoe Dr James Mehaffey dies aged 88

The former Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Dr James Mehaffey, has died.

Bishop Mehaffey, who was 88, died on Monday evening surrounded by his family.

Dr Mehaffey led the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe for more than 20 years, from his consecration in September 1980 until his retirement in January 2002.

During his time as bishop, Dr Mehfay officiated at funerals of many parishioners killed in the Troubles.

The former bishop's funeral will take place at St Columb's Cathedral on Saturday.

The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Reverend Dr Richard Clarke, conveyed his sympathy to Dr Mehaffey's wife Thelma and to the wider family.

"I would wish to express huge admiration for Bishop Mehaffey's enormous contribution not only to the life of the Church of Ireland, but also to the work of reconciling divided communities throughout his episcopal ministry in the Dioceses of Derry and Raphoe," he said.

The retired Church of Ireland Archbishop Lord Eames, Bishop Mehaffey's predecessor in Derry and Raphoe, paid tribute to a "man of tremendous pastoral ministry".

Lord Eames said Bishop Mehaffey was "a man of great hope".

"He is going to be missed. Not only was our friendship deep and lasting, he was a true Anglican in the sense of what it meant to be a reformed, yet catholic, bishop.

"His ministry in Derry during dark days was greatly admired."

Last May, a Service of Thanksgiving was held in St Columb's Cathedral in Londonderry to mark the 65th anniversary of the bishop's ordination.

Dr Mehaffey, who was born near Portadown, developed a close friendship with the late Catholic Bishop of Derry, Dr Edward Daly.

The two men released joint statements, took part in foreign trips together and jointly led carol services during some of the worst years of the Troubles.

In 2015, the two retired bishops received the freedom of the city from Derry City Council.

At the time, Dr Mehaffey told the BBC: "I think that it takes two people to work together and we found that, in spite of our background in different churches, different theology, we had a lot in common.

"That goodwill, working with people and reaching out to all kinds of people was important.

"I didn't pretend that I was a Roman Catholic and he didn't pretend that he was Church of Ireland."

The Reverend Andrew Forster - who was consecrated Bishop of Derry and Raphoe last month - said he was deeply saddened by the news.

"I never had the privilege of serving under Bishop James, but I was well aware of his reputation. How could I not be?

"He was a towering figure within the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe in particular and the Church of Ireland generally, and recognition of his achievements transcended diocesan and denominational boundaries."

The Catholic Bishop of Derry, Dr Donal McKeown, also paid tribute.

He said Dr Mehaffey's "very significant personal friendship and partnership with Bishop Edward Daly... gave witness to a powerful message of harmony and peace building".

The head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, also paid tribute to Dr Mehaffey on Twitter.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said Bishop Mehaffey's "ministry was a constant source of hope during the darkest days of conflict and under the immense burden that violence brought to our city".

The city's Mayor Micheala Boyle paid tribute to a "very religious and gentle person with a warm heart".

She said he will be remembered for his "commitment to peace, his courage and commitment to building bridges".

Derry Ulster Unionist councillor Darren Guy described Bishop Mehaffey as "a truly inspirational gentleman".

He said the late bishop will "be fondly remembered by all who were touched by his warmth and of his enthusiasm to improve the lives of everyone in the city".

A book of condolence has been opened at Derry's Guildhall.