23/10/2024
Saddened to hear of the sudden death of our former Rector, the Very Revd Robert Willis.
A message from Bishop Rose:
It is with great and deep sadness that I received the news of the passing of Dean Robert Willis today. Dean Robert served here in our diocese of Canterbury for 22 years and although Dean of the cathedral, he had a love for the diocese as a whole, enabling us to be supported by the Archdeacon of Canterbury role. During the pandemic he sacrificially made himself available through what became known as the ‘Garden Congregation’ sharing the message of God’s love daily to all who tuned in. This gained an international audience as well.
His role as Dean, broadened his engagement with the Anglican Communion and he embraced fully the role of Canterbury Cathedral as the ‘Mother Church’ and a place of pilgrimage for Anglicanism. I have spoken with the Archbishop of Canterbury who like me, has expressed his ‘shock and sadness at the Dean’s passing, someone who was prayerful and gave so much to the life of the Church.’
Dean Robert will be greatly missed not only by the cathedral community, but by others in the wider diocese who knew him personally. We give thanks for all that he achieved in his life-long ministry and pray especially for Fletcher, his partner and all who are deeply grieving his loss.
+Rose
Bishop of Dover & Bishop in Canterbury
