Bishop of Peterborough dies suddenly

The Rt Revd Ian Cundy died suddenly on 7th May 2009. 

It was with great sadness that the Bishop of Ely, Dr Anthony Russell, and his senior staff received the news of the death of the Bishop of Peterborough. Bishop Ian Cundy also held a position in the Diocese of Ely as Assistant Bishop.

He died on 7th May 2009 after collapsing on his way to a family event in the west country.

“Ian was a particularly good friend and a deeply respected pastor and bishop,” said Dr Anthony Russell. “He will be remembered for his important contribution to the Church of England, especially his part in ecumenical matters.”

“His wisdom and friendship will be greatly missed. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with his wife Jo and their family,” he added.

As neighbouring Bishops, both have worked together closely during the past decade. One of their notable achievements was to end a centuries-old anomaly in which a substantial part of Peterborough city fell within the jurisdiction of Ely Diocese. In 2004 they drew up an agreement to share the care and administration of parishes within the south Peterborough area. To symbolise this move Bishop Ian Cundy became an Assistant Bishop within the Ely Diocese.

The funeral took place on Tuesday 19th May in Peterborough Cathedral which was packed with 1300 people.

The service was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams. The Archbishop of York and 39 English bishops attended, as did representatives of the Roman Catholic, Methodist and Baptist  Churches, reflecting Bishop Ian’s considerable involvement in national church life and his work for closer unity between denominations.

Many diocesan clergy and church members were present, and among the congregation civic leaders also came to pay their respects to the man who for 13 years had led the diocese and involved himself in local affairs.

Bishop Ian had written his own funeral service, and included in it a personal invitation to worshippers to “contemplate the mystery of God, in the light of which I have sought to live my life and understand its meaning”.

Bishop Ian leaves a widow, Jo, three children Robert, Paul and Elizabeth, and a new grandson.

The full funeral service and the text of Bishop Frank’s address, pictures of the funeral, and a short biography of Bishop Ian, are all available on the diocesan website www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk. .