Bishop Kevin Dunn has died

The Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle has just published the following press release on their website:

Death of The Right Reverend Kevin J Dunn Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle July 1950, March 2008

It is with great sadness that the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle announces the death of The Rt Rev Kevin John Dunn, Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle. He died at 9.30pm on Saturday 1st March 2008, in the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, at the age of 57.

Bishop Kevin Dunn was ordained the twelfth Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, by Bishop Ambrose Griffiths on 25th May 2004, the Feast of St Bede, at St Mary's Cathedral, Newcastle upon Tyne. Bishop Kevin had been poorly in intensive care at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne since Friday 8th February 2008.

Over the last three weeks although there were times when he was kept very stable, his overall condition continued to deteriorate. The Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle and Bishop Kevin's family are extremely thankful to the medical teams who did all they could to treat Bishop Kevin and keep him comfortable.

The Vicar General, Canon Seamus Cunningham, said: "We are very grateful to the doctors and nurses at the Freeman Hospital for the loving care and concern given to the Bishop and his family throughout his illness."

The death of Bishop Kevin will be greatly felt throughout the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle and people in the parishes will be at prayer for their late Bishop. The Diocese extends its sympathy to Bishop Kevin's mum Cath, his sisters Elizabeth, Mary and Julia and his brothers Stephen and Peter, and to his nieces and nephews, who will all miss him greatly. The diocese also extends its prayers and sympathy to Pamela Hyland, Bishop Kevin's housekeeper for the last three and half years in this diocese, as well as many years previously in his home diocese.

Just before he died, Bishop Kevin's family gathered together with Canon Cunningham, with clergy from the Episcopal Council and Bishop's Secretary and the prayers for the sick and dying were prayed together. May the Lord welcome this faithful servant with love and mercy. May he rest in peace.