Liverpool mourns Lord David Sheppard

The former Anglican Bishop of Liverpool, Lord Sheppard, died on Saturday night, on the eve of his 76th birthday, after a long battle with cancer. Bishop Davids' wife Grace and his daughter Jenny, said in a statement: "We want to thank those whose prayers and support have sustained us all during this long journey." The Catholic Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Reverend Patrick Kelly, issued the following statement on hearing the news: "It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Bishop David Sheppard. He will be remembered with great gratitude for his leadership in the Diocese of Liverpool and in the City as a whole. His partnership with Archbishop Derek Worlock took great courage and was affirmed by the visit of Pope John Paul II to Liverpool's two cathedrals in 1982. "Our prayer today is for a very great Bishop of Liverpool; for his wife, Grace, and for all who mourn him. May he rest in peace." Lord Sheppard was Bishop of Liverpool between 1975 and 1997. A book of remembrance has been opened at the city's cathedral today. A private family funeral service will be held at St Bridget's in West Kirby, followed by a cremation. The ashes will be interred at the Cathedral at a later date. There will be a public thanksgiving service at the Cathedral at a date to be announced. Source: Archdiocese of Liverpool/CoE