Oxford News
Former Bishop of Oxford Lord Harries dies at age of 89
Tributes have been paid to Lord Harries of Pentregarth, who died on Wednesday.
The Oxford Diocese said in a statement on Thursday morning that the former Bishop died after a short illness and a few weeks before his 90th birthday.
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A former British Army officer, Rt Rev Richard Harries was the Bishop of Oxford from 1987 to 2006.
On his retirement, he was created a life peer, and continued his work in the House of Lords as Lord Harries of Pentregarth.
A regular contributor to the Church Times for several decades, and to BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day programme, he wrote 26 books.
The Bishop of Oxford, Rt Rev Dr Steven Croft, said: “Bishop Richard will be remembered by very many people across the diocese for his intelligence and kindness, his good humour, and his deep pastoral wisdom.
“He made a very significant impact beyond the life of the Church in the life of the nation through his ministry in the House of Lords and his writing and broadcasting, particularly on Thought for the Day.
“He made key contributions to Christian ethics and to interfaith relationships, particularly the relationship between Christianity and Judaism, both in Oxford and more widely.”
Lord Harries had been “one of the very best speakers” in the House of Lords, Bishop Steven said.
He added: “His speech on assisted dying in September stood out among scores of speeches that day for its clarity and compassion.”
Bishop Steven said the diocese “remained in debt to Richard for his gentle, encouraging leadership, inspiring appointments and skilled stewardship in his long ministry here”.
He added: “Like many others, I am deeply grateful personally for his encouragement and wisdom.
“We give thanks for Bishop Richard’s life and witness. We pray for his wife Jo and children Mark and Clare and their families.
“We grieve his passing and we give thanks for the sure hope of resurrection. May Richard rest in peace and rise in glory. Alleluia.”
The editor of the Church Times, Sarah Meyrick, who previously worked for the Oxford Diocese, said: “We will miss Richard Harries enormously at the Church Times.
“He was a public intellectual and a wonderful thinker. His pieces for us were always well argued and interesting — and always delivered to us on time. His most recent contribution was a thoughtful piece on the atonement for our Holy Week issue.
“At a personal level, he was modest, gracious, and a delight to deal with. In other words, any editor’s dream. He will be much missed and mourned by his many admirers.”
In one of his final articles for the Church Times, Lord Harries wrote: “This life is a journey and a preparation for something beyond it.
“What is beyond is not simply an extension of this life, or this kind of life lived elsewhere. It is that in which all things come together, which exists as an end in itself.”
Lord Harries was involved in a high-profile controversy in 2003 following his nomination of Canon Jeffrey John to the area bishopric of Reading who later declined to accept the post.
The appointment of the homosexual but celibate Canon had threatened a split in the Oxford Diocese with Conservatives calling for congregations to withhold money in protest.
The Refugee Flag was flown at Witney Town Hall to mark World Refugee Day.
Mayor Councillor Jane Doughty and Deputy Mayor Councillor Sandra Simpson raised the flag in support of refugees living in Witney and around the world.
World Refugee Day is observed annually on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.
In an online post, Witney Town Council said: “This morning, the Mayor, Cllr Jane Doughty, and the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sandra Simpson, raised the Refugee Flag at the Town Hall, marking World Refugee Day.
“The flag is raised every year on the flagpole as a gesture of solidarity with the refugee community here in Witney and across the world.”
Najeebullah Arab, of Mayfield Avenue, Grove, was today (Friday, June 19) sentenced at Oxford Crown Court to 10 years and 11 months’ imprisonment, an extended licence period of six years, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years and a lifetime restraining order for his victims.
The 40-year-old Afghan national pleaded guilty to sexually communicating with the 14-year-old child in May 2024.
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He was on court bail for that offence when he sexually assaulted a woman in her 20s in January this year and, less than a week after that, sexually assaulted, kidnapped and raped a 19-year-old woman in Wantage.
Senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Stuart May of the Thames Valley Police said: “Firstly, I want to pay tribute to the victims in this case, whose courage in coming forward has been vital in securing justice.
“They were rightly described as heroes by HHJ Nott during today’s sentencing.
“Arab is a dangerous sexual predator who targeted women and subjected them to traumatic and violent offences.
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“His actions have had a lasting impact on his victims, and it is right that he will now spend a significant period of time behind bars.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and ensures he can no longer pose a risk to the public.
“I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the victims and the wider community that offenders like Arab will be brought to justice.”
Home-Start Oxford is marking Small Charity Week, running from June 22 to 29, by highlighting the vital role small organisations play in supporting communities.
Based in the centre and west of Oxfordshire, the charity offers free, confidential support to parents and carers with young children who are experiencing challenges such as postnatal depression, isolation, bereavement, health issues or disability.
Katharine Barber, CEO of Home‑Start Oxford, said: “Small charities are often closest to the people who need them most.
“We may be small in structure, but the difference we make is huge.
“Every week, our volunteers and staff walk alongside families who are facing incredibly tough circumstances, offering practical help, emotional support and a listening ear.
“Small Charity Week is a chance to shine a light on the essential role organisations like ours play in strengthening communities and to recognise the people who make it all possible.”
Despite rising demand, higher costs and a challenging funding environment, Home‑Start Oxford has supported more than 600 families so far this year.
This impact has been made possible thanks to the dedication of its volunteers, staff and supporters.
The charity is encouraging people to mark Small Charity Week by turning short-term awareness into lasting action.
Ms Barber said: “There are so many ways to support a small charity – from volunteering a few hours, to holding a fundraiser, becoming a regular giver, or simply sharing our work with others.”
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