This is a text-only version of an article first published on Friday, 6 December 2013. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
'In the death of Nelson Mandela the world has lost one of its noblest figures.
His courage, dignity and unswerving loyalty to truth made his long walk to freedom an inspiration for untold millions of people, especially those who continue to live under tyranny.
His years of imprisonment only strengthened his moral and spiritual resources.
His leadership was marked by the most remarkable magnanimity such that, for example, he made sure his Robben Island gaoler was invited to his installation as President.
His partnership with Archbishop Desmond Tutu was crucial to the cause of freedom and equality, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission embodied his spirit of forgiveness and hope. Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in our link diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman where we know many brave people who were involved in the struggle against apartheid.
Our brothers and sisters there may have lost the Father of the Nation, but they live more securely as children of God because of the character and courage of that great man. May he rest in peace, and rise in glory. ' - + John (The Bishop of Oxford)6 December 2013