The Catholic Bishop of East Anglia has let it be known that doctors have given him only weeks to live.
The Rt Rev Michael Evans was diagnosed with advanced prostrate cancer
just over five years ago.
He has continued his ministry despite the
developement of his illness amd its ongoing treatment.
A letter from the Bishop was read out to congregations across the
Diocese, which covers Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
He wrote of
his illness, his wish to continue in his role as long as possible, his
hopes and prayers for the future and thanked his doctors.
"In the last few weeks, the cancer has rather quickly taken control.
My oncology and palliative care consultants informed me openly and
honestly just before Christmas that I now probably have only weeks to
live, and I am as prepared for that as I can be, accepting it with faith
as a gift of God’s grace" wrote the bishop.
He continued, “I have received wonderful care from Dr Adrian Harnett
and everyone at the Colney Centre at the Norwich and Norfolk University
Hospital, and the local surgery, and I would like to thank them for
their dedication which continues. My thanks also to so many people in
our team at the White House (the Diocesan headquarters in Norwich) and
across our diocese.
“We have moved forward and outward together as a diocese, although
not all of you may be have been happy with the directions we have taken.
I am sorry for any ways I have failed in my ministry during those
years. There remain a number of difficulties on my desk which will need
to be handled by others.
“Rather than resign, I would like to continue among you as your
bishop and the father of our diocesan family until this stage of my life
ends. I do not know how long that will be. I am most grateful for the
ways you have cared for and so prayerfully supported me in recent years.
You remain very much in my thoughts and care. As I am sure you
understand, I am able to do very little, and will need to rely on
others. Please can I ask you to limit any expressions of care to prayer
for now, rather than anything else to which I cannot respond. As I live now under the shadow of death, my prayer is very much that
of St Paul that I may know something of the power of Christ’s
resurrection and a share in his sufferings, trusting that the Lord is
with me. I pray that even now I can joyfully witness something of the
good news we are all called to proclaim," wrote Bishop Michael.
Michael Evans was appointed as the third Bishop of East Anglia by
Pope John Paul II on February 14, 2003 and was consecrated at the
Cathedral Church of St John the Baptist in Norwich on March 19. The
Diocese covers Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
He was born in South London in 1951 and ordained a priest in
Southwark in 1975 After studying for a Master of Theology degree at
London University, he lecturered in Christian Doctrine at St John's
Seminary in Wonersh for eight years, later becoming a university
chaplain and a parish priest in Tunbridge Wells.
Bishop Evans was
appointed a Canon Theologian in Southwark in 1996.
Michael Evans is chair of the Bishops’ Conference Committee for
Christian Unity and a
co-presidents of the Christian-Muslim Forum which
was established by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1997
He has been a member of the British Methodist/Roman Catholic
committee for 20 years and a member of the International Joint Council
for Dialogue between the World Methodist Council and the Roman Catholic
Church since 1997.
SIC: Ekklesia/UK