The following message from Archbishop David Moxon and Bishop Philip Richardson was read at the funeral of Bishop Peter Sutton on Maundy Thursday:

“We deeply regret that we cannot attend Bishop Peter’s funeral and to be with you all today as we mark the passing of Bishop Peter. He is remembered by the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia as like a great totara tree who stood tall in the forest. He was tall in stature, but also in dignity and spirituality. Many of us, even though knowing him best towards the end of his active ministry, came to value and respect his passion for the church and his honest and wise leadership.

"Bishop Peter’s decisive discernment and perspective shaped this church at crucial moments of its life. He participated with great honesty and courage during the church union debates of the 1960s and 1970s, he offered a particularly strong and comprehensive episcopacy to the Diocese of Nelson for so many years, he chaired the General Synod of this church between archbishops and he related to everyone with the same grace and vigour.

"He continued to show a deep interest in the journey of this church for all of the years he was retired and many of us have had the benefit of his cards and letters at significant moments. Our deepest condolences go to Pam and the family at this time. We can only say on behalf of the church as a whole that you can be proud of Bishop Peter and know that he has the respect and the affection of so many.

"Well done thou good and faithful servant. May Peter rest in peace and rise in glory. May light perpetual shine upon him.

++David Moxon and +Philip Richardson
Archbishop of the New Zealand Dioceses and Bishop of Taranaki”