The Archbishop of Canterbury has written to the archbishops of this Church to offer his condolences on the death of Primate and Archbishop Brown Turei.

“It was with great sadness that I heard of the loss of our brother in Christ, William Brown Turei.” writes Archbishop Justin Welby.

“After so many years of faithful service to the church, he will be deeply missed by so many. He was a highly respected, wise and gentle leader and a well-deserved recipient of the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, last year. I am sorry he didn’t make his retirement and the celebration services you would have planned for March.

I know that all your brothers and sisters across the Anglican Communion too will be holding you in prayer and love at this time.

We at Lambeth Palace will also remember his wife Mihi and their three children and six grandchildren in our our prayers, as well as all his friends in Aotearoa.

May the peace of Christ, which passes all understanding, be yours this day and in the days ahead.

In Christ,

+ Justin

The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby

The Archbishop of Canterbury

Lambeth Palace London SE1 7JU