Obituary: The Right Rev Oliver Tomkins

IT WAS a pity that the Very Rev Alan Webster (obituary, 2 November) made no mention of Bishop Oliver Tomkins's fruitful ministry in his retirement, writes the Rev Dr Peter Cope.

Bishop Oliver and Ursula moved into St George's Square, Worcester, on their retirement from Bristol. They became members of the lively 9.30am cathedral congregation, and enjoyed the informal style of worship. Bishop Oliver became President of Worcester Council of Churches, which was active in promoting ecumenical understanding, worship, and social action in the city. As the then Secretary of the Council, I can testify to the effort which he put in to guide this work - he was a real 'Father-in-God' to us. He also had a marvellous ministry of encouragement to Christians in difficult situations in which he was glad to offer his great pastoral experience and liberal theological understanding.