Stephen Pedley, a Church of England bishop, has died at age 85. He held the position of bishop of Lancaster from 1998 until 2005, during which time he became known among parishioners as “the people’s bishop” for his approachable pastoral style and commitment to those in his care.
Pedley was born in Coventry to Geoffrey, a priest, and Muriel. He attended Marlborough School in Wiltshire before pursuing a history degree at Queens’ College, Cambridge. He then trained for ordained ministry at Ripon College Cuddesdon in Oxfordshire. Following ordination in 1966, he began his ministerial career as a curate at Liverpool Parish Church. In 1970, he married Mary Macdonald, daughter of a clergyman and a teacher in training.
Throughout his career, Pedley held various positions in the Church of England. He served as a curate in Coventry starting in 1969, then relocated to Kitwe in Zambia’s copper belt between 1971 and 1977 as a priest. Upon returning to England, he worked as vicar of Stockton from 1977 to 1978 and rector of Whickham from 1988 to 1993. Before his appointment as bishop, he served as a residentiary canon at Durham Cathedral from 1993 to 1998 and held the role of chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II beginning in 1984.
Following his retirement from the episcopate after seven years in that role, Pedley became an honorary assistant bishop for the diocese of Newcastle. He was remembered by colleagues and those he served for his pastoral warmth, sense of humor, and genuine care for people. He and Mary maintained a tradition of generous hospitality throughout their marriage at various residences, including their retirement home in Newbrough, Northumberland. Pedley is survived by his wife Mary, three children—Mark, Andrew, and Philippa—and six grandchildren.
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