The Rt Revd Bill Ind

The Rt Revd Bill Ind, the 14th Bishop of Truro has died at the age of 84. He will be fondly remembered by many in this diocese.

Bishop Bill guided the diocese from 1997 until his retirement in 2008. During his tenure he was awarded the Trelawny Plate, an award given to people who are seen as making an ‘outstanding contribution to Cornish life’. He was also a TV star, appearing in the BBC series A Seaside Parish during its three-year run in the early 2000s.

Bill was ordained in 1966. Prior to his arrival in Truro in 1997, he was Suffragan Bishop of Grantham in Lincolnshire. Bill trained at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield, then served curacies in the Diocese of London before being appointed Team Vicar of Basingstoke, in the Diocese of Winchester, where he served from 1973 -87 in a rapidly expanding, busy parish. During some of this time he was also Diocesan Director of Ordinands, and Vice Principal of the Aston Training scheme for clergy, and built up a formidable reputation as a pastor, with a keen sense of humour, which never left him.

Servant leadership

The Rt Revd David Williams, the current Bishop of Truro, said: “I had heard of Bill’s remarkable time as a vicar in Basingstoke, and as Bishop there, was delighted that he and Frances [his wife] came for the opening of ‘The Bill Ind room’ at Popley Church. Bill’s ability to connect and to exercise ‘servant leadership’ characterised his whole life.

“To be one of his successors as Bishop of Truro is a privilege. As a diocese we hold him and Frances in our prayers and hearts.”

Legend

The Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, the current Bishop of Winchester, and 16th Bishop of Truro, said: “Bishop Bill was something of a legend in the Diocese of Truro, well known for his sympathetic, down-to-earth manner, which resonated so well with the people of Cornwall. His were very good footsteps in which to follow and I’m honoured that for a season I was called to do so.”

Champion for the people

The Rt Revd Tim Thornton, 15th Bishop of Truro, said:  “When I arrived in Cornwall I was told by many what big shoes I had to try and fill.  I was well aware of how loved Bishop Bill was right across the diocese and of what an important role he had filled as Bishop of Truro.  During his time he was a champion for the people of Cornwall speaking out for them in many places.  His sense of fun and willingness to engage with everyone meant that he opened doors and windows and invited people to know more about God.  He could be irreverent, direct and mischievous and always did so in order to share with others the good news of the Gospel.  May he now rest in peace and I pray for Frances and all his family.”

Life is for making friends. Heaven is for enjoying them.

Speaking at the time of his retirement as Bishop of Truro, Bill said: “I have loved meeting people and just being with them… My own faith has been enriched, and I have gained all sorts of insights just by being here.” He added: “A saying of Edward King, once The Bishop of Lincoln, keeps me going – ‘This life is for making friends. Heaven is for enjoying them’.” His funeral is expected to be held in early May.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.