Mourning the loss of an Australian Bishop who worked for ecumenism particularly with the Methodist Church

Vatican's Council for Christian Unity mourns death of Bishop Putney

(Vatican Radio) The diocese of Townsville in north-eastern Australia on Friday announced the death of Bishop Michael Putney who had been diagnosed with cancer in December 2012. Born in 1946, Bishop Michael’s death comes one day after he marked his 13^th year as head of the city’s Catholic community.

Beyond the Catholic Church in Australia, Bishop Michael is also being mourned by all those in the ecumenical world where he played a vital role as co-chairman of the Methodist-Roman Catholic International Commission. On hearing the news of his death, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity issued the following statement:

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our esteemed colleague the Rt Rev Michael Putney. Bishop Michael has been an inspiring and dedicated member of this Council for many years and has worked untiringly for the cause of Christian Unity at many levels. We have been blessed to have his wise counsel and constant encouragement in fulfilling the ecumenical commitment entrusted to our Church by the Second Vatican Council, a commitment which, in a real sense, was the guiding passion of Bishop Michael’s life and ministry.

As Co-Chairman of the Methodist-Roman Catholic International Commission for many years, Bishop Michael brought to bear his theological expertise, his sensitivity and his great human warmth. The friendships formed in that dialogue were deep and the messages from around the world demonstrate the great affection in which Bishop Michael was held by our ecumenical partners. The current Methodist Co-Chairman, Rev David Chapman, wrote of Bishop Michael, that he was “not only a much-loved co-chair of the dialogue but also a father in God to all of us serving on the commission.”

Diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2012, Bishop Michael continued to serve in his diocese, and described 2013 as “one of the most amazing years of my life” and “my miracle”. His unflagging zeal and infectious optimism touched many with whom he shared this journey, both within his diocese and far beyond.

The day before he was admitted into hospital he attended the book launch of his autobiography, My Ecumenical Journey. We have lost a fellow traveller who sustained us and encouraged us with his own extraordinary gifts. However, his prayers will be with us as we continue to journey towards the unity for which Christ prayed.



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