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 13th
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.