Colleagues and friends from across the Diocese pay tribute after the death of former DAC Chair and Diocesan Trustee Philip Fletcher.
The eldest of four children, Philip Fletcher was born on 2 May 1946. He attended Marlborough College and studied history at Trinity College, Oxford. Before starting university, he spent a few months in Bangladesh with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO).
Philip served with distinction at National, Diocesan, and local church level. He was on the Diocese’s Environmental and Eco Diocese working groups, the Diocesan Council of Trustees, and served with care and devotion as Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC). He chaired the Church of England Mission and Public Affairs Council (MPAC) from 2010 to 2015. Philip was also a Reader.
The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, said: “Philip Fletcher was a distinguished public servant, and a member of a family equally distinguished by so many who have given faithful service to the Church. I extend heartfelt sympathy to Margaret and the family and I am glad that Philip was granted his wish of coming home and a peaceful end repeating the word Amen as Margaret read his favourite psalms.”
The Bishop added: “Philip combined a high-flying career in the Civil Service – he was the last Receiver of the Metropolitan District, and Chief Executive of Ofwat – with equally devoted service as a Reader in Stockwell. As a Minister of the Word, he brought the acuteness of his mind, and the kindness of his heart to the parish and people of St Andrew and St Michael, Stockwell for more than 40 years. The National Church benefited greatly from his wisdom as Chair of the MPAC, as did Southwark by his meticulous chairing of the DAC. Many have commented with a sense of loss on his passing. Our loss is great, as will be his reward.”
The Diocesan Secretary, Ruth Martin said: “Philip Fletcher was a clear thinker and found it easy to grasp complex data as well as the strategic big picture. Soon after I became Diocesan Secretary, I realised I could no longer continue as a member of the governing body of Canterbury Christ Church University so Philip took my place there as the Archbishops’ Council representative and on its audit committee where he became Chair. He relished being involved in higher education and I know that he maintained these roles, together with his position in the DAC, for as long as he could throughout his illness. Philip will be greatly missed in so many ways and we pray that his huge contribution to so many will be a comfort to Margaret and Sarah.”
Between 1996 and 2000, Philip was the Receiver – or chief financial officer – for the Metropolitan Police. He was Director General of Ofwat from 2000 to 2006 and its Chair from 2006 to 2012.
As DAC Chair, a post he took up in February 2018, Philip’s vision was to help the DAC in its work of assisting PCCs to make church buildings fit for mission and worship in the 21st century.
Luke Tatam, Secretary to the DAC, said: “Philip’s personal kindness and his inspirational dedication to the DAC’s work will be greatly missed. Members of the committee appreciated his wise chairing of the committee in a diligent and thoughtful way, demonstrating his calm, insightful and even-handed leadership. He was exemplary in listening well to others.”
Philip served faithfully as a Reader in Stockwell Parish for more than 40 years, preaching and leading services in both St Andrew’s and St Michael’s churches every month, as well as being on several church committees locally. The Revd Erica Wooff said: “We are all immensely sad in Stockwell Parish that we will no longer see Philip cycling at top speed to St Michael’s church every week. He was a much loved and valued colleague and friend, who we will all sorely miss.”
Fellow General Synod member, the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, said: “Philip was one of those people, in my experience, who could be generous, kind and enormously thoughtful whilst being clear and tough and having huge professional expertise. At every level of his involvement in the Church, Philip brought both his humanity and professionalism all imbued with his Christian faith and sense of vocation. As it says in the gospels, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’.”
Director of Public Mission and Public Affairs, Dr Malcolm Brown, worked with Philip from 2010 to 2015. He said: “Philip was a first-rate Chair – always supportive of staff but also ready to challenge and guide, especially me as Director! He had acute antennae of the politics of our work, both in terms of the Government and the politics of the National Church, drawing on long experience in the Civil Service at a high level.”
Dr Brown continued: “Philip’s own position on most major Church issues was clear and yet he commanded respect from those who took other views because he was never tribal. In short, he was a good Anglican who knew that the church was stronger for having members coming from different traditions who respected each other’s sincerity.”
Philip was passionate about environmental causes and served on the Church of England’s Environment Working Group (EWG). Nicola Thomas, Head of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC), said: “Philip was a much-valued member of the Eco Diocese Working Group and the EWG, where he brought his rich experience and wisdom. His ability to represent a range of views and experiences was much appreciated by the Chair and members of these committees.”
Philip was a keen ornithologist and hill walker and also a great visitor of National Trust properties and ancient churches. Philip’s elder daughter, Helen, died in a horse-riding accident, aged 11, in August 1989. He is survived by his wife Margaret and their younger daughter Sarah, two grandchildren, his brother Colin and a sister, Gillian.
A service of thanksgiving will be held at St Michael’s Church, 56 Stockwell Park Road, SW9 0DA on Saturday 26 March 2022 at 12noon followed by light refreshments in the hall. No flowers, please. Donations in memory of Philip may be given to: Christian Aid (www.justgiving.com/Sarah-Fletcher56)
or to the National Trust (www.justgiving.com/Sarah-Fletcher57). No dress code.