Tributes have been paid to Geoffrey Tattersall KC, a Chair of the General Synod and former Diocesan Chancellor, who has died aged 77.
Geoffrey was widely respected for his service to the Church of England and his distinguished career in law.
Geoffrey’s contributions to the General Synod were marked by his characteristic blend of good humour and rigour. He was known for his ability to chair debates with a light touch, encouraging constructive dialogue even in challenging moments.
The Bishop of Leicester, Martyn Snow, who leads the Church’s work on Living in Love and Faith (LLF), said: "Geoffrey’s chairing of Synod debates, including LLF, with humour and integrity, greatly aided our discernment.”
“His gift was to foster good-natured debate, even in moments of deep difference. May he rest in peace and rise in glory."
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, also paid tribute: “I was very sorry indeed to hear about the death of Geoffrey Tattersall KC on 5th January, the Eve of the Feast of the Epiphany. Geoffrey was very much a gift to us all. First made a QC in 1992, he put his considerable legal expertise and razorlike mind at the service of the Church of England.
"A faithful worshipper at Christ Church Heaton in Bolton, he was at various times the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Manchester and Carlisle and Vicar General of the Diocese of Sodor and Man. For many years Geoffrey was a much valued and thoughtful member of the General Synod.
"With a ready wit and relaxed manner he was a fair and popular chair in Synod debates, most memorably last year at the debate allowing the blessing of same-sex couples. Our love and sympathy go out to his wife Hazel and their children and families at this time."
The Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, expressed his sadness: “He served the Church of England from parish to national level with great distinction. His wise judgement and gentle humour from the chair defused many a tricky session of the General Synod,” he said.
Born in Lancashire in 1947, Geoffrey Tattersall was called to the Bar in 1970 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1992. He served as the Isle of Man’s Judge of Appeal with distinction for two decades between 1997 and 2017.
In the Church of England, Geoffrey combined his legal acumen with a deep faith and commitment to ecclesiastical service. An elected member of the General Synod since 1995, he also served as Chancellor of the Dioceses of Manchester and Carlisle and chaired the Clergy Disciplinary Tribunal. From 2015 to 2019, he was the Vicar General of the Diocese of Sodor and Man.