It is with much sadness that we share the news of Chris Stock’s death

It is with much sadness that we share the news of Chris Stock’s death.

Chris died on Monday 23 June. He had served as Archdeaconry Warden of Readers for the Wells Archdeaconry and was a much-valued friend and colleague. He will be remembered for his friendship, faithful dedication and service.  

Archdeacon Simon, the Diocesan Warden of Readers for the Diocese of Bath and Wells, said of Chris, “Chris was a dedicated Reader in his benefice of Ham Hill Villages and spoke fondly of his ministry there and the different ways in which he served God.

“His ministry embraced a number of areas, including taking many funerals. In recent years where Readers have taken more of a role in archdeaconry leadership, Chris was at the forefront of changes and was an incredibly committed Archdeaconry Warden. He was very thorough in supporting and working with candidates for Reader ministry and when issues arose in the archdeaconry, he gave significant time and energy in endeavouring to bring difficult situations to a satisfactory conclusion and his efforts were much appreciated by many. For the diocese as a whole, Chris was highly involved in the process around the annual Reader returns and for a number of years organised the annual Reader service and oversaw the Reader Day.

“A few days before he died, he was at Readers’ Council and was, as passionately as ever, engaging with topics and flying the flag for Readers. His commitment to Readers and Reader ministry was enormous and the comments of people on hearing of his death are evidence of the impact that he made within and beyond the archdeaconry. May he rest in God’s peace. Our prayers are for his wife Dorothy and his family at this time.”

Chris wanted to communicate what Reader ministry meant to him and recently shared a story about his journey on the diocesan website to encourage Reader ministry.  

He told how after taking early retirement and moving to a new home in the Salisbury Diocese, directly opposite the village church, that Chris first felt a call to become involved in church life and very quickly was appointed churchwarden. 

Wanting to explore his faith further, Chris joined the Exploring Christianity course. He shared how the course had opened his mind to God’s calling and helped him realise he needed to act on it. This later led him to train as a licensed Reader. He was licensed in Salisbury in 2012 and moved to Bath and Wells in 2014.

Chris described Reader ministry as rooted in three things that mattered deeply to him: being licensed, being lay, and being focused on sharing the Gospel. He said he felt it was where he belonged serving among the people, helping to make faith accessible and meaningful.

As Wells Archdeaconry Warden of Readers, Chris supported others in their roles, helping to encourage and strengthen Reader ministry across the diocese.
We give thanks for Chris’s service, thoughtful faith, and leadership and hold his family in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.