CHURCH leaders were joined by politicians and grieving family members yesterday as tributes were paid to the former Bishop of Liverpool, David Sheppard.

The Rt Rev Lord Sheppard, a former England cricket captain, died peacefully at home on Saturday, surrounded by family and friends on the day before what would have been his 76th birthday.

During his time as bishop, from 1975 to 1997, he tackled poverty in the city and helped build bridges with the Roman Catholic community.

Last night, Grace Sheppard, his wife for more than 47 years, and his daughter, Jenny, said in a statement: "We want to thank those whose prayers and support have sustained us all during this long journey."

The Rt Rev James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool since 1998, said: "David Sheppard will go down in history as one of the few diocesan bishops of the 20th century who exercised influence in the life of the nation as well as the church.

"Rooted in the realities of urban life, he spoke and acted prophetically. He distilled the experience and insights of the Diocese of Liverpool and showed how the gospel of Jesus Christ connected with the poor.

"David and Grace served God in this diocese for nearly a quarter of a century and did so with faith, wisdom, compassion and courage.

"The diocese is deeply thankful to God for his remarkable ministry and leadership, and holds Grace and the family in prayer that they might be comforted."

David Sheppard was born on March 6, 1929, becoming Bishop of Woolwich in 1969 and moving to Liverpool six years later.

He worked closely with the city's Roman Catholic Archbishop, Derek Worlock, and in the 1980s played a major part in the Church of England's response to the problems of the inner cities.

The current Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Rev Patrick Kelly, yesterday described Lord Sheppard as "a very great bishop".

He said: "It was with great sad-ness that I learned of the death of Bishop David Sheppard. He will be remembered with great gratitude for his leadership in the Diocese of Liverpool and in the city as a whole.

"His partnership with Archbishop Derek Worlock took great courage and was affirmed by the visit of Pope John Paul II to Liverpool's two cathedrals in 1982.

"Our prayer today is for a very great Bishop of Liverpool; for his wife, Grace, and for all who mourn him. May he rest in peace."

Mohammad Akbar Ali, of Liverpool's Abdullah Quilliam Society, paid tribute to Lord Sheppard on behalf of the Muslim community.

He said: "He was not only a bishop, a man of God, but also a man of this world, a scholar, a sportsman and a man of vision and action.

"He, together with the late Archbishop Derek Worlock, brought about a profound and lasting transformation in the relationship between the Catholics and Protestants in Liverpool.

"At an interfaith gathering, he referred to me as an ally, for indeed David and I had been working together for some years to promote harmony and better understanding between our two communities." Frank Roderick,, Lord Mayor of Liverpool, recognised Lord Sheppard's role in the regeneration of Liverpool.

HE SAID: "This is very sad news. David Sheppard, although not a native Liverpudlian, will always be associated with Liverpool as he was a formidable and eloquent champion of the city at a time when its fortunes were at their lowest.

"In particular, he spoke up for the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society.

"He will be sadly missed and our thoughts go out to his family. We will remember him in our prayers in the coming days."

Liverpool Riverside MP Louise Ellman praised Lord Sheppard's efforts in turning around Liverpool's fortunes in the 1980s and 1990s. She said: "He made a wonderful contribution to Liverpool and to society. His report called Faith in the City had a dramatic effect in highlighting urban poverty, and I will always remember the efforts he took to make sure I had an advance copy.

"He was personally charming and his strength of character shone through.

"I first met him before I was an MP, when I was leader of Lancashire County Council. I went to his home to talk to him about setting up an investment fund for small businesses in the late 1980s.

"That fund was very successful, so I will always remember his kindness and commitment. I think he has been a wonderful example."

Ken Lord, who was principal youth officer for Wirral in the early 1990s, paid tribute to Lord Sheppard's work with youth groups on Merseyside.

He said: "He was one of the inspirations for me going into Christian youth work in the 1960s and a calling to work in Gateacre Youth Centre on Lee Park.

BEING a member of Frontier Youth Trust, of which David was one of the founding members, helped keep me sane and on track during those years.

"So I thank God for David and all the encouragement he gave to youth leaders like myself in those years."

Later in his life, Lord Sheppard was an honorary assistant bishop in the Diocese of Chester and lived near West Kirby, Wirral.

The Bishop of Chester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Forster, said: "David Sheppard ordained me as a curate in Liverpool in 1980 and our lives have crossed ever since.

"It was a particular pleasure when he retired into the Diocese of Chester in 1997 and I have greatly valued his friendship and advice."

He added: "His ecumenical vision and advocacy of Liverpool during periods of economic recession played a major role in shaping modern Merseyside.

"His gifts and achievements were justly recognised by a life peerage upon his retirement."

Canon Brian McConnell, vicar of Altrincham St George, in Cheshire, was for many years spiritual director and friend to Lord Sheppard.

He said: "David was a real gift from God to the Church and the world. His intellect and decisive mind, combined with a passionate pastoral concern for all people made him unique in the Church of England.

"His ability to listen to ordinary people and to make them valued was evidence of someone in whom Christ was truly alive."

A book of remembrance was opened yesterday at Liverpool Cathedral.

A private family funeral will be held at St Bridget's in West Kirby, followed by a cremation.

The ashes will be interred at the cathedral at a later date.

There will be a public thanksgiving service at the cathedral at a date to be announced.

grahamdavies@dailypost.co.uk