Christopher Morgan: a tribute

Heartbroken to learn today of the death of Christopher Morgan. You can read our obituary, which is now online. There will be an inquest. As his friends knew, Chris had been troubled for a little while but we all thought he was on the mend. The former Religious Affairs Correspondent for The Sunday Times, he had recently had a couple of stories in the paper. One clergyman who was in regular touch with Chris spoke to him as recently as last Wednesday, when Chris seemed full of plans. But sadly, Chris took his own life last Friday. His close friend the Arcbishop of Canterbury said: 'This is a devastating loss. Christopher was a skilled professional who had a rare grasp of how religious institutions work but also had a profound personal spirituality.' Like all his close friends, the Archbishop is understood to be in deep shock at his death and grieving for his family. The funeral will be a Requiem Mass at 7.30pm at Llandaff on Friday 20 June. The Arcbishop of Wales will preside and the Archbishop of Canterbury preach. There will be a private committal for the family the following day.

Ben Dowell has written a tribute in the Guardian and BBC Wales, where he began his career, have done a piece. As Damian Thompson Thompson and Mike Smith also report, Chris had wonderful church connections, and coming from South Wales had been a devout Anglo-Catholic for all his religious life. (Update: Damian's latest blog on some of the fall-out from Chris's death.)

Chris was close to Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, and was even best man at the Archbishop's wedding to bishop's daughter Jane. He had been a true and faithful support to me throughout my 21 years at The Times, as he was to all his friends, godchildren, family and contacts. I'll never forget the wonderful lunches he treated me to at the Savoy and elsewhere, many of them hotels too luxurious and plush for me to have ever heard of without his introduction. A close friend of his has asked me to post this and record his life, which I do below. There have been many suicides and attempted suicides in my own family. I feel and pray for Chris. 

Chris's family writes:

'Christopher Morgan, the religious affairs correspondent for The Sunday Times and Television commentator on royal and religious affairs has died aged 55.

Christopher was educated at Cardiff High School, Atlantic College (The International Sixth Form College) and The University of St Andrews where he graduated as a Master of Theology in 1976. He then became treasurer of The National Union of Students working alongside the NUS’s President Charles Clarke.

In 1977 he began his career in broadcasting in the BBC’s Religious Department headed up by John Stuart Roberts.

In 1978 he moved into News and Current Affairs working as a reporter and presenter for BBC Wales Radio and Television whilst regularly contributing to news programmes on BBC1 and BBC Radio 4. This experience led him to become one of the main presenters on the BBC Wales flagship regional news programme ‘Wales Today’

In 1990, Christopher moved to London where he worked as a reporter for Thames News and TVAM.

Between 1990 and 1997, he presented BBC Radio 4’s ‘Sunday’ programme focusing on religious news and moral issues. Acclaimed reports included his coverage of the moral questions raised by the 1991 Gulf War and the genocide and ethnic cleansing campaign conducted in Bosnia. Coverage of Islam was also a specialist subject in this period.

In 1997, he became Religious Affairs Correspondent for The Sunday Times and was responsible for providing analysis and reporting about major church news. From the year 2000, he began contributing to a number of television news programmes on religious affairs appearing regularly on BBC News 24, Sky News and CNN.

Additional Information:
The death of Christopher’s mother nearly three years ago affected him deeply. However he strived to maintain the highest of standards in journalism across a number of media, though it was clear to those close to him that he was struggling to come to terms with one of life’s ultimate bereavements.

Last summer Christopher started suffering from bouts of depression and sought psychiatric help. He contributed a couple of stories to The Sunday Times in the spring of this year, and his family and friends thought he was slowly on the road to recovery. However, on Friday 30th May, 2008 he took his own life.'

Update: many people have contacted me to ask about the funeral. This is what is at the end of the obit:

'In spite of the way it ended, there is much about Morgan's life that was glorious. It will be celebrated in a way he would have loved. His brother John Morgan, managing director of the advertising agency JM Creative and a master at television production, is orchestrating the Requiem Mass to end all Requiem Masses. On a date yet to be announced, it will be at Llandaff Cathedral and at least one, possibly two, Archbishops will be in attendance. All Morgan's friends are most welcome to come, remember and say goodbye to him there.' Date to be announced soon.

Comments

[David Evans]

I was so very sorry to hear the sad news about Chris. I was in the choir at St Lukes in Cardiff in the 1970's. No one else knows this story, but I believe it sums up the sort of person Chris was. One day, Chris was trying to teach me a rather complicated role which I was to perform at a special mass. I was struggling to remember what I had to do, and Chris just smiled and said " Don't worry, God will know that you are trying your best". This I believe just goes to demonstrate the lovely man he was and the strength of his belief. RIP Christopher.

[Ms. Auburn Traycik]

I am deeply grieved by the passing of my colleague and co-religionist, Christopher Morgan. I had only known him for eight years, but from the start we got on like we were old friends. I occasionally assisted Chris on some of his Sunday Times stories, particularly when they related to the ever-exasperating American Church! In return, he treated me, on my last time in London, to some of that generous, lavish entertaining for which I see he was widely known. From a telephone chat some months back, I gleaned some hint of the terrible problems Chris had endured, caused as much if not more, it seemed, by the medication he had been prescribed, as his basic malady. As his ill reaction to the medication had been caught, I too made the mistake of thinking that he would be okay in time, especially as, when we talked, he seemed to be getting back to work. I am pained now to know how wrong I was, and to realize how extreme Chris' suffering must have been for someone of his religious beliefs to take the desperate action that he did. Of course I believe God understood all this, and will give Chris peace and rest in his eternal Love and Light. But I must feel sorry for any way in which I may have failed him, and join so many others who will miss him very much.

[LF]

I too met Christopher when I was a Sunday Times trainee in 2000. He generously gave me my first byline in the paper, despite me doing little more than making the tea on that particular story. I never forgot that kindness and am very sad to hear of his loss.

[John Lipscomb]

I was shocked and saddened to learn belatedly this morning of the death of Christopher Morgan.

Having had the privilege of selecting him from a group of sixteen year old applicants from Cardiff for the Atlantic College Scholarship some 39 years ago and, subsequently welcomed him to many religious discussions held in my house with students there at that time, I can say that even at that young age, Christopher impressed me and stood out as an individual with a deep and committed Faith.

His death is a great blow - may he rest in peace.

[Clifford Longley]

What a lovely fellow and a good friend. Those of us who had contact with him over the last couple of months are agonised to know whether we could have done more; but he seemed to want space. When I last spoke to him I just felt he sounded really shattered, in pieces, self-worth collapsed, even though he talked about getting back into the swing of things. I was even going to feed him a couple of tips to prime the pump. I shan't be at the requiem, as I will be abroad - will someone light a candle on my behalf, please? RIP Chris. Clifford Longley

[Fr Peter Geldard]

Only just heard the terribly sad news of the death of our dear friend, Christopher Morgan.
We had known each other over many years: from NUS days when we were together on the Executive; through his BBC Wales time and at St Luke's, Cardiff where he often encouraged me to visit and preach; through his 'Sunday' Programme when he showed great prescience in religious quests; to his recent time with 'The Sunday Times'
He was one of the few genuine 'religious' correspondents - someone who didn't just do it for employment, but one who really knew his subject and was devoted to it; as he was himself a devout practising Anglo-Catholic. His love for the faith which has inspired him all his life was a treasure to behold.
In later years, he was the ONLY speaker who came to talk (at their request) every year for the last 12 years to my students at the University of Kent. They spotted his sincerity, humanity, and depth of knowledge instantly.
His recent depression was obviously greater than any of us realised. When I last dined with him a few week's ago, I thought that he might be getting over the worst of it. His sudden death - and in such unimaginable circumstances - is such a tragic end to a good and honourable life. I know that his Redeemer will have brought him home to that 'port after storm'. My prayers go out for his friends and family. At such times, prayer is often all that is left: I said Mass for him today through tears in our little student chapel which he often visited; and where I know, from comments that he made, that he found some solace and peace. R.I.P.

[Ted Harrison]

I was very sorry to hear of Christopher Morgan's death. I had been speaking to him on the phone only hours before and now feel guilty I detected nothing untoward in his manner or tone which might have prompted me to do something.
I was a great admirer of his work as a journalist and appreciated how pressured he often was by the demands of his newsdesk always wanting a robust scoop as opposed to a considered and informed report on any issue.
Like many I enjoyed several good lunches with him and will remember his generosity and courtesy.

[john mcentee]

Chris was a lovely man who was a constant source of stories and gossip. He came to our Christmas Party eighteen months ago and was on top form.I ribbed him about his appearances on the Sky News late evening paper review where he was very good .I knew something was up late last year when he maintained radio silence and declined to return calls. We had spoken a few weeks ago and though he wasn't his old chipper self he seemed to be on the mend.His death is very affecting.I wish we'd all been able to say these things to him a week ago. J.

[Trudy Hopkins (Grant)]

So very sad to hear of Chris's death. I've known him since childhood and remember his kindness and support when I lost my mother.
Sincerest condolences to Chris's family and friends.

[Emir Feisal. JP]

I was stunned to hear of Chris's passing. He was a good man, and a truly compassionate man. With a great understanding of comparative religions, he could convince without trying.
He has left many of us grieving and wishing we could have done more, myself amongst them.

[Simon Walker]

I am so sorry to hear this. I came across Chris often when I was working at Buckingham Palace and he was covering Royal news. His reporting did not always make him popular - but he had great charm and personality and I'm very sad that he has died so tragically. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

[Leonard Attwell]

I am stunned at the news of the death of Chris Morgan who was my friend in the 70's and 80's. The last time I saw Chris is when we did a television news item together at BBC Wales studios in Llandaff, Cardiff. I had created an aluminium eagle with a six-feet wingspan which I later presented to the RAF. During the filming the eagle was bathed in red light at Christopher's request and it looked as if on fire and amazing.
The production team lost the video tape and it was never transmitted. I wish I had a copy of that tape now.
I thought the world of Chris, and heard him give a wonderful sermon. I lost touch with him when he moved to London but discovered that he was with The Times and sent him an email. I did not receive a reply and could not understand it, but sadly all is now clear.
I was close to my mother who died 20 years ago, if I had been with Chris I feel sure that I could have helped him having suffered in much the same way.
The eagle can be seen on my website www.leonard-cares.co.nr

[Julia Ranger (formerly Parsons)]

I have very fond memories of Chris and was deeply saddened by his death. I learnt a lot about reverence and worship from him. My heart and prayers are with his family at this time. I pray that he is now at peace with his Lord and family.

[Trushar Barot]

I first got to know Chris when he joined the Sunday Times - I was a trainee journalist there at the time. I worked with him a number of times and it was clear he had a great nose for a story - together with his formidable contacts. But above all, he was one of those people who would put a smile on your face whenever you saw him. I met him a number of times over recent years when he came to do paper reviews at the BBC and to hear the news today was a real jolt. It's very sad news.

[richard kay]

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Christopher's death.Compassionate and considered, he informed his articles with great insights. For a while he was uniquely the only royal-cum-religious affairs correspondent in Fleet Street. He was also a generous friend with a hearty appetite - Le Gavroche, the Connaught, the Ritz and Tom Aikens were just some of our preferred dining spots. I will miss his company.

(rg writes: thank you for commenting Richard, plse send my regards to Emma who is still remembered with much affection here.)

[Kate Bevan]

So very sad to hear of Chris's death. I reviewed the papers with him several times for News 24 and always delighted in his warmth, his cleverness and his generosity of spirit. He was a joy to share a set with. Deepest condolences to his family for their enormous loss.

[Martin Neary]

Christopher Morgan's death is a terrible shock. He was a fearless and passionate campaigner, whatever the consequences to him personally. My wife and I saw this at first hand when he so courageously wrote about events at Westminster Abbey in 1998. His passing is a tragic loss.

[Martin Neary]

Christopher Morgan's death is a terrible shock. He was a fearless and passionate campaigner, whatever the consequences to him personally. My wife and I saw this at first hand when he so courageously wrote about events at Westminster Abbey in 1998. His passing is a tragic loss. Martin Neary

[Pete Broadbent]

A tenacious and skilful journalist, with great knowledge of his field. And a warm person, even when you disagreed with him! He will be much missed. Prayers for all who were close to him.

[Michael Hare-Duke]

I first met Chris when he was a student at St Andrews and I had been Bishop there since 1969. He cared about other students in a memorable way and I was glad to be a resoure for him. In later years he would ring me up from theSunday Times and we would discuss the big issues in Church life. He encouraged me in some of my thinking and was always lively in his response. His comments came from his heart and his prayer. May he find rest afer the storm.

[Philip Andrews]

This is such sad news. He became such a familiar face on TV and in the general media. It is hard to believe.

May his family receive the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit and may his soul now find eternal peace and joy with Christ.

[John Quinton-Barber]

This is very sad news indeed. I came into contact with Christopher while I was at the Catholic Media Office in the mid ninetees. A gent.

[Morris Woodberry Cardiff.]

It was a great shock to hear via BBC radio Wales at 7:00am this morning, that a very kind person such as Chris has died. My mother and his mother were like sisters, from the birth of all the children in the family at Victoria park. Yet to my mother, Chris even from a child was always a very special person and away had something good to say to her. She would always tell me if he was seen on TV. Any kind person is big loss to UK.

[Elaine Storkey]

I was very distressed when I heard of Christopher's death, and I am very grateful to you for making it more public in this way. It shocked me to realize that his depression must have gripped him again very deeply, when it seemed that he was working through it. Chris was a very fine journalist but also a good and kind friend. I recognize all you say about his generosity. It was a generosity of spirit also, which made him such a gentle and entertaining companion and a warm host.
This is very sad news indeed.

[stephen bates]

It is very tragic news, Ruth, which I have just picked up from reading your blog, as I am currently away from the office. I first met Chris when we were both on a BBC training course together in 1982 and he was a good friend. I think he should never have left the BBC.
I tried to make contact with him last year when I heard he was not well to offer him support, but without success. Should have tried harder...

[Rob Marshall]

I will have very fond memories of Chris and thank God for his life. May he rest in peace and rise in glory

[DHJ]

We worked with Chris at BBC Wales during the early 1980s. He used to present a Radio Wales programme “Tonight at Ten”. When working on the TAT shift, we recorded inserts, rehearsed the programme and chatted for hours. It was during this time we got to know Chris very well – so much so, Chris read at our wedding in 1981.
Pat and I remember laughing so much we had to duck down and hide behind the sound desk to stop Chris getting the giggles while reading the news.
Over the years, we drifted apart, but were always pleased to hear Chris’s name, read his articles, or see his face in the media.
We hope you are at peace now, Chris.
David and Pat Jones.

[Phil Pritchard]

I am saddened to read this as I knew Chris well when I worked at Atlantic College. A friend from long ago.

[Dr Alan Marsh]

Desperately sad news. A good friend and an outstanding journalist. He will be very much missed.

[Ramesh Kallidai]

Sincere condolences Ruth. He was a gifted journalist and will be sorely missed. I used to enjoy reading his stories.

[Fr Nick De Keyser SSC]

Very sad news - I always enjoyed reading his contributions in the Sunday Times. He will be remembered at Mass during this week at All Saints, Stock, Essex as will his family and friends (including you, Ruth, and +Rowan). May he rest in peace

[Jack Malvern]

I'm very saddened to hear of Chris's death. He had a generous heart and went out of his way to inspire happiness in others. He was a fine colleague, and a gentleman.

[Patrick Kidd]

How terribly sad. I remember Chris from when I worked on the old Times Diary column a few years ago. He was a good source of witty, gossipy stories for us, particularly on the selection of George Carey's successor as Archbishop of Canterbury. The main thing I recall was his tremendous sense of fun. He always sounded so jolly on the phone. I'm very sorry to hear this news.

[Stephen Parkinson]

Too, too sad.

Jesu mercy, Mary pray.

[George Parr]

I am so sorry to hear of Christopher's death Ruth. I knew a little of him, but I can see that he was a valued and supportive close colleague of yours; very sad. I also hope that someone has put an arm around you.