The Bishop for Birmingham, the Rt Rev John Sentamu, has paid tribute to former Bishop Hugh Montefiore who died yesterday at the age of 85.
The outspoken former Bishop of Birmingham, who was the city's bishop from 1978 to 1987, died after being taken ill suddenly on his birthday in London on Thursday.
Bishop Hugh, as he was known, caused controversy at the start of his episcopate because of his strong views but quickly won the people of Birmingham over with his honesty.
He once suggested that Christ had homosexual tendencies and was forced to resign from the board of Friends of the Earth last year over his views on fighting global warming.
Bishop Sentamu said: "Hugh Montefiore was a giant of a man. A scholar, a sojourner for truth, and a great advocate for justice.
"He was a much-loved Bishop of Birmingham and it was wonderful that he was able to attend our centenary service in March this year. The ovation he received from the congregation was truly memorable.
"Bishop Montefiore was adopted as an honorary Brummie and the news of his death will be received with great sadness in Birmingham Diocese, though we all know that he is now in the company of the saints."
