Retired Bishop of Kingston Reverend Dr Robert Thompson has died. Reverend Garth Minott, the current Bishop of Kingston, confirmed Thompson’s death Friday.
Bishop Thompson who retired in 2020 after 47 years as an ordained minister is remembered for the “single-minded passion” which he displayed for his lifelong pastoral vocation in the Diocese of Jamaica and The Cayman Islands. This culminated with his consecration in 2005 as Suffragan Bishop of Kingston – an office in which he gave outstanding service until his retirement.
Born in Westmoreland, he received his secondary education at Jamaica College where the influence of The Rev. Fr. John McNab, School Chaplain and Rector of Church of the Ascension, Mona inspired his decision to enter the priesthood. In 1969, at age 20, he enrolled at the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI) and was ordained a Deacon on June 29, 1973. His ordination to the priesthood followed in 1974.
Over the years, he has served on various boards and committees.
He served as a member of the Police Service Commission, a member of the Kingston College board for more than 30 years and as President of the Young Men’s Christian Association for 12 years.
His action-packed ministry includes service as Assistant Curate at The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Molynes Road from 1973-1978; Rector of St. Jude’s, Stony Hill from 1987-1990 and Rector of St. Andrew Parish Church from 1990-2005.
As Rector at the St Andrew Parish Church in Half-Way-Tree, where he served for 16 years before becoming a Bishop, he was instrumental in the formation of the now defunct Possibility Program that was established to meet the needs of at-risk youth, especially street boys.
In 2020 he receive the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed sadness following the passing of Rev Thompson In a statement Holness said: “I express my deepest sympathy to the family, loved ones and congregants of The Rt Rev Robert Thompson, retired Anglican Bishop of Kingston; news of Bishop Thompson’s passing has left me deeply saddened.”
