News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Ruth-Scott-main_article_image.jpg
PA
UK News

Vicar and BBC broadcaster Rev Ruth Scott dies aged 60

by Press Association

The station said the broadcaster, who trained as a nurse and later a midwife, died peacefully in Southampton General Hospital on Wednesday evening with her husband and daughter present.

She recently told Chris Evans in a broadcast from her hospital bed that she had just weeks to live.

The broadcaster was one of the first female priests in the Church of England.

Station head Lewis Carnie said: "Reverend Ruth Scott was much loved amongst the Radio 2 family.

"Working with both Sir Terry Wogan and Chris Evans, her Pause For Thought reflections were enjoyed by millions of listeners to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show over the years.

"Our thoughts are with Ruth's family at this sad time."

Reverend Kate Bottley paid tribute on Pause For Thought on Zoe Ball's breakfast show, saying: "Christians - and vicars in particular - can often be accused of not living in the real world.

"That couldn't be said of Ruth Scott. She not only lived in the real world - she wanted to change it."

"Her congregations were lucky - Ruth wasn't your typical vicar - few can claim to have also trained as a magician and fire eater."

She added:: "Ruth's scripts were always honest. She was never one to dodge a harsh reality and in the last few years Ruth spoke movingly about her illness.

"During a spell when she felt well enough, Ruth and her husband Chris had few days break in Cornwall.

"They were out for a meal at a restaurant when the owner asked if they were celebrating anything in particular. 'Being alive,' Ruth said.

"The owner ripped up the bill. The meal was his gift. It was a generous present to a person who was generous with her time and her compassion. We have lost a radio friend."

Mrs Scott, who had been having cancer treatment for two years, told Evans: "I've got to accept the fact that I'm dying.

"I'm not frightened. I've had the most fantastic life. I just wish that it had been longer."

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

Tell us what you think about our news service, what you want and how Premier fits into your news landscape. Take our quick survey!

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate