The Right Reverend Thomas McMahon, the former Bishop of Brentwood who led his diocese for 38 years and was a prominent voice for nuclear disarmament and social justice, has died at the age of 88.
A Long and Influential Tenure
Thomas McMahon served as the Bishop of Brentwood from 1980 until his retirement in 2018, a remarkable tenure spanning nearly four decades. Born in London in 1936, he was ordained as a priest in 1960. His elevation to bishop came two decades later, and he was consecrated at Brentwood Cathedral in March 1980.
Throughout his long service, he was known for his steadfast commitment to progressive causes within the framework of the Catholic Church. He was a dedicated advocate for the principles of the Second Vatican Council, emphasising renewal and engagement with the modern world.
A Passionate Campaigner for Peace
One of the defining features of Bishop McMahon's public ministry was his unwavering commitment to peace. He was a leading figure in the campaign for nuclear disarmament, serving as the episcopal president of Pax Christi, the international Catholic peace movement, for many years.
His activism was not merely rhetorical. In a bold act of civil disobedience in 1983, he was arrested and fined for painting peace slogans on the perimeter fence of a US airbase in Suffolk. This action at RAF Lakenheath, which housed nuclear weapons, cemented his reputation as a bishop prepared to take personal risks for his convictions. He consistently argued that the possession of nuclear weapons was morally indefensible.
Commitment to Social Justice and Unity
Beyond the peace movement, Bishop McMahon's work was deeply rooted in social justice. He was a strong supporter of the ministry to travellers and the Irish community in his diocese. He also played a significant role in ecumenical and interfaith relations, working to build bridges between different religious communities.
He served as the chair of the Department of Christian Responsibility and Citizenship within the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, focusing the Church's attention on issues of poverty and social exclusion. His leadership extended to supporting the work of charities like the Cardinal Hume Centre, which works with homeless young people.
Bishop McMahon died peacefully at his home in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on 28 November. He is survived by his sister, Anne. Tributes have highlighted his gentle yet determined character, his deep faith, and his lifelong dedication to building a more peaceful and just society. His legacy is one of a pastor who consistently applied the tenets of his faith to the most pressing moral and social issues of his time.
