Bishop Tony Palmer, the charismatic young preacher who enjoyed a friendship with Pope Francis, has died in a motorcycle accident.

The Ark Community, an internet-based, interdenominational Christian Convergent Community with which Palmer was associated, has posted an official announcement regarding his death. James Green, a U.K. photographer who is a member of the community, invited people to post condolences for the family and friends of Bishop Palmer on a special page.

The message reads:



Dear Friends and Companions, It is with deepest sadness that I inform you that +Tony Palmer went to be with Jesus yesterday evening. +Tony died from injuries sustained in a motorbike accident yesterday morning and although surgeons tried to save him for 10 hours, they were unable to do so. We humbly ask that +Tony’s family be given space to grieve at this incredibly difficult time but we encourage you to leave your condolences on this

page for them to read as a source of encouragement and strength. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. Peace & Good +





Palmer was bishop in the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches, a group that is inspired by the "middle way" of classical Anglicanism and considers itself part of the Convergence Movement.

Earlier today, Archbishop Charles Hill, presiding prelate at Ambassadors for Christ Ministries of America (AFCMOA) in Atlanta, reported Palmer being in an accident while riding a motorcycle in the U.K. After hours of surgery, Bishop Palmer died on Sunday, July 20.

Archbishop Hill asked for prayer for the family of Tony Palmer, in a message posted on his Facebook page.

One person posting condolences on the page set up by the the Ark Community noted Palmer’s Catholic connection: Dear Family of Rev. Tony Palmer and all his colleagues. "As a Charismatic Evangelical Roman Catholic I was so thrilled of Rev. Tony’s close friendship and connection With Pope Francis," she wrote.