Bruce Kent, a prominent political activist and retired Roman Catholic priest, has died at the age of 92 after a short illness, his family said.
A tribute was paid to the vice president of the Nuclear Disarmament Campaign (CND), who died Wednesday.
After a national service in the Royal Tank Regiment and a law degree from Brasenose College, Oxford, he was ordained a Catholic priest for the Diocese of Westminster.
Between 1958 and 1987 he served in several London parishes and as a priest at the University of London.
Kent was a leading CND spokesman in the 1980s and became a staunch critic of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s defense policy as public opposition to the acquisition of Trident and cruise missiles escalated.
At the time of his death, the campaign participant was also vice president of Pax Christi, a Christian peace organization and honorary president of the Movement for the Elimination of War.
Helena Kennedy QC said: “I have known Bruce Kent since his student days in the early 1970s, when he was a Catholic priest at the University of London.
“He has had a huge impact on my life and his commitment to peace and human rights has been inspiring.
“He wanted a more compassionate and inclusive church and a more decent and just society.
“He was one of the best human beings I’ve ever met.”
Kent was an honorary Fellow of Brasenose College and was awarded the Canterbury Lambeth Cross for Ecumenism last year.
Malcolm McMahon, Archbishop of Liverpool and President of Pax Christi, England and Wales, said: “Peacekeepers around the world will be saddened to hear of the death of Bruce Kent, who has made a lasting contribution to the peace movement in Christian churches and beyond. . .
“His clarity of thought and deep Christian faith have brought light and direction to many people struggling with complex arguments about war and peace.
“Personally, I will miss him because he was an incredibly warm human being.”
Kent would have turned 93 on June 22. He is survived by his wife Valerie Flesati, his sister Rosemary Mickins and daughter-in-law Ruth Kent.
Kate Hudson, secretary general of the CND, said Kent was transforming the scope and confidence of the anti-nuclear movement beyond recognition.
“His leadership at CND in the 1980s was the epitome of integrity, creativity and pure determination.
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“Bruce’s razor-sharp intellect, along with his humor, tireless work, flannel intolerance and devotion to his faith and principles, made him the leader of our movement without comparison. He will be very much missed. “
Paul Rodgers, a professor at the University of Bradford and president of the Movement for the Elimination of War, said the activist was a staunch defender of peace and a “relentless fighter against the idiocy of nuclear weapons for more than 50 years.”
He added: “He never gives up and has always been optimistic and inspiring, even in the most difficult moments.
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