British academic and author passed away January 17, 2011 at age 72. For almost all his adult life, Copley had been a member of the Society of Friends. Copley was Professor of Educational Studies (Religious Education) at the University of Oxford, England and also Emeritus Professor of Religious Education at the University of Exeter, where he served as Professor of Religious Education from 1997 until 2007. Copely also served as a Religious Education teacher and then deputy head-teacher of a comprehensive school. He was a well-known speaker at academic conferences and teacher training provision. His writings cover the history of Religious Education and ‘spiritual development’ in state-maintained schools in England and Wales and methods of teaching biblical narrative in primary and secondary schools. His work includes the BIBLOS project on teaching the Bible in a secular environment and a number of books for children. Copley had a Methodist background but had been a Quaker for many decades. He received a Lambeth degree of Doctor of Divinity from the Archbishop of Canterbury. The dearly loving husband of Pauline, a much loved Father of Sandra, Terry and Lisa also a dear Grandfather of Daniel, Lyle and Lucy, Copley was a loving Brother and a good friend of many.
