Bishop Stephen has sent messages to the people of Jersey, and to its clergy, following days of tragedy which began with the loss of a fishing vessel and three lives on Thursday, and then the explosion which has killed at least five people in the early hours of Saturday.
Four people are still missing and emergency services have said their operation is now one of recovery, not rescue.
Bishop Stephen visited Jersey last weekend and in his message he said: "It is with deep sadness that only one week after my visit to you, Jersey has suffered such tragic loss. People across the Diocese made special prayers on Sunday in their parishes and my prayers are for those who have died, for the injured, for their loved ones and for the outstanding emergency services.
"You will all need patience and comfort. As we shall soon celebrate at Christmas, the Christian hope rests in the fact that God is with us in life and in death. May you all be a blessing to each other in these days."
In a separate message to Jersey's clergy, he urged them all to care for each other, as they also tended to those affected in their communities.
The Channel Islands moved under the oversight of the Bishop of Salisbury last month. The move was marked in a special service at Salisbury Cathedral, at which the Dean of Jersey and the Dean of Guernsey were made canons of the Cathedral
Please pray:
Lord Christ, you spoke words of comfort to your friends Martha and Mary in their hour of sorrow. Give consolation and courage to those who mourn and suffer today. May they find their peace and hope in you, the Resurrection and the Life; for your tender mercies’ sake.