Bishop honoured after Hillsborough work.
The former bishop of Liverpool has described his New Year Honour as a "salute'' to the Hillsborough families.
The former bishop of Liverpool has described his New Year Honour as a "salute'' to the Hillsborough families.
Bishop James Jones has been made a Knight Commander (KBE) for his services to bereaved families and justice after chairing the Hillsborough Independent Panel - which negotiated the disclosure of documents relating to the 1989 disaster where 96 men, women and children died.
He said the honour was to be shared with his colleagues and his family, who had supported him through his work on the panel, which published its report in 2012.
He added: "It is also a salute to the extraordinary forbearance of the Hillsborough families and their keeping faith with the 96.''
He said: "It is a great honour but it is obviously tinged with a sadness because of the enduring sense of loss the families have.''
Professor Phil Scraton, who led the panel's research team, turned down an OBE in the New Year Honours list in protest "at those who remained unresponsive'' to efforts for truth and justice after the tragedy.
The bishop, 68, said: "I think it is a personal matter for Phil. He made a remarkable contribution to the panel's work, alongside other panel members of course, and he has, over the years, stood with the families.''
Bishop Jones, now assistant bishop in the Diocese of York, said his position on the panel had been the climax to his 15 years as bishop of Liverpool and said the work had brought together the three elements he based his work on - compassion, justice and truth.
In April the jury in new inquests found the 96 Liverpool FC fans were unlawfully killed and the supporters were not to blame.
The bishop, who continues to be an adviser to the Home Secretary on Hillsborough and chairs forums with the families, said: "I certainly think it has been a momentous year for the families.
"The inquests would never have happened had there not been a Hillsborough Independent Panel and were a vindication of the panel process, as well as of the families' long-standing concerns.''
Bishop Jones said he was producing a report based on the experiences of the families which was due to be published in the spring.
He said: "Working with the families has had an impact on me and that will stay with me for the rest of my life.''