The family of a clergyman stabbed to death at his vicarage spoke today of their devastation at their loss.
The Rev John Suddards, 59, was found with multiple wounds in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, on Tuesday.
A 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday by detectives from Avon and Somerset Police and remains in custody.
Mr Suddards' family said in a statement released by police: "We are devastated with the news of John's untimely and shocking death, so we would appreciate being left in peace at this time while we struggle to come to terms with what has happened."
Senior clergymen said the murder should act as a warning - that when clerics open their churches and homes to people, they become "vulnerable".
The Ven Geoffrey Sidaway, Archdeacon of Gloucester, said: "Sadly, this event highlights the vulnerable nature of parish ministry in some of our communities today.
"Many clergy on a daily basis open their homes and their churches to people and clearly that can put them in a vulnerable situation."
The alarm was raised by workmen who arrived at the building on Tuesday morning and realised it was locked.
Police are following up many lines of investigation and are carrying out house-to-house inquiries with help from local residents.
The news has sent shockwaves through the clergy and the close-knit community, which lies about 11 miles north of Bristol.
The St Mary's vicar had only taken up his post last July, having come from the diocese of Chelmsford in Essex.
A former barrister, Mr Suddards moved to the area after serving at St Nicolas Church in Witham, Essex, since 2001 and before that at Great Yeldham parish, 20 miles away.
When he took up the post at St Nicolas, the clergyman, originally from Yorkshire, spoke of how he joined the priesthood after a road accident.
Mr Sidaway said it could be "weeks or months" before a funeral can take place, and the Bishop of Gloucester will be visiting Thornbury tomorrow evening for a short service.