Dear Members of the Sookhdeo Family,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
On behalf of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life (OCRPL)-Africa, we extend our heartfelt condolences to your family on the passing of Rev. Prof. Patrick Sookhdeo. We mourn with you and with the wider Christian community around the world the loss of a distinguished scholar, visionary leader, faithful servant of Christ, and tireless advocate for theological education and Christian witness. While we grieve his passing, we also give thanks to God for a life extraordinarily lived in service to the Kingdom of God. Rev. Prof. Sookhdeo’s influence reached across continents, denominations, and generations, leaving an indelible mark on theological scholarship, Christian mission, public engagement, and leadership development.
It was our great privilege to welcome him virtually to the OCRPL-Africa Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 6–9 May 2026. During the conference, he delivered a thought-provoking address on the importance of conscience in Christian life and witness. His reflections demonstrated the clarity of thought, spiritual depth, and moral conviction that have characterized his ministry for decades. Participants across Africa were profoundly enriched by his contribution.
In recognition of his exceptional service, OCRPL-Africa conferred upon him the Distinguished Leadership Award in Global Theological Engagement on 8 May 2026. The award acknowledged his outstanding leadership and enduring contributions to global theological education and mission. Looking back, we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to express our appreciation to him publicly and to celebrate a legacy that has significantly strengthened Christian scholarship and ministry worldwide.
The news of his passing, only days after the conference, has made that moment especially meaningful to us. We now treasure his participation in Nairobi as one of his final public engagements and as a lasting gift to the African Church. His words, wisdom, and encouragement continue to resonate among those who heard him.
As OCRPL-Africa, we wish to assure you that Rev. Prof. Sookhdeo’s life and vision will continue to inspire our work. His commitment to faithful Christian witness, intellectual excellence, courageous engagement with contemporary challenges, and the strengthening of the global Church remains a model for us. We are committed to carrying forward these values and to building upon the foundations that he so faithfully helped to establish.
Please know that you are in our prayers during this difficult season. May the Lord comfort your hearts, strengthen your family, and grant you peace in the assurance of the resurrection and the hope we have in Christ. Though Rev. Prof. Sookhdeo has departed from this earthly life, his influence, example, and testimony will continue to bless and encourage generations to come.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)
With deepest sympathy and Christian regards,
Signed by: Rev Dr. Godwin Adeboye
On behalf of:
Ven. Dr. Julius Adekoya
Bishop Calisto Odede
Bishop Dr. Omondi Francis