In memoriam Dr Agnes Abuom
The Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity (DPCU) was saddened to learn of the death of Dr Agnes Abuom of the Anglican Church of Kenya on 31 May 2023 in Nairobi. Dr Abuom served as moderator of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) from 2013-2022, the first woman and the first African in history to hold this position. In this capacity, she welcomed Pope Francis to the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva on 21 June 2018 during his visit to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the WCC.
During her long ecumenical career, Dr Abuom served as the Africa President of the WCC (1998-2006), then as a member of the WCC Executive Committee (2006-2013), and finally as moderator (2013-2022). A committed scholar and sought-after speaker on justice, peace and reconciliation, Dr Abuom was also a development consultant to both Kenyan and international organizations, coordinating social action programmes for religious and civil society across the African continent. She was also Co-President of the National Council of Churches of Kenya and closely associated with the All Africa Conference of Churches, among other roles and collaborations that she carried out with zeal and dedication.
She travelled to the Vatican on several occasions to meet with the Holy Father and to promote collaboration between the WCC and various Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, including the DPCU.
Recalling Dr Abuom's faith, spirituality and service to the mission of Christian Unity, Cardinal Kurt Koch expressed his condolences in a letter to Revd Dr Jerry Pillay, Secretary General of the WCC. May the merciful love of God bring her eternal rest and bless the fruits of her life and dedication to the mission of Christian Unity.
Requiescat in pace!
Photo © WCC