The following letter was read out in our church on Sunday 10 September:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ
The Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich
It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the death of Bishop Karowei Dorgu. Bishop Karowei died peacefully after a long struggle with his health on Friday 8 September in the presence of his family at King’s College Hospital.
There will be time for proper tributes to be paid in due course - but for now I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to his wife Mosun, son Timi, twin sister Collette and the whole family. I express my gratitude for Bishop Karowei’s friendship and inspirational ministry - latterly as Bishop of Woolwich - where he brought much joy in his passion for the Gospel and loving encouragement to all whom he encountered. It was a privilege to join the family at his bedside and anoint him in his last hours, and I am grateful that the Archbishop of Canterbury came to pray with the family. We have lost a dear friend, brother and colleague and we will miss him greatly. I commend Bishop Karowei and his family to your prayers. May he rest in peace.
I commend the following prayer, written by the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, for us in parishes - particularly in the Woolwich Episcopal Area.
Details of Bishop Karowei’s funeral will be shared with you all in due course. In the meantime, please continue to hold Mosun, Timi, Collette and all who grieve for him in your prayers.
With my prayers and good wishes.
The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun
The Bishop of Southwark
Bishop Karowei was always a good friend to St James’ and we will miss him dearly. Last October we were honoured that he presided over the installation of our vicar, Revd Capt Kingsley Yeboah. He was also a great supporter of our church school, St James Hatcham CE Primary. Our church warden, Rustum Enegbeta, attended a short vigil of prayer for at Southwark Cathedral on Saturday evening. Please hold the family in your prayers.
