RIP Canon John Stubbs

The Revd. Canon Dr John Stubbs died in Orland Park, Illinois, on August 16, aged 68. He was living in retirement in the United States, where he had married again, to Barbara. The Archbishop wrote this letter of condolence to the members of his family:

I write to you to convey the Anglican Church of Southern Africa’s condolences on John’s death last week.

Mkhululi Duncan, Paul and Khuthaza: going back to the days when your parents – John and Nommso – were pioneers in ministry together, your father was a faithful servant of the Church in Southern Africa.

After having to leave South Africa, and studying and serving the church in the United States, he returned to make a substantial contribution to the Province as Dean of Studies from 1991 until 1999. He then went on to serve in the historically significant position as Dean of Grahamstown at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George.

From the tributes published in the United States, he clearly continued to endear himself to his congregants in New York and Massachusetts.

We are proud in this Province to read, in an obituary published in the US, that in that country also, “John spoke out against racism and indifference to those in need. He was actively involved in issues and movements of civil rights, peace and community service. He made space for those hurting, the under-represented, and the discounted. He was also an advocate of women’s ordination.”

May you feel the strength of God’s comfort as your mourn his loss and celebrate his life.

May John rest in peace and rise in glory

Yours in Christ’s service

++Thabo Cape Town