Death of Revd Dr John Stott
Revd Dr John Stott, an architect of 20th-century evangelicalism who shaped the faith of a generation, died on 27th July 2011 aged 90. His death came after complications related to old age.
Many important figures have paid tribute to Stott as have ordinary Christians whose lives were impacted by his ministry.
Billy Graham's spokesperson released the following statement from the evangelist: "The evangelical world has lost one of its greatest spokesmen, and I have lost one of my close personal friends and advisors. I look forward to seeing him again when I go to Heaven."
The Most Revd Alan Harper, OBE, Archbishop of Armagh and The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin issued a joint statement saying:
"On the news of the death of the Revd Dr John Stott, Rector Emeritus of All Souls Church, Langham Place, London, we wish to pay tribute to him, and to acknowledge his great contribution over many years to the life of the Anglican Communion – indeed the whole Church – across the world.
"Dr Stott spoke in Ireland on a number of occasions, particularly through his work with Langham Partnership International. His talks, his witness in ordained ministry for over sixty years, and, perhaps most significantly, his numerous publications were highly influential to the formation of many clergy and made a notable and valued impact on the lives and faith of lay people alike. Gracious to all who knew him, his loss will be felt widely while his writings will remain a fitting legacy to his life of Christian service."
Chris Wright, close friend and International Director of Langham Partnership International, has written a personal message on a website dedicated to the memory of Dr Stott:
"It will not be possible to write the history of the church in the 20th century without reference to John Stott. His remarkable ministry spanned the whole of the second half of the century and even in his eighties he was making an impact on the 21st.
"His leadership of the evangelical movement, both in the Anglican Communion and in wider inter-denominational settings, was a major factor in moving it from rather narrow-minded fundamentalism after the Second World War, to the fastest growing part of world Christianity that it is today. The list of movements and institutions he founded, fostered and strengthened can be read in the biographical pages of this website. His books have challenged and nourished millions of Christians into a balanced and thinking biblical faith.His legacy through the global impact of the Langham Partnership International and the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity is incalculable.
"For the vast majority of people whose lives he influenced profoundly, however, he was simply ‘Uncle John’ – a much loved friend, correspondent, and brother, to whose prayers we will never know how much we owe. Like Moses, he was one of the greatest leaders God has given to his people, and yet at the same time, one of the humblest men on the face of the earth. He was, for all of us who knew him, a walking embodiment of the simple beauty of Jesus, whom he loved above all else."
Visit the John Stott memorial website here.