Bishop of Woolwich Rt Rev Dr Karowei Dorgu has died “peacefully” at the age of 65 after a long struggle with his health.
Dorgu died on Friday at King’s College Hospital in London. His demise was announced Saturday in an X post by the Bishop of South Wark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun.
“It is with great sadness that I share the news of the death of The Rt Revd Dr. 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,” the X post read.
Bishop Dorgu was Born and brought up in Nigeria. Prior to his consecration as Deacon in 1995 and a Priest in 1996, he worked as a medical doctor. He studied theology (BA Hons) at London Bible College. He was a Prebendary of St Paul’s Cathedral until his appointment as Bishop of Woolwich in December 2016.
Since his passing, tributes have been sent from various diocesan leaders. In a Friday statement, the Archbishop of Canterbury Most Rev Justin Welby said:
“Bishop Karowei was a truly holy man, full of the Spirit and of grace, who simply radiated the joy of Christ. To be in his presence was to know a little of that joy, and so he was adored everywhere. The Church will be much poorer for his loss.”
“However, he leaves us with a great legacy. May we continue to be inspired by his passionate commitment to evangelism and his passion for nurturing and developing new leaders. We know that Christ mourns with us, as we hold his family and all who loved him in our prayers.”
The Bishop of Southwark Rt Rev Christopher Chessun said:
“There will be a 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 for your prayers. May he rest in peace.”
On Saturday night, Southwark Cathedral conducted a brief prayer vigil and announced that information regarding Bishop Dorgu’s burial would be released in due course.
Bishop Karowei is survived by his wife Mosun, their twin children Timi, and his twin sister Collette.
It is with great sadness that I share the news of the death of The Rt Revd Dr 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.🧵 pic.twitter.com/1Hstem8JaW
— Bishop of Southwark (@BishopSouthwark) September 9, 2023