Nigerian-born Bishop of Woolwich Reverend Karowei Dorgu passes away after battling with ill health

NIGERIAN-born bishop of Woolwich in the London diocese of Southwark The Rt Reverend Karowei Dorgu has died passing away peacefully at Kings College Hospital in London after a long struggle with ill-health.

Medical doctor Bishop Dorgu, 65, passed away in the company of some of his family members, who were with him at his hospital bed. Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, said it was with great sadness that he announced the death of his colleague.

Bishop 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.”

Dr Dorgu was ordained priest in 1996 and served his title at St Mark’s, Tolling ton, in London diocese, before moving to St John the Evangelist, Upper Holloway, where he became team vicar and then vicar. He was also a Prebendary of St Paul’s Cathedral.

He was consecrated bishop on 17 March 2017. Bishop Chessun, who served as Bishop of Woolwich from 2005 to 2011, spent time with Dr Dorgu during his final hours.

Bishop Chessun added: “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.”

Archbishop Welby said that Dr Dorgu was a truly holy man, full of the Spirit and of grace, who simply radiated the joy of Christ. He added: " “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.”