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Dear Ms Wanjie,
I am writing on behalf of the World Council of Churches to express our heartfelt sorrow at the death of your father and our former colleague, Rev. David Philpot.
David was a committed ecumenist who served the ecumenical movement tirelessly and faithfully, both in his work in Kenya and then later when he came to work at the WCC in 1981. As the executive secretary for scholarships, David’s contribution to ecumenical education was crucial in forming a generation of ecumenical leaders. Many church leaders have given testimony to how important it was to receive educational support from the WCC during the time of David’s service and how such a contribution shaped their own ecumenical formation.
It should also be noted that even after David had left the WCC, he continued to collaborate with us to support students studying in the United Kingdom; and, this relationship was very much valued.
We will always remember David’s work ethic, his kindness, and compassion for all and his love for his family.
May God strengthen you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you; and, we take comfort in knowing that David is now resting in the arms of our Lord.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
WCC general secretary
