The Trustees, staff, faculty, students, and friends of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life mourn the passing of our Executive Director, Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, who died on 18 May 2025 at the age of 79. Patrick's life was marked by an unwavering commitment to Christ, His Church, and especially to Christians facing persecution, hardship, and marginalisation around the world. Born into a Muslim-background family from Guyana and raised in the United Kingdom, Patrick came to faith in Christ as a young man and devoted the rest of his life to Christian ministry, scholarship, and service.
Together with his wife Rosemary, he founded ministries that combined evangelism, compassionate action, and deep engagement with the challenges of faith in multicultural societies. He established the Institute for the Study of Islam and Christianity and founded Barnabas Fund (now Barnabas Aid), through which practical support has reached countless persecuted Christians across the world.
A respected scholar and author of more than forty books, Patrick earned his doctorate from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Yet he was never content with scholarship alone. His learning was always directed toward serving the Church, strengthening Christian witness, and supporting those who suffered for their faith.
In recent years, Patrick devoted himself to the growth and development of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life. Under his leadership, OCRPL expanded its theological education programmes across Africa and Asia, partnering with institutions in India and South Africa to equip biblically grounded leaders for communities affected by persecution, conflict, migration, and social upheaval.
Many have testified to Patrick's compassion, courage, and generosity. He stood alongside believers from Muslim backgrounds, advocated tirelessly for persecuted Christians, and encouraged church leaders across continents. His influence continues through the institutions he built, the students he mentored, and the countless lives he touched. We give thanks to God for Patrick's faithful service and enduring witness. We commend Rosemary, his family, friends, and colleagues to the grace and comfort of our Lord Jesus Christ.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23)
Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.