Agnes Aboum, the Kenyan Anglican laywoman who became known worldwide for her unique personality and leadership, passed away on May 31 in Nairobi at the age of 73, after a short illness.

With her passing, one of the most prominent leaders within the church and civil society in Africa, but also globally, has left us. Many of us have lost a close and dear colleague and friend.

In Norway, many knew her as Dr. Agnes, a professional advisor on the church's role in societal development. She built up the organization TABACO in Nairobi, which worked on issues of mission, development, and assistance in Africa, as well as other parts of the world. She was particularly engaged in leadership development and peacebuilding. Agnes Aboum became a sought-after advisor and was widely utilized by organizations such as NMS, DIGNI, and KN, among others. In 2018, she received an honorary doctorate from VID, and she also received several other academic awards from universities and colleges around the world.

Agnes Aboum was a unique individual, modest and humble on her own behalf, but with a warm heart for all those in need of support and a clear voice against injustice. She became a role model for many, especially women and youth whom she uplifted and equipped as leaders. She herself paid a high price for her political engagement and fight for freedom in her own country. She was imprisoned and later lived in exile in Sweden, where she earned a doctorate in missiology and social science.

Agnes Aboum combined her academic insights with practical experience in a credible manner that made her listened to by people at the grassroots level, as well as by church leaders and other leaders in global organizations and top-level politicians.

When she was elected as the Chair of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in 2013, it was a natural choice, against many odds. She was a layperson in a context where clerical titles carried prestige, and she was a woman in a traditionally very masculine environment. But her natural authority, friendly leadership style, and broad experience quickly earned her high respect and attention. She placed great emphasis on the WCC being a community of churches working together for a better, more just, and peaceful world with a future for all. She had a particular focus on how churches and their leaders could make a difference for the marginalized and oppressed. She embodied the motto "pray and work" in everything she was involved in. All sessions were opened and closed with prayer. At times, she would interrupt to gather the assembly in prayer for guidance and wisdom. She was concerned that the WCC and other international organizations should devote time and effort to targeted program work, not internal conflicts. She achieved that, and she could converse with anyone, from any country and all walks of life. She could cut through difficult issues and focus on the tasks at hand. She led the WCC through challenging times during the pandemic and remained in her leadership role until she was succeeded in the autumn of 2022.

Many formed close friendships with her through collaboration and enlightening shared experiences. Today, we thank God for the truly special gift she was to her country and her church, and especially for the international ecumenical movement.

Olav Fykse Tveit, Presiding Bishop, the Church of Norway

Dagfinn Høybråten, General Secretary, Norwegian Church Aid

Helge Gaard, General Secretary, NMS