By Matters India Reporter
Bengaluru: Bishop John Victor Samuel, a renowned ecumenical leader from Pakistan, died on August 29.
His son Ajmal Samuel announced that his father died “after a long and brave fight following a stroke last year.” Bishop Samuel was 87.
Bishop Samuel is survived by his wife, Shirin Samuel , three children and their families.
Bishop Samuel served as the general secretary of the for five years from 1990. He also served as member of the CCA presidium from 1973 to 1978.
Bishop was a general secretary of the Student Christian Movement in Pakistan and a general secretary of the National Council of Churches in Pakistan. He served as a moderator of the Church of Pakistan from 1973 to 1976. He also served as Asia Resource Person with the Methodist Church in the United States of America.
A supporter of Catholic Protestant relations in Pakistan, Bishop Samuel has served on the board of directors of the Catholic-run Pastoral Institute of Multan.
Those who knew him described him as a kind, compassionate, friendly and loving person.
Service was his motto wherever he was and whatever position is he held.
Ajmal said: “As a Christian priest, and as the first Pakistani Bishop of the Methodist Church, he was a pioneer in ensuring that the community was encompassing, welcoming in this Muslim land.”
Bishop Samuel’s funeral will take place on September 2 in Multan.