Saying goodbye is never easy, but they have now gone to be with the Lord.
Here are some of the Christian celebrities, politicians, and church leaders who passed away in 2024.
Camila Batmanghelidjh, founder of The Kids Company
Camila Batmanghelidjh, founder of Kids Company, died at 61 on January 2nd. She was known for transforming the lives of underprivileged children in London and Bristol.
After founding the charity in 1996, Batmanghelidjh stepped down in 2015 following allegations of mismanagement, though she was later cleared.
Steve Chalke of Oasis Community Trust praised her pioneering work with vulnerable children, calling her a visionary. Her family described her as an "endless source of inspiration" and a passionate advocate for vulnerable children.
Adan Canto, Christian actor
Adan Canto, a Christian actor known for Designated Survivor, died on 8th January aged 42 from appendiceal cancer. His wife, Stephanie Ann Canto, paid tribute on Instagram, quoting Matthew 6:19-21 and writing, “Forever my treasure Adan, see you soon.”
Canto, who starred in the film 2 Hearts, had spoken about the importance of family and the value of life as central themes in his work.
Roger Foster, founder of Ichthus Fellowship
Roger Forster, founder of Ichthus Fellowship, passed away peacefully at home on 17th January aged 90.
A prominent figure in the UK evangelical community, Forster was vice-president of Tearfund, a member of the Evangelical Alliance Council, and a key leader in the March for Jesus Movement.
The Ichthus Fellowship described him as an inspirational evangelist, theologian, pastor, and devoted disciple of Jesus. They mourn his loss alongside his wife Faith, children, and grandchildren, remembering him as a spiritual father to thousands worldwide who "ran the race" until the end.
Dexter King, the younger son of Martin Luther King Jr
Dexter Scott King, the younger son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, died on 22nd January of prostate cancer at 62. His wife, Leah, said he passed away in his sleep at their Malibu home.
Dexter, born in Atlanta on 30th January 1961, was seven when his father was assassinated. He followed his father’s path to Morehouse College and later served as chairman of the King Center and president of the King Estate. He also portrayed his father in the 2002 TV movie The Rosa Parks Story.
Rev Bernice A. King, CEO of the King Center, expressed sorrow over the loss, while Revd Al Sharpton called it a "heartbreaking" moment.
Rt Rev Dr Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham and former Premier trustee
Rt Rev Dr Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham, died aged 68 on 17th February. Known for his advocacy for abuse victims and the LGBTQIA+ community, he served 20 years as Bishop and had been the Church of England's lead bishop for digital matters.
The Bishop of Oxford, Rt Rev Steven Croft, praised him as a "wise, pastoral, and prophetic bishop." Archbishop Justin Welby also honoured his fearless support for marginalised groups.
Bishop Alan is survived by his wife, Lucy, and their five children.
Jean Graham Ford, Billy Graham’s last surviving sibling
Jean Graham Ford, the last surviving sibling of evangelist Rev Billy Graham, passed away at 91 on 29th February. Her nephew, Franklin Graham, shared a tribute on Facebook on honouring her deep devotion to Christ.
Franklin described how Jean, raised on a North Carolina dairy farm, considered Jesus "part of our family" from a young age, despite challenges like polio at age 11.
She married fellow evangelist Leighton Ford, and together they served God. Though their son Sandy was tragically lost young, his life stood as a testament to God's grace.
Colin Hart, founder of the Christian Institute
Colin Hart, founder and director of The Christian Institute, passed away suddenly aged 60 from a suspected heart attack. He died on 13th March.
Rev Dr Richard Turnbull praised his vision and dedication, urging prayers for Hart's family and the Institute. Founded in 1991, The Christian Institute campaigns on issues like religious liberty, education, and assisted suicide.
Paul Chantler, radio exec and friend of Premier
Paul Chantler, a renowned radio executive and consultant to Premier, passed away on 31st March at 64 after battling liver and prostate cancer.
Premier's CEO Peter Kerridge described him as a cherished friend with a deep Christian faith. Chantler had a celebrated career, launching stations like Galaxy, Vibe, and Ireland’s NewsTalk, and serving as TalkSport’s programme director.
Colleagues have shared their sadness, remembering his legacy in radio and his contributions through the book Essential Media Law.
Mandisa Hundley, gospel singer
Grammy-winning Gospel singer Mandisa Hudley died at 47 on 18th April. Known for her faith and heartfelt music, Mandisa was celebrated for her kindness, vulnerability, and her Grammy-winning album Overcomer. K-Love’s David Pierce remembered her as a powerful voice with a huge heart who inspired others by sharing her struggles.
She was found at her Nashville home and her cause of death remains unknown.
Father Melito Dias, Pakistan's oldest clergyman
Father Melito Dias, Pakistan's oldest clergyman, passed away on 18th April at 97 due to complications from old age. Born in Karachi in 1921, he was ordained in Sri Lanka in 1954 and devoted much of his life to faith and education. Fr Dias served in various roles, including at the Minor Seminary in Quetta and St. Patrick’s High School. Known for his passion for field hockey, he chose missionary work over a sports tournament in India, leaving a lasting impact on education in Pakistan.
Frank Field, former Labour minister
Former Labour MP and Minister Frank Field passed away on 23rd April at 81 after a battle with cancer. Known for his strong Christian faith, Field served as a Welfare Minister under Tony Blair and had a 40-year political career. Tributes from Sir Tony Blair, Keir Starmer, and others praised his integrity and commitment to social justice, particularly his work on child poverty. Field's legacy includes championing policies like the minimum wage and free school meals, and he is remembered as a principled and independent thinker.
Peter Kerridge, Premier CEO
Peter Kerridge, Premier's CEO for over 20 years, passed away on 8th June after a battle with acute leukaemia. Tributes poured in from church leaders, broadcasters, and political figures, praising his pioneering work in Christian media. Archbishop Angaelos called him a "visionary" whose legacy would impact many, while Gavin Calver and others remembered his faith and dedication.
Kerridge's work in Christian broadcasting left a lasting legacy, and he is survived by his wife, Karen, and two sons, Jonathan and Matthew.
Timothy Dudley-Smith, former Bishop of Thetford and hymnist
The Rt Rev Timothy Dudley-Smith, hymn writer and former Bishop of Thetford, passed away at 97 on 12th August.
Known for writing hymns like Tell Out, My Soul and Lord, for the Years, he was also awarded an OBE in 2003 for his contributions to hymnody. Dudley-Smith served as Archdeacon of Norwich and Bishop of Thetford before retiring in 1991.
Close friend Noel Tredinnick praised his persistent hymn writing, calling him one of England’s greatest poets.
Steve Legg, Christian author and comedian
Christian author and comedian Steve Legg, aged 57, passed away after a battle with cancer on 16th September. His wife, Bekah, shared a heartfelt message expressing gratitude for the love and support their family received. Legg, known for his evangelism and humour, wrote 20 books and founded Sorted Magazine, reaching audiences worldwide. Tributes poured in, with many recalling his impact as an evangelist and communicator.
Dr Robert Willis, former Dean of Canterbury Cathedral
Dr. Robert Willis, former Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, passed away at 77 while on a trip to the U.S., He became an internet sensation during the COVID-19 lockdown with his online morning prayers, often featuring animals from the cathedral grounds. Canterbury Cathedral expressed deep sorrow at his passing, remembering his profound impact over 22 years of service.
Tributes have poured in, with many recalling his calming presence and uplifting devotionals during the challenging lockdown period.
Gustavo Gutiérrez, a pioneering figure of liberation theology
Gustavo Gutiérrez Merino, the Peruvian Dominican priest and "Father" of liberation theology, passed away on 22nd at 96. Known for his seminal book A Theology of Liberation (1971), he made a profound impact on global theology. Gutiérrez was a professor at the University of Notre Dame and a key advocate for the poor.
His death was marked by tributes, including prayers from the Dominican Province of St. John the Baptist in Peru.
Tony Campolo, author and preacher
Tony Campolo, the influential pastor and theologian, passed away at 89 on 19th November. Known for co-founding the Red Letter Christians movement, he championed Jesus' teachings on social justice. Campolo, a charismatic speaker and professor, also served as a spiritual advisor to President Bill Clinton. His legacy of faith, love, and transformative relationships will continue to inspire generations.