wfn.org | Tributes follow death of A Morgan Derham

["EAUK Press Office" <press@eauk.org>]

                For Immediate Release: 6 August 1998
              Tributes follow death of A. Morgan Derham

Rev A. Morgan Derham, a former general secretary of the
Evangelical Alliance who was instrumental in the founding of
Tearfund, and who held senior posts with Scripture Union and The
Leprosy Mission, has died, aged 83.

Church leaders this week paid tribute to the man who began his
working life as a bobby on the streets of London and who up until
his death was still writing devotional study notes for Scripture
Union.

Rev Canon Kenneth Prior, former president of the Evangelical
Alliance, described Morgan as "a great strategist who could spot
the key issues and anticipate needs. " Rev Clive Calver, former
director general of the Alliance, added: "Morgan was a friend who
exhibited all the kindness and concern possible for someone
younger who had one day to step into his old job.  My memories of
Morgan will always be accompanied by gratitude and affection -for
he wanted others to succeed and to see the work of God prosper."

As general secretary of the Evangelical Alliance in the late
1960s, Morgan appointed an assistant called George Hoffman and
gave him the brief of launching The Evangelical Alliance Relief
Fund.  Thirty years later well over œ300 million pounds has been
raised and evangelicals' attitudes towards world need have been
challenged and significantly changed.

"Morgan's initial vision and decisive action proved to be deeply
significant," reflected Doug Balfour, general director of
Tearfund. "His continuing enthusiasm and commitment to holistic
mission in general and Tearfund in particular, was an
inspiration."

After serving in the pastorate in West Ham, East London during
the 1940s' Blitz, Morgan's literary ambitions led him to become
editorial secretary of Scripture Union (SU), responsible for the
full range of SU Bible-reading notes and children's literature. 

Peter Kimber, chief executive of Scripture Union, paid tribute to
Morgan's contribution to SU publications, in particular the Bible
reading notes, Encounter with God. "His contributions were always
recognisable for the depth and thoughtfulness of his insight into
the biblical text and its application to the realities of daily
living."

In 1969, after serving as editorial secretary of the World
Evangelical Fellowship, he joined United Bible Societies as
information officer.  He then took on a similar role with The
Leprosy Mission.  Eddie Askew, who worked closely with Morgan at
The Leprosy Mission, described him as "a man of great faith,
great strength and determination.  He had a fine mind and the
courage to think for himself."

Added Eddie Askew: "Morgan brought a breath of fresh air to The
Leprosy Mission with his insights and experience.  His
professional expertise in writing, and his insights and skills in
pastoral care and counselling were of great value during an
important time of transition and development for The Leprosy
Mission."

Upon 'retiring' in 1980 Morgan was for eight years president of
the European Evangelical Alliance.  After a short spell as
director of the Writtle Pastoral Foundation, he joined the staff
team and led experiential groups for trainee counsellors, as well
as continuing to work as a therapist and supervisor.  He was on
his way to a counselling appointment when he died.

Morgan Derham's funeral was due to take place on Friday (August
7) at Chenies Baptist Church, Buckinghamshire.

Ends

For further information contact Keith Ewing 0171 207 2116.