We join everyone who share their condolences with the Thomas family who so tragically lost a husband, father, brother, colleague and friend. Here follows a few words from Bishop Garth: It is with a deep sense of shock and dismay that I received the sad news that James Thomas had been confirmed as one of the victims fatally wounded in the Nairobi shopping mall massacre on Saturday. We regret this unnecessary and senseless loss of so many lives and mourn the untimely loss of a deeply committed fellow follower of Christ, Christian leader and friend who gave so unstintingly of himself in the service of others. I came to know James and Colleen while serving my curacy in the Wynberg parish over 30 yrs ago and I will certainly miss his warm heart, huge smile and great bear hugs whenever we met anywhere. We give thanks to God for James’ life, witness and example and commend him to the grace and mercy of his Lord. May his soul rest in peace. I was able to contact the Archbishop, who is out of town at present, late yesterday to inform him of the situation. He joins me in extending our deepest condolences to James’ family and friends, especially his wife Colleen and their daughters Julie and Sarah along with her husband Scott. As you are aware, James was also church warden at St. Peter’s Mowbray and was due to attend Provincial Synod next week as one of our elected representatives. Our sincere sympathies go out to Dave Meldrum, the leadership and parishioners of St. Peter’s at this time. The Archbishop has agreed with me that we not replace James as a synod representative and that his seat there be kept empty throughout as a mark of respect. We the bishops call our whole diocese to uphold this situation as it unfolds in Nairobi, and all those affected, especially the Thomas family in our prayers during this difficult and painful time. The Archbishop is also considering including a time to remember James and pray for this situation during the memorial service at the cathedral on Saturday for Archbishop Emeritus Philip Russell. Grace and Peace +Garth Table Bay TREVOR PEARCE.
Posted on: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 13:32:04 +0000
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