USPG mourns death of ‘soldier for justice’ George Wauchope

Anglican mission agency USPG has expressed its sorrow over the death of the Rev George Wauchope.

Rev Wauchope was a tutor in Mission Education at the USPG-Methodist sponsored Selly Oak Centre for Mission Studies in Birmingham.

He died after a long struggle with cancer on May 26.

USPG said Rev Wachope would be remembered as a faithful priest and a soldier for justice.

Born in South Africa, Rev Wauchope trained for ministry in Zimbabwe after being exiled from South Africa during the years of struggle against the apartheid regime. In Zimbabwe, he went on to become the Dean of Studies at Bishop Gaul College in Harare.

Prior to joining SOCMS in 2007, Rev Wauchope was based in Botswana, where he was the Rector of Francistown and Archdeacon of Northern Botswana.

Rev Wauchope was much loved by the staff and students at the Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education, where SOCMS is based.

He taught on the MA course at SOCMS, and led the training and preparation course for USPG Mission Companions and Methodist Mission Partners, as well as volunteers on the USPG/Methodist-run Experience Exchange Programme (EEP).

The Rev Canon Edgar Ruddock, USPG director for leadership development, said: "George was a natural teacher and a great storyteller, and he was never afraid to challenge unthought-through assumptions.’"

George leaves his wife, Gladys, and three daughters.

The funeral will take place at 11am on June 8 at St Bartholomew’s [known locally as the Old Church], in Edgbaston, Birmingham.

A vigil and lying in state service will take place on Tuesday 7 June, from 6.30pm, in the Queen's Foundation chapel. There will be simultaneous services in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.