Articles and statements
Obituary for Bishop Luke Pato — Anglican Communion Health Network
It is with great sadness that we mark the death of Bishop Luke Pato, one of the founding co-convenors of the Anglican Health and Community Network.
Speaking of Bishop Luke, Bishop Michael Beasley, another of our co-convenors said this. “Bishop Luke was to us a much-loved advisor, mentor, brother and friend. We mourn his passing deeply and our thoughts and our hearts go out to Essie and all Luke’s family.
As a network we benefited immensely from Luke’s practical experience and understanding as one of the bishops who brought into being the extraordinary achievement that is the Cross Border Malaria Initiative that changes for good the lives of people across the countries that border the Zambezi in southern Africa. Following the example of Jesus, Luke sought to enable churches to be signs of God’s kingdom by bringing health, health and wellbeing to the communities that they serve. As our network sought to focus on the needs of local churches and people, Luke brought to us deep wisdom about how best to hear the voices of the most vulnerable and marginalised.
Above all, Luke was to us a treasured counsellor, encourager and friend. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
Shared by Dr. Janice Tsang, also a co-convenor of the AHCN, “Bishop Luke has played a pivotal role throughout the development and service of the AHCN since the time of the start of the network in the midst of COVID-19. He was our inspiration, seeing the opportunity for our network to take care of health with his passionate advocacy for the marginalized, his tireless energy in organizing relief, and his unwavering compassion for the sick and the vulnerable. It was my blessings and honour to be able to serve with Bishop Luke, working with him side by side in the AHCN, especially during the time with the AHCN working group meeting held in Hong Kong SAR in October 2024, that Bishop Luke challenged the congregation as he preached at our St. John’s Cathedral, calling us to live out our faith not just for spiritual care, but to feed the hungry, comfort the lonely and advocating for health equity.
As we mourn the passing of Bishop Luke, may we come together to celebrate a life beautifully lived in service to God and humanity. May we honour Bishop Luke by continuing the work he championed.
Rest in peace, Dear Bishop Luke. We will carry the torch from here with everyone at the AHCN till we meet each other again in Eternity.”
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)
