The Bishop of Southwark writes:
WOYIN KAROWEI DORGU was born in Burutu, Nigeria, in June 1958, twin to Collette. He studied medicine at the University of Lagos, where he met his wife, Mosun — now a child psychiatrist. He worked as a GP in Nigeria until 1987, when the couple moved to the UK.
His rich and lively faith led him to study theology at the London Bible College, where he obtained two diplomas, the first in evangelism, and the second, two years later, in pastoral studies. He graduated with a BA in 1993. Later that year, he began ordination training at Oak Hill College. He was ordained deacon in 1995, and served his title at St Mark’s, Tollington, in London diocese.
Before his consecration to be Bishop of Woolwich, Karowei spent most of his ordained ministry (1995-2016) in the Stepney Episcopal Area. After a second curacy at St John’s, Upper Holloway, he was appointed Team Vicar of that parish in 2000, and then Vicar in 2012. The parish grew and thrived under his leadership, and, alongside his ministry there, he exercised his passion for nurturing the vocations of others, as Assistant Director of Post-Ordination Training. He was installed as a Prebendary of St Paul’s Cathedral in 2016.
Mosun and Karowei had two sons, Timi and Joshua. Joshua tragically died in 2015 while still at school, and the family set up a foundation in his memory to encourage the educational attainment and aspirations of students who, like Joshua, showed academic promise.
Ever the trailblazer, in 2017, Karowei became the Church of England’s first Nigerian bishop — and its first black bishop in 20 years. In recognition of his being the first black bishop to be consecrated since Archbishop (then Bishop) Sentamu in 1996, at his consecration, Dr Sentamu and Bishop Wilfred Wood (the first black bishop in C of E) placed on Karowei’s head the jewelled mitre that had been entrusted to each of them in turn.
Karowei was deeply committed to championing leadership for global-majority-heritage Christians and nurturing and encouraging them in their vocations. During a press conference on the day of his consecration, Karowei spoke of his intention for encouraging greater participation in ministry from these groups, adding that he would “celebrate the diversity in race, ability, gender, sexuality, and class. . . Celebrating our difference is a gift.”
There is great sorrow over Karowei’s death, especially among those with whom he ministered. Karowei was known for the grace with which he constantly gave encouragement to everyone, including the episcopal team in Southwark, and his love of his clergy and parishes in the Woolwich Episcopal Area.
What people reflect on most is the power and gift of his presence. His gentle charisma meant that people always noticed as he entered a room, although he never did so in an arrogant or self-important way. He drew out what mattered to those he met, sharing in their experiences, and never failing to inspire them.
As his health deteriorated, he worked hard to manage his energy so that he could continue to give of himself in such a generous way — making each encounter count. His vulnerability helped to strengthen others in carrying their own burdens, and many have testified that he simply radiated the love and joy of Christ.
The Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu died on 8 September, aged 65.