Joel Edwards has died from cancer aged 70. The first black man to lead the Evangelical Alliance (EA), he leaves behind an inspiring legacy of unity in diversity, social engagement and Christ-centred service.
After serving as a probation officer and as a pastor in east London, Joel became the General Secretary of the African and Caribbean Evangelical Alliance, where he worked to show the transforming power of Christ in communities, bring predominantly black churches together, and build bridges between the organisation and UK churches.
In 1997 he became General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, where he progressed and deepened the diversity of EA while bringing credibility and attention to evangelicals in the ecumenical and secular spheres. During his 11 years in this role, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of St Andrews in 2007, received the title of honorary canon at St Paul’s Cathedral and was appointed a commissioner for the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.
