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.
Joel promoted evangelicalism in the public square and presented Christ in the media and in Parliament, strengthening the voice of evangelicals in these areas, leading social engagement and evangelical mission initiatives. He was a compelling broadcaster in his regular radio appearances.
After EA he was appointed International Director of Micah Challenge where he worked to tackle issues of global poverty, specifically working towards the Millennium Development Goals. He helped form Micah Challenge International, a movement calling governments to account for justice for the poor. He also served as a member of the International Religious Advisory Council to Tony Blair’s Faith Foundation.
In a joint statement the Archbishops of Canterbury and York said: ‘We are deeply saddened at the death of our dear friend and brother Joel. He worked tirelessly for many years with churches of all denominations to find common purpose, seek unity and encourage us all to try and learn to disagree well.’
‘Joel was an outstanding leader and communicator,’ says Gavin Calver, current CEO of EA. ‘He served the Evangelical Alliance wonderfully over many years, culminating in his time leading the ministry as General Director. We will all miss him dearly and his contribution to the Alliance will never be forgotten.’
