Celebrated Presbyterian Leader Clifton Kirkpatrick Passes at 79
The Presbyterian community is mourning the loss of Clifton Kirkpatrick, a prominent figure in the church known for his impactful leadership and dedication to ecumenical engagement. Kirkpatrick, who served as the stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and led the World Communion of Reformed Churches, passed away at the age of 79.
His death was confirmed by the Presbyterian News Service (PNS), reporting that he died at Four Seasons Retirement Community in Columbus, Indiana. A memorial service is scheduled in March at Strathmoor Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Kirkpatrick’s wife of over five decades, Diane Worthington, predeceased him in March 2024. He leaves behind a sister, two children, and five grandchildren.
The Rev. Gradye Parsons, a former clerk of PCUSA, remembered Kirkpatrick fondly, stating, “A mighty good man was Cliff Kirkpatrick. From the day he asked me to come work with him I quickly realized what a global understanding he had of God’s church.” Kirkpatrick was revered for facing the challenges of the PC(USA) and its critics with grace, often reminding others that, “Our role as Christians is not to be in the judgment seat but to be in the witness box.”
Born on May 1, 1945, in Harlingen, Texas, Kirkpatrick made significant contributions to various Christian organizations, including the Dallas Council of Churches and Houston Metropolitan Ministries. His influence expanded internationally when he served on the executive committee of the World Council of Churches.
As the director of Worldwide Ministries at PC(USA), Kirkpatrick’s leadership was further recognized when he became the stated clerk for three consecutive terms beginning in 1996. His expertise also benefited students as a professor at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. In 2004, he was elected president of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, which was later renamed the World Communion of Reformed Churches, serving until 2010.
Setri Nyomi, Interim General Secretary of WCRC, paid tribute to Kirkpatrick, describing him as “a dear friend whose leadership and pastoral gifts were very inspirational in my ministry and ecumenical engagement.” Their first meeting in Louisville in 1996 left a lasting impression on Nyomi, who praised Kirkpatrick’s commitment to justice and his role as an insightful theologian and leader.
In a 2005 interview with The Christian Post, Kirkpatrick addressed the challenges facing the PCUSA, emphasizing the importance of evangelism and centering faith in Jesus Christ. He advocated for unity despite differences, stating, “Jesus is our peace, purity and unity. We are not all alike, but what is more precious than those differences is the united belief that Jesus Christ is our lord and savior.”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
