Paying Tribute to the Revd Professor Jonathan Draper

 Dear People of God

It is with profound sadness that I have to tell you that the Revd Dr Jonathan Draper has died.

A priest in the Diocese of Natal, he was a renowned academic, teacher and priest, and we shall feel his loss deeply. One of our most distinguished theologians, he inspired those whom he taught at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He was instrumental with others in setting up the Anglican House of Studies in Pietermaritzburg, also establishing the Desmond Tutu scholarship for post-graduate work at UKZN.

Apart from serving as a priest in the Diocese of Zululand, he was the diocese's Director of Training for Ministry. At UKZN he was a founder member of a programme in theology, and also helped develop a programme in contextual theology, going on to become a Senior Professor and head of the School of Theology.

He retired in 2015, and was named Professor Emeritus and a Fellow of the University. He published widely, editing or co-editing nine books and writing  69 book chapters and 65 articles in peer-reviewed journals.

He is survived by his wife, Marion, their two children, Jessica and Matthew, and grandchildren.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory! 

†† Thabo Cape Town