On behalf of Council for world Mission, and on my own
behalf, I join the international ecumenical community in expressing
sadness at the sudden and unexpected passing of our dear sister, friend
and colleague, Robina Winbush. We pay tribute to her for her outstanding
and selfless service to the mission of the Church, especially on the
international ecumenical stage. All of
us who knew her personally, can attest to the fact that a vacuum is created by
her passing, one that will not be easily filled. She gave much, served well and left a legacy
of goodwill and exemplary stewardship for us to draw on and emulate. We offer to her immediate family and the
Presbyterian Church, USA, (PCUSA) our heartfelt condolences and the assurance
of our prayers during this time of bereavement.
The news of Robina’s death confronted our deep emotions of a sense of loss, a
strong feeling that we have been robbed of the opportunity to say our final
goodbyes; to look her in the eyes and express our sentiments of joy,
affirmation and gratitude for the positive ways in which she has impacted our
lives; to tell her one last time that we love her and admire her discipline and
dedication to prophetic witness. I did not know that the last time I would have
had the privilege of a conversation, a hug and a smile from Robina was in
Washington, at the CWM Legacies of Slavery hearing. There we sat together and talked about
personnel and programme of the ecumenical movement and dreamed about what the
future could look like. There we
actually had our last encounter after a long history from the early days of Caribbean
and North America Area Council (the regional expression of the then World
Alliance of Reformed Churches), where she represented the PCUSA, and I, the
United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Little did we know.
Robina was a strong, passionate and courageous advocate for justice and
peace. She was uncompromising in her articulation and relentless in her
pursuit for that which she believed was right and just. She was a great
and provocative preacher, who interweaved her personal story in the text to
offer perspectives that were fresh, dynamic and engaging. She was impatient with callous indifference
to suffering and intolerant of any compromise of the faith. She was a great partner in the faith and
struggle for justice; a great source of inspiration to all who know pain and
brokenness; and a channel of hope for all who know, or need to know, the power
of God to heal.
In the corridors, at the dinner table, away from the sobriety of debates,
discernment and decision-making, she was the perfect life of the party,
with her engaging conversation, contagious laughter and hope-filled
demeanour. Her charming personality and winsome disposition earned her many
friends. She was a great deal of fun to
be around.
It was while on duty, on her way to yet another context of pain and struggle, that God called her home, to rest from her toil. She worked to her last breathing moment; stayed on the side of God in the fight for life; and testified to the world that her devotion and loyalty was to God and God alone.
For all the saints who from their labour rest
Who Thee by faith before the World confessed
They name O Jesus be forever blest
Hallelujah!
Rev
CWM General Secretary