The World Communion of Reformed Churches mourns the passing away on 8 August of Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, who was active in the justice work of the WCRC.

Born on 3 January 1950 she was the first African-American woman ordained in the United Presbyterian Church (USA) and was a renowned womanist theologian and social ethicist. She was the Anne Scales Rogers Professor of Social Ethics at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, United States of America.

She was the author of several books including Black Womanist Ethics, Katie’s Canon: Womanism and the Soul of the Black Community and Deeper Shades of Purple: Womanism in Religion and Society.

Cannon was honoured by the American Academy of Religion for excellence in teaching in 2011. She was also honoured at the recently concluded General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Her  tremendous commitment and contribution to theological education, including her advocacy on behalf of or advancement of the concerns of marginalized communities, will always be treasured.