Death of NSW Bishop James Haak

It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Pastor James Haak, Bishop of the New South Wales District, died this morning in Adelaide. He was 59.

He had been in Adelaide this week attending meetings of the College of Bishops and the first meeting of the new General Church Board, to which he had been elected by General Synod earlier this month. He was due to fly home to Sydney this morning.

Late last night he experienced chest pains and was taken to hospital by an ambulance. He died from a heart-related condition at about 7.00 am, while his wife Marie was still in transit to Adelaide.

Pastor Haak had been Bishop of the New South Wales District for nine months. Prior to moving to Sydney to take up that role, he had been 1st Assistant Bishop of the Queensland District and pastor of the Lockyer Valley Parish (Gatton Ministry Area). He had previously served at Rockhampton, West Logan and Pittsworth in Queensland and Eudunda in South Australia.

The LCA/NZ mourns with Marie, their children Aiden and Annie, their extended family, and all who served with Bishop Haak in the ministry of the gospel. We pray that God will carry them in his loving arms during this time of shock and grief.

Details of Bishop Haak’s funeral will be advised when known.

Added 23 October 2018
FUNERAL DETAILS

• Peace Lutheran Church, 85 Spencer Street, Gatton, Queensland
• Tuesday 30 October; service commences at 11.00am
• Light refreshments will be served between the service and the interment
• All welcome also at the interment: Garden of Remembrance, 1001 Ruthven Street (south), Toowoomba, commencing at 2.30pm

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Australian Lutheran World Service. Gift envelopes will be available at the chapel. Donations may also be made via the ALWS website www.alws.org.au from tomorrow, 24 October.

Condolence messages are being received by Larissa Helbig larissa.helbig@lca.org.au Executive Assistant to the LCA Bishop.