Evangelical leaders around the world are paying tribute to one of the most significant figures in evangelicalism in the 20th Century, John Stott, who has died at the age of 90.

A special memorial service is planned for Friday, 5th August at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney. Archbishop Peter Jensen will preach at the service. Details here.

According to the website of All Souls church, Langham Place, London, where Stott was Rector emeritus, he died at his retirement home at St. Barnabas College on the afternoon of Wednesday 27th July. The site said "He was surrounded by Frances Whitehead, and a number of good friends. They were reading the Scriptures and listening to Handel's Messiah when he peacefully went to be with his Lord and Saviour."

Once named in Time's top 100 influential people in the world, Stott was a leader among evangelical Anglicans worldwide, but his influence extended into the broader sphere of world protestantism.

Stott was the author of many books, including Bible commentaries but his most significant contribution to Christian literature was 'Basic Christianity", a best selling evangelistic work.

The rector of All Soul's, Hugh Palmer, was the first to pay tribute, speaking of his long ministry at Langham Place "John came to the church as a child and I can well remember him telling our family of his first visits to the Rectory as a member of the Sunday School. He was to spend more than 50 years as Curate, Rector and then Rector Emeritus in a remarkable ministry here. In every sense he was one of the church family so his death leaves us with a real sense of loss as well as the confidence that he is with his Lord and ours."

"His works will follow him into all eternity" Palmer concluded.

Michael Baughen, who followed Stott as rector of All Souls, said "Vast numbers of us, all over the world, from the African village to the American penthouse feel we have lost a father, a brother, a counsellor, a friend, a model, a teacher, a strategist, though deeply thankful we have had the privilege of knowing this holy man of God, this faithful servant of Christ."

"What a man, what a Minister… our praise and thanks to God abound at this time for such a faithful servant of Christ." said Baughen.

In Sydney, Archbishop Peter Jensen refelected on Stott's contribution both worldwide and in Australia.

"We thank God for the inspiring life and ministry of John Stott. He was one of the most remarkable Christian leaders of his generation. His impact in Sydney was especially that of an evangelist and an expository Bible teacher, but his faithfulness and creativity ensured a world-wide influence on many fronts."

"He was a man used by God to bless the lives of countless others" the Archbishop said.

Archbishop Jensen has written a longer tribute here

Photo: All Soul's Langham Place