It is with a great deal of sadness that we acknowledge the death of Dr Adrienne Jericho. Adrienne was Executive Director of Lutheran Education Australia.

Lutheran Education Australia has noted that Adrienne's "leadership and vision have been central to the continued strengthening of Lutheran education nationally". Their tribute can be read here.

Many of us at CSA also worked alongside Adrienne for many years in a number of contexts. We can attest to Adrienne's lasting impact for good in the cause of the wider Christian school movement.

Adrienne was a valued colleague in many ministerial and departmental deputations. His respectful manner was matched with a deep commitment that was evident and compelling to those with whom he met.

Adrienne was a trusted and influential voice among colleagues representing  national Christian school organisations who meet together on a regular basis.  One of the practical outworkings of these meetings is the May Policy Forum. Adrienne's wisdom in helping to shape the Forum was greatly valued.

Adrienne was a deep-thinking Christian man with a genuine love of Christ and desire to serve. Many will remember his devotional addresses and contributions of prayer. In May this year Adrienne moved the vote of thanks to then DPM Julia Gillard at the Forum, and prayed publicly for her. It showed his true character -  the prayer was respectful, gracious, caring and genuinely well received.

On behalf of Adrienne's many friends at Christian Schools Australia, I pay tribute to Adrienne and mourn the loss, made worse by the suddenness of his unexpected death.

We express our heartfelt condolences to his family and pray that in their grief, they will be comforted.

We give thanks to God for Adrienne's life and rejoice in the assurance that Adrienne himself had - of eternal life in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

In lieu of floral tributes donations can be made to the Adrienne Jericho Memorial Scholarship Fund for the training and professional development of Lutheran educators of the Evangelical Lutheran Church – Papua New Guinea.   Donations can be made at the funeral service using the envelopes provided, or mailed to ‘Adrienne Jericho Memorial Scholarship Fund’, 197 Archer Street, North Adelaide SA 5006, or online at http://donations.lca.org.au

Stephen O'Doherty, CEO