One of South Africa's most prominent theologians, Prof Steve de Gruchy was an ordained minister in the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), Professor of Theology and Development at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

He also served as the Head of the School of Religion and Theology, and was editor of the Journal of Theology for Southern Africa from 2003.

He was involved in various ways with the World Council of Churches’ Justice, Peace and Creation team, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, Council for World Mission, the International Congregational Fellowship, and the Church Unity Commission in South Africa.

Prof de Gruchy made an immense contribution to the work of CWM. He led and participated in a wide range of theological and missiological conferences and consultations.

In 2006 he spent a six-month sabbatical researching the history and theological development of CWM, and was regarded by many staff as a trusted and valued colleague.

Prof de Gruchy directed the historic Moffat Mission Trust in Kuruman from 1994 to 2000 in the Northern Cape province. His period at this historic mission station where Robert Moffat and David Livingstone were based, and where the first Bible was printed in Africa, drew him into rural development issues.

Since 2000 he directed the Theology and Development Programme at University of KwaZulu-Natal. His academic work was constantly informed by ongoing engagement with people working at community level, especially his students from throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

With thanks to the Council for World Mission, text and image from their website www.cwmission.org.