TRIBUTES have been paid to the rector of the parish of Finchampstead and California.
The Revd Dr Leonard Onugha collapsed and died at his home on Monday, March 20. He was 48.
Ordained as a deacon in 2018, he became a priest in 2019, serving first in Thatcham and then as an associate minister in Emmer Green. He moved to Finchampstead in 2021, overseeing St James’, St Eligius, and St Mary and St John.
He also served the diocese as Vocations Advisor for the Sonning Deanery and Vocations Champion for the Berkshire Archdeaconry, as well as being an active member of the UKME Clergy Chapter.
Born in 1974, he was married to Joanna, and the couple have three children.
On Sunday, the three churches came together as one for a special service of prayer and reflection, led by the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft.
Bishop Steven and the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Olivia Graham, said: “Our prayers are with all those who are affected by this terrible and unexpected loss. We understand that this news will come as a shock to many of you who knew and worked with Leonard.
“The Berkshire Area Team are available to help during this time if you would like pastoral support.
“We give great thanks for Leonard’s life, his faithful ministry, and his commitment to the Lord. We commend him into the everlasting love of God.”
In a statement on the parish’s website, the churchwardens and leadership team said: “It is devastating for his family, and our prayers and thoughts are and will continue to be with them.”
