French Kitchener Chang-Him OBE (10 May 1938 – 26 May 2023) was a Seychellois Anglican bishop who was active in the second half of the 20th century.[1]


French Chang-Him

Archbishop and Primate of the Province of the Indian Ocean
Chang-Him in 2014
ChurchChurch of the Province of the Indian Ocean
DioceseThe Seychelles
In office1984–1995
PredecessorTrevor Huddleston
SuccessorRemi Joseph Rabenirina
Orders
Ordination1962
Consecration1979
Personal details
Born
French Kitchener Chang-Him

May 10, 1938
DiedMay 26, 2023(2023-05-26) (aged 85)
Previous post(s)Bishop of the Seychelles, 1979–2004

Born in Seychelles and son of Francis Chang King-Hime and Amelia Zoé, Chang-Him was educated at Lichfield Theological College and Trinity College, Toronto.[2] He became a primary school teacher in 1958 and was ordained in 1962. After a curacy in Goole he was the rector of Praslin, then Archdeacon of the Seychelles and finally its Vicar general.[3] In 1979 he was appointed the Bishop of The Seychelles, resigning in 2004; and in 1984 the Archbishop of the Indian Ocean, resigning in 1995.

In 1975, Chang-Him married Susan Talma (died 1996). The couple had twin daughters.[4] He was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2014 Special Honours "for services to human rights, reconciliation and democratic values and to British nationals in Seychelles."[5][6]

Chang-Him died in 26 May 2023, at the age of 85.[7]

Church of England titles
Preceded by Bishop of The Seychelles
1979–2004
Succeeded by
Preceded by Archbishop of the Indian Ocean
1984–1995
Succeeded by

References edit

  1. ^ lifetime achievement award
  2. ^ Who's Who 1992 “(London, A & C Black ISBN 0-7136-3514-2)
  3. ^ Crockford's Clerical Directory 1975-76 London: Oxford University Press, 1976 ISBN 0-19-200008-X
  4. ^ The International Who's Who 2004. Psychology Press. 2003. p. 299. ISBN 9781857432176.
  5. ^ "Honorary awards" (PDF) (Press release). Gov.UK. 2014.
  6. ^ Uranie, Sharon (18 December 2014). "British government awards rare honour to Seychelles Archbishop Emeritus French Chang-Him". www.seychellesnewsagency.com. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  7. ^ Seychelles' beloved Anglican Archbishop French Chang Him passes away