Archbishop Chang-Him died after a short illness that saw him being hospitalized.
He was born in Seychelles and is the son of Francis Chang-Him and Amelia Zoé. He was educated at Lichfield Theological College and Trinity College, Toronto, and became a primary school teacher in 1958 and was then ordained in 1962. In 1979, he was appointed the Bishop of the Seychelles and in 1984 the Archbishop of the Indian Ocean until 1995.
In 1975, French Chang-Him married Susan Talma (died 1996). The couple had twin daughters – Frances and Michelle. He was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2014 Special Honors “for services to human rights, reconciliation, and democratic values and to British nationals in Seychelles.”
“I had the honor of knowing Archbishop French and can say that he was a Man of God whose work went beyond religious beliefs, color of the skin, and political affiliation. He respected everyone and made time for everyone.”
“He said what he meant, and always meant what he said.”
“Respect was his trademark and he lived by it daily,” said Alain St.Ange, former Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine of the Seychelles, who was also one of the 3 candidates in the island’s 2020 Presidential Elections.
Archbishop French Chand-Him leaves behind 2 daughters Frances and Michelle as well as their own children plus 2 elderly sisters, nieces, and nephews.
