The Christian Institute’s founder and first Chairman, John Burn OBE, has died aged 86.
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne in March 1938, John was a committed believer in Christ who sought to be a Christian influence in wider society, and especially in the world of education, initially as a science teacher.
He worked in several schools, and for a period was Senior Lecturer at a teacher training college, as well as being a Justice of the Peace.
Christian influence
In 1979, John became Headmaster of Longbenton High School in North Tyneside, where he attached great importance to daily Christian worship and Christian religious education. He improved standards at the school, coming to national prominence for his commitment to traditional teaching methods, and it was during his time there that he received his OBE for services to education.
He was also a lay reader in the Diocese of Newcastle at Jesmond Parish Church, and was invited to be a member of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Commission into urban priority areas, which in 1985 produced the controversial report, Faith in the City.
In the late 1980s, John hosted an education conference for Christians, and it was there he met a young Colin Hart, who had just begun his teaching career at Gosforth High School.
Both men felt that too few Christians were speaking out faithfully in the public square, and so, with John’s encouragement, Colin left his teaching job to set up The Christian Institute. Colin became Director, while John took on the role of Chairman.
Emmanuel Schools Foundation
Colin and John also had a vision for a Christian-ethos state school, and as a result Emmanuel City Technology College in Gateshead was formed, with funding from Christian businessman Sir Peter Vardy.
John left Longbenton to take over as Principal of Emmanuel in 1993, establishing its reputation as an outstanding institution with a clear Christian ethos and excellent academic results. The success of the school contributed to the Blair Government’s embrace of what became known as City Academies, which were rolled out across the country.
John stepped down from Emmanuel in December 1998 and became an Education Consultant, helping to establish three further academies across northern England as part of the Emmanuel Schools Foundation.
John Burn receiving his OBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
During his career in education, he also served on the Teacher Training Committee of the Council for the Accreditation for Teacher Education and was a member of the National Curriculum Council.
He served as The Christian Institute’s Chairman until 2021, and remained closely involved as a trustee, a member of the recruitment panel, and as a close friend and advisor to our late Director Colin Hart, who died in March.
John left no surviving family, but will be greatly missed by his many friends, not least those on the Institute’s staff, lots of whom worked alongside him for years and considered him a friend and mentor.
Tributes
The Christian Institute’s Director Ciarán Kelly said:
“It is my great privilege to have known John as CI chairman, trustee, advisor and friend. His counsel and encouragement, particularly in recent months, has been a blessing that will remain with me.
“John’s determination was such that he was not one to be put off by the size or complexity of a challenge. For him it was simply a question of ‘What is the right thing to do before God?’
“His legacy in the lives impacted for the cause of Christ through the Emmanuel Schools Foundation and The Christian Institute is immense and eternal. Even as I grieve, I rejoice that he is now with his Saviour, whom he loved so deeply.”
Deputy Director Simon Calvert, who worked with John for nearly 30 years, said:
“John was one of the biggest characters I’ve ever known. He changed the course of my life, not just by establishing The Christian Institute, where I’ve worked for the last three decades, but through his friendship and his wise, godly counsel. He was a deeply principled and courageous man with a phenomenal ability to make friends with all kinds of people – augmented by a mischievous sense of humour.
The dozens of people who visited him in hospital during his final week were a testimony to the deep affection and respect in which he was held by so many. He has left a big gap in the life of the Institute and at All Saints Presbyterian Church where he worshipped. I will miss him. But I rejoice that he is now face to face with his Saviour and singing – loudly! – the hymns he spent a lifetime memorising.
The Institute’s current Chairman Revd Dr Richard Turnbull, who took up the role when John retired, said:
“John Burn was a dear friend. Along with Colin Hart, he was co-founder of The Christian Institute, forming and shaping a vision for a coherent Christian advocacy on the moral issues facing society. In that, they were both ahead of their time. Now they are reunited in heaven.
John was chairman of the board of The Christian Institute until 2021, having served for some 30 years, when in an act of characteristic Christian humility, he sought my agreement to accept the nomination to succeed him.
John loved the Lord with all his heart. He rejoiced in the fellowship of Christian believers, had a passion for the scriptures and loved the singing of good, classic Christian hymns. John was always very good company. Many an evening were spent with John reliving his experiences in education, another area where he brought great wisdom and foresight, and discussing his uncompromising views on the state of the nation.
The Lord had given him a very sharp mind. With John, one always felt you were in the presence of a Christian disciple, to whom the Lord would one day say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ (Mt 25:23).
The pain, suffering and grief are now over for John. Thank God for his life and vision.”
Stephen Grant, a friend of John’s for over 50 years and a colleague at Emmanuel College, said:
“John, throughout his life, reflecting his strong Christian faith, demonstrably sought to impact the lives of those living in inner city areas. His passion to provide an outstanding education, particularly for those who might not normally benefit from such, reflected his own plethora of interests in science, history, English, art, music. He loved sport, particularly cricket and rugby.
John was somebody who could relate to anybody, whether on the national stage or in the local community. Whether it be the window-cleaner or some prestigious politician, he enjoyed their company. Indeed, he loved meeting people and thrived on social interaction, particularly Christian fellowship.
He was a wonderful friend to so many: loyal, true, warm-hearted. Many would regard him as a mentor, ‘like a father’, due to his wisdom and concern for their good. I have known John for over 50 years, as a close friend of my father and mother, and to myself, and as a fatherly figure to my children. What a privilege to have known such a great man, who never rested on his laurels but rather was concerned with doing one’s best – particularly through knowing Christ. He will be a great miss and his loss is felt deeply.”
Read Stephen’s full tribute to John.