Remembering Eddie Lyle
Open Doors UK & Ireland is deeply saddened to announce the death of Eddie Lyle, who served the organisation as Chief Executive and President, and later as consultant for Open Doors International. Eddie died on 19 September 2026 in Oxford, UK, following complications from heart surgery. He was 73.
Born in Northern Ireland in 1953, Eddie became a Christian as a young man and went on to serve in Youth for Christ and Release International after years as an air cargo specialist in the corporate sector. Eddie joined Open Doors UK & Ireland in 2005 and invested over two decades to the charity with the support of his wife, Christine. A Bible teacher and storyteller by instinct, he travelled for more than 25 years in the countries where following Jesus Christ has carried the highest cost, returning to churches across the UK and Ireland to tell what he had seen, and sharing of Christ’s love for the hurting and broken with an infectious passion and deep conviction. He spoke often of Christians who share our faith but not our freedoms, and he made it his life’s work to close the distance between the two.
Most recently, Eddie co-authored a book of his experiences called Witness: Sharing the Faith of the Persecuted Church. Alongside his work at Open Doors, he founded Medic Assist International, which builds healthcare capacity in persecuted communities. In later years he supported Christian mission in north east Ukraine and co-founded Springbrook Partnership, a leadership coaching consultancy.
Tiffany Barrans, CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland, said: “Eddie was so much more than a Chief Executive or President. To many of us, he was a friend and mentor, remembered for his conviction, kindness, wisdom, vision and wonderful sense of humour.
“So much of who we are today as a ministry, both in the UK and Ireland and around the world, was shaped by Eddie. He will be greatly missed and long remembered.”
Eddie is survived by his wife Christine and their son, Adam.
The family has asked for privacy at this time. Any gifts in memory of Eddie in aid of persecuted Christians can be made here.
Tributes
“Every now and then in life someone crosses your path who in just a few minutes can make a lifelong impact. Eddie Lyle was one of those people. My first encounter with Eddie was when he led devotions on my first trustee meeting. His love for our persecuted brothers and sisters, his passion for ODI, but most importantly his deep devotion to our Lord and Saviour was evident from the first moment. Many people know Eddie far better than I do and from their stories and the few encounters I had with Eddie, his legacy will last for a very long time. One day he gave all of the trustees a little wooden cross and encouraged us to carry that with us wherever we go as a reminder of what Christ did for us and as a prompt to pray for those that suffer for their faith. That was Eddie – big picture heart, small detail actions. We will miss his inspirational visionary leadership, but through building strong connections, he has left a lot of himself amongst us. Now he is free of earthly limitations and living in eternal freedom, cheering us on to run the good race like he did.” – Andre Holtshausen, Chair of the Board, Open Doors UK & Ireland
“I have lost a very dear ‘older’ brother in Christ. The persecuted church has lost an elder statesman. He combined sound theology with courageous faith and compassionate companionship with the suffering. Empowered by the Spirit, Eddie came alongside so many, including myself, in such a humble, kind, loving and empowering way. He helped me enter more fully into the task of shepherding the global flock of Christ. Our thoughts and prayers are with Christine and Adam, and all those nearest to Eddie. He is home with the God he served with all his heart and his indefatigable energy.” – Bishop (Emeritus) Rennis Ponniah, 9th Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore and former President of the National Council of Churches of Singapore.
“I got to know Eddie up close when he led an inspiring and edifying spiritual retreat on Psalm 23 for the Open Doors International Board in 2019. In his letter to me and the Board Chairman, responding to our invitation to lead the retreat, he said ‘Those who know me well would say that I have strong pastoral instincts and I enjoy teaching the Bible interactively with all kinds of different groups of people – those who know Christ and those who don’t!’ Eddie’s life was a gift to Open Doors and he has left a lasting impact in the countless people he coached, taught and advised.” – Dan Ole Shani, CEO, Open Doors International
“My heartfelt condolences to the entire Open Doors family on the passing of our dear Eddie. I was deeply saddened to hear this news. His faith, passion, and commitment to serving the persecuted Church touched so many lives. May the Lord receive him into His eternal Kingdom, and may He grant comfort and strength to his family, friends, and all at Open Doors during this difficult time. Eddie will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.” – His Grace Mar Shimun Daniel, Bishop of Adiabene, The Ancient Church of The East
