Dr. Rev. John Hall Elliott

October 23, 1935 - December 13, 2020

Our community mourns the loss of long- term Chapel member, Jack Elliott, who died unexpectedly Sunday, December 13, 2020, shortly after arriving at a local hospital not far from their home in Oakland.

Jack is survived by his wife of many years, Linde, and his two sons, Greg and Michael. Cards may be sent to Linde, Greg, and Michael at their home: 819 Calmar Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610.

Tributes about and remembrances of Jack are being collected for delivery to his family. Please send your tributes as well to

Pr. Jeff Johnson pastor@ ulcberkeley. org)

A memorial service will be held after it is safe to gather in- person. Information about other virtual memorial gatherings will be forthcoming. Please keep in prayer Linde, Greg, and Michael as well as the many who have been touched deeply by Jack’s life, teaching, and ministry.

Jack and Dietlinde ( Linde), his wife of almost fifty- eight years have been stalwart members of University Lutheran Chapel of Berkeley since 1967. Jack cared deeply about the connection between the church’s liturgical life, social justice, and biblical interpretation. Jack was instrumental in the Chapel becoming a Sanctuary parish in 1971 for conscientious objectors on the SS Coral Sea. His influential writings initially framed the theological significance of the Sanctuary as a practice of solidarity and conscience alongside the most vulnerable and those most at risk.

Rest eternal grant him, O gracious God.

And light perpetual shine upon him.