Religious Right icon Jerry Falwell died today. It is appropriate to pray for Rev. Falwell and his family during this moment. Compassion should transcend theological or political disagreements.
How will this former segregationist, opponent of women's rights and opponent of equality for gays and lesbians be remembered? History will decide. Here are a few of my posts concerning his work in recent years:
John McCain Gets Into Bed With Jerry Falwell
Is Jerry Falwell Really Even A Christian?
The Faith and Values Coalition
Meet The Press Debates Religion and Politics
Hate Crimes Up Against LGBT Community; ; Religious Right Must Take Some Of The Blame
Update: More reaction from progressive religious leaders...
New York City, May 15, 2007--The National Council of Churches USA expresses to the family, friends and colleagues of the Rev. Jerry Falwell our sympathy in his sudden passing today. Rev. Falwell was a prominent and controversial figure on the American scene for many years. He often made public statements with which other Christians strongly disagree, including his contention that the terror attacks of September 11 were God's judgment on sinful America, and his support of apartheid and the Iraq War.
"Some media pundits tended to think of Falwell as representative of American Christianity, but most church leaders, while claiming him as a 'brother in Christ,' strongly differed with many of his outspoken views, including his puzzling denunciation of the Teletubbies children's TV program," said the Rev. Bob Edgar, General Secretary of the NCC.
"He did perform the valuable contribution of taking stands that forced mainstream Christians to re examine their positions and test their convictions," Edgar noted.
"Acts 15:2 records that apostles Paul and Barnabas 'had no small dissension and debate' with fellow Christians in Jerusalem, but their debate was clarifying and advanced the cause of Christ. We may never understand why Jerry Falwell felt apartheid and war were consistent with Christ's teachings, but we are grateful he was there to force us to examine our own consciences and strengthen our commitment to justice and peace," Edgar said.
"It is clear that my Brother Jerry now knows the Truth we are all seeking, as he rests in the arms of a kind, loving and forgiving God," Edgar concluded.
The NCC is the ecumenical voice of America's Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican, historic African American and traditional peace churches. These 35 communions have 45 million faithful members in 100,000 congregations in all 50 states.
And this statement from The Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy of The Interfaith Alliance:
On behalf of The Interfaith Alliance, I want to extend our condolences to Rev. Jerry Falwell’s family, congregation, and university community. I had the opportunity to debate Rev. Falwell many times. Although we did not see eye to eye, he was a formidable spokesman for his point of view. We shared a fierce patriotism and strong beliefs about the importance of religion in politics, which took different paths. In life we all have allies and opponents, and we can learn from both. Rev. Falwell challenged my beliefs and forced me to reevaluate and reaffirm them. Though we often disagreed, I never wished to silence his voice. The debate about the role of religion in government is one that our nation should always have.
Related Link: Faith in Public Life Statement
Related Link: People for the American Way Statement
