Thoughts Around the Nation on the Passing of Rev. Jerry Falwell

Today, Rev. Jerry Falwell, the founder of the Moral Majority, founder and Chancellor of Liberty University, one of the leaders of the religious right, and one of the staunchest opponents of GLBT rights and acceptance in society, has died at the age of 73.

Here are some samples of recations to his death and life. I've balanced the different viewpoints because I feel when someone of importance passes on, he deserves the whole of his life to be viewed, not just one aspect no matter how abhorent that part might be. I'll share a few thoughts of my own at the end.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State executive director Rev. Barry W. Lynn:

“Jerry Falwell politicized religion and failed to understand the genius of our Constitution, but there is no denying his impact on American political life. He will long be remembered as the face and voice of the Religious Right."

“Americans United extends its condolences to members of Dr. Falwell’s family, the congregants of Thomas Road Baptist Church and the students and staff of Liberty University.”

Exodous International (Ex-Gay ministry) President Alan Chambers:

“Rev. Falwell will be remembered for his consistent emphasis on the truth that Jesus Christ loves and offers salvation to every individual regardless of their past. No doubt, many have come to a personal relationship with Christ through his ministry. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rev. Falwell’s wife, Macel, their three children and his friends and colleagues in Lynchburg, Virginia.”

Soulforce (GLBT advocacy):

Today, the staff and board of directors of Soulforce observe the passing of Rev. Jerry Falwell and offer our sincere condolences to his family, the members of Thomas Road Baptist Church, and the students at Liberty University.

"While Soulforce has a long history of nonviolent direct action at Jerry Falwell Ministries, our adversary was never Jerry Falwell, but rather the misinformation about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people espoused by Falwell and so many others," said Soulforce Executive Director Jeff Lutes.

Upon hearing the news of Rev. Falwell's death, Rev. Dr. Mel White said "It breaks my heart to think that Jerry died without ever discovering the truth about God's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender children. I sincerely hope that one day his school and his church will have a change of heart."

Don Wildmon, Chairman, American Family Association:

Wildmon says Falwell was passionate about serving the Lord. "His life is reflective of what can happen to a person who commits himself to the Lord and keeps going straight ahead and never looks back from the plow," says the ministry leader. "He will be missed."

Falwell would want Christians to stay active in the culture war, adds Wildmon.

Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen:

“It is with great regret that Rev. Jerry Falwell never moderated his position on homosexuality,” said Truth Wins Out’s Executive Director Wayne Besen. “While our hearts go out to his family, we can’t help but to reflect on his life and think about all of the families he’s torn apart and teenagers that committed suicide because he made them feel inferior. He never missed an opportunity to kick our better angels to the curb and capitalize on our lesser demons to advance his career.”

Liberty Counsel, the legal activist arm of Falwell's organization:

Rev. Falwell loved God and he loved people. His convictions in biblical principles were matched by the depth of his compassion for people. He made you feel like you were the most important person in a room, even though it was filled with dignitaries. He cared for each person and he loved the students at Liberty University.

We have never known a man who had so many important obligations and commitments and yet who always had time for people. As pastor of a mega-church with a myriad of ministries, too many to mention, Chancellor of the world's largest evangelical university, founder of several national parachurch ministries, husband, father and grandfather, he always took time to stop and greet people with a genuine smile, a firm handshake (or sometimes a friendly punch in the rib cage) and a deep voice filled with wisdom and uncanny insight.

Rev. Falwell's legacy will live on in the millions of people he touched, and his vision will carry on through his family and the graduates of Liberty University. While we are missing a beloved pastor, leader and friend, his family is missing a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Our prayers are with his wife, Macel, his children, Jerry Falwell, Jr., Jonathan Falwell, and Jeannie Falwell Savas, and his grandchildren.

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman:

“The death of a family member or friend is always a sad occasion and we express our condolences to all those who were close to the Rev. Jerry Falwell. Unfortunately, we will always remember him as a founder and leader of America’s anti-gay industry, someone who exacerbated the nation’s appalling response to the onslaught of the AIDS epidemic, someone who demonized and vilified us for political gain and someone who used religion to divide rather than unite our nation.”

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins:

He was a pioneer whose legacy, marked by courage and candor, blazed the trail for all men and women of conviction to engage--boldly--on the great questions of our day. But he was first and foremost a husband, a father and a pastor. Our prayers today are with the Falwell family, in particular his wife Macel, his children, his grandchildren and the congregation of the Thomas Road Baptist Church.

Triangle Foundation (Michigan) Executive Director Jeffrey Montgomery:

"Our condolences go out to Rev. Falwell's family. Whether the family is straight or gay, the passage of a loved one is always a challenging and difficult time."

"In the wake of Rev. Falwell's passing, it is our strong hope that his followers transform their misunderstanding and attitudes regarding their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters. It is a sad thing that Rev. Falwell spent so much of his time and energy while alive as a leading voice in the struggle against LGBT civil rights. We can only hope that the death of such an anti-gay voice will eventually lead to a healing of the fear and hostility against us that Rev. Falwell actively promoted."

Focus on the Family Chairman Dr. James Dobson:

"Our hearts and prayers go out to Jerry’s wife Macel, his children Jerry, Jonathan and Jeannie, and his church. This is a tragic loss for them – and for all Americans. Jerry’s passions and convictions changed the course of our country for the better over the last 20 years – and I was proud to call him my friend."

"Because Jerry, and his Moral Majority, were the first ones out of the trenches in the culture war, they got shot at repeatedly by the national media and by liberal church leaders. But he always weathered the onslaught, permanently stamping the conservative American church with respectability on social action.

"It was my honor to share the front lines with him in the battle for righteousness in our nation. We will continue that fight, in his honor, until our mutual goals are achieved."

Sojourners President and Executive Director Jim Wallis:

I was saddened to learn that Rev. Jerry Falwell passed away this morning at age 73. Rev. Falwell and I have met many times over the years, as the media often paired us as debate partners on issues of faith and politics. I respected his passionate commitment to his beliefs, and our shared commitment to bring moral debate to the public square, although we didn’t agree on many things. At this time, however, what matters most is our prayers for comfort and peace for his family and friends.

CBN's Pat Robertson:

My wife and I have sent our condolences to Macel Falwell and her family. Jerry has been a tower of strength on many of the moral issues which have confronted our nation. Liberty University is a magnificent accomplishment and will prove a lasting legacy. Jerry’s courage and strength of convictions will be sadly missed in this time of increasing moral relativism. I join with the tens of thousands of his friends to mourn the passing of this extraordinary human being.

I have written extensively here about the late Dr. Falwell and his efforts to shove GLBT people back into the closet and prevent them from obtaining equality in any aspect of our society and see no need to put together a summary of my issues with his views today. As you can see by some of the comments from GLBT activists, the anger against Falwell ran so deep it spilled out even on the day he died. You can also see from the comments of religious right leaders like James Dobson that any day is a good day to campaign for your agenda, even using the death of someone you call a friend to do so.

I join those who offer their condolences and prayers to those who lost a husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and chancellor today. I also offer up a prayer that those who fill the leadership voids created by Falwell's passing take more of a New Testament view and focus on the love and acceptance that Jesus taught instead of Old Testament judgmentalism.