The Rev. Dr. Jerry Falwell, founder of the Moral Majority and Liberty University and pastor of the Thomas Road Baptist Church since 1956, died today. He was 73.
Falwell was found unresponsive in his office this morning. Attempts to resuscitate him failed.
Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family Action, issued a statement honoring Falwell's life.
"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.
"It was Jerry who led an entire wing of Christianity, the fundamentalist wing, away from isolation and into a direct confrontation with culture. 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."
In another statement released by his press office, U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today paid his respects to the family, friends and loved ones of Reverend Jerry Falwell.
"Today, America lost a true spiritual leader and a man of great faith in Jerry Falwell. His great words and actions will never be forgotten by the hundreds of thousands of people around the world that his life has touched. Jerry's moral character and principle will forever be remembered deep within my heart and those whose lives were so blessed to be touched by him."
· Capitol Hill Prayer Partners joins Dr. James Dobson, Senator Sam Brownback and many, many others in honoring the life and the legacy of this great man of God. May we, too, be ever found faithful to hold the standard of the Lord Jesus Christ high in these most difficult and perilous times.
Thank you for praying now for Dr. Falwell's family with us, and for all who knew and who loved him so well.
· "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)
