NCC, Rev. Bob
Edgar mark passing of Rev. Jerry Falwell
New
York, 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.
NCC News contact: Dan
Webster, 212.870.2252,
NCCnews@ncccusa.org
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