News Intelligence Analysis
Robertson and Other Christian
Leaders Remember Kennedy's Legacy
CBNNews.com
September 5, 2007
CBNNews.com - Evangelicals mourned a huge loss Wednesday with the passing of Dr. D. James Kennedy, pastor and founder of Coral Ridge Church and Coral Ridge Ministries.
As news that Kennedy went home to be with the Lord spread, leaders throughout the Christian community, other conservatives and national leaders commented on his death.
Here are some of their statements, beginning with CBN's own Dr. Pat Robertson.
"Jim Kennedy was a towering figure among evangelicals.
He was a brilliant theologian with a passion for evangelism.
All of us who knew and admired him mourn his passing."
- Dr. Pat Robertson, Founder, The Christian Broadcasting Network
"We will miss Dr. Kennedy enormously. His moral leadership
and his legacy of impacting the globe for Jesus Christ is unmatched
by few in the history of the Church. It is our desire to honor
him by sustaining and multiplying his impact through Coral Ridge
Presbyterian Church and all the ministries founded by Dr. Kennedy
in the years to come."
- Frank Wright, President, National Religious Broadcasters
"The Church has lost one of its truly significant figures,
and American families have lost one of their most passionate,
effective defenders. For decades, Dr. Kennedy has been a passionate
defender of biblical truth in a culture that increasingly forgot
it. He was a giant in the battle to restore traditional values
in our nation. Most importantly, I believe, Dr. Kennedy would
want to be remembered as a man whose greatest desire was to preach
the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Believers around the world are indebted
to him for holding firm to that important calling."
- Dr. James Dobson, Founder, Focus on the Family
"Jim Kennedy left a legacy of profound spiritual leadership
and effective evangelism. His dedication to spreading the Gospel
and discipling the nation touched the lives of millions. I was
honored to work with him to restore a culture of life to the
nation we both love so dearly. The members of CWA join me in
praying for his family, friends and congregation during this
time of genuine loss even as we rejoice together that he is now
with the Savior he loved and served so faithfully."
- Beverly LaHaye, Founder and Chairman, Concerned Women for America
"Dr. Kennedy was one of the nation's most respected Christian
leaders. His teachings on the positive influence of Christianity
on Western Civilization and America have motivated modern-day
Christians to influence our culture and country. Dr. Kennedy's
work will live on long past his earthly body. We honor his legacy
of faithfulness to Christ and commitment to fulfilling the Great
Commission."
- Wendy Wright, President, Concerned Women for America
"He was an inspiration, a mentor, and an example of unwavering
integrity. Beyond spreading the Gospel through Evangelism Explosion
around the globe, he shared the message of Christ's love and
redemption to everyone he met. I remember one time he shared
the Gospel over lunch using his silverware. Pointing to a knife
on a napkin representing the letter 'I,' he proclaimed, 'That's
every religion in the world except Christianity--what must I
do? How can I earn my way to Heaven? I need, I should, I must…'
He then placed a fork over the knife to form a cross and said,
'Christianity is the only religion in the world about what God
did to reach man and make a way for us to be with Him.' He spoke
the truth in love--even in the face of adversity. His legacy
of being salt and light in a dark and decaying culture changed
the face of America and lives on today."
- Janet Folger, President, Faith2Action
"... His strong intellect and firm grasp of history made
him an important apologist for the Christian faith. He demonstrated
that being a Christian meant standing up for our beliefs, and
also living with integrity. As the pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian
Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida he set a high standard both
for local churches and national ministries ... He was a personal
friend, and a friend of our ministry. For many years, it has
been our privilege to telecast 'The Coral Ridge Hour,' a program
he hosted. We count it an honor to have worked closely with Dr.
Kennedy and his staff. Our prayers are with his family and Coral
Ridge Presbyterian Church during this time."
- David Cerullo, Chairman and CEO, The Inspiration Ministries.
"Dr. D. James Kennedy was a man of great vision, faith,
and integrity. Under his leadership, Coral Ridge Presbyterian
Church of Florida developed from a small group of worshipers
in an elementary school cafeteria into one of America's most
prominent congregations. Dr. Kennedy's message of love and hope
inspired millions of Americans and others worldwide through the
institutions he founded, including Coral Ridge Ministries, Knox
Theological Seminary, and Westminster Academy. He was also a
student of history and successful author who encouraged Americans
of faith to exercise their democratic freedoms and put their
values into practice. His legacy of grace and personal humility
will continue to influence hearts and lives. Laura and I pray
for Anne, his wife of over 50 years, and the rest of the Kennedy
family."
- President George Bush
Sources: CBN News, Associated Press, Christian NewsWire
Send a letter to the editor about this Article Directory on the Rise of Christian Dominionism Strategies, Communication and Propanda Techniques Directory on Religious Trends
This article is copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
Back to The Yurica Report Home Page
Copyright © 2007 Yurica Report. All rights reserved.