Washington, DC – In light of the death of Rev. Jerry Falwell, Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, President of The Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:

 

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.

 

Rev. Gaddy is in Washington D.C. and is available for an interview upon request.


Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.