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.

The Interfaith Alliance (TIA) is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to promoting the positive and healing role of religion in the life of the nation and challenging those who manipulate religion to promote a narrow, divisive agenda. With more than 185,000 members drawn from more than 75 faith traditions and 75 local activist groups throughout America, TIA promotes compassion, civility and mutual respect for human dignity in our increasingly diverse society. For more information on The Interfaith Alliance visit interfaithalliance.org.