WASHINGTON, D.C., September 5, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Dr. D. James Kennedy, an internationally renowned Presbyterian minister, religious broadcaster, and outspoken advocate for life and family, passed away early Wednesday morning. He died peacefully in his sleep at approximately 2:15 a.m. at his home with his wife and daughter at his bedside. He was 76.Longtime pastor of the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Kennedy preached his last sermon on Christmas Eve 2006. Four days later, he suffered a cardiac arrest and had been unable to return to the pulpit since. On August 26, 2007, Coral Ridge Ministries announced Kennedy's retirement as senior pastor.
After arriving at the modest mission church of 45 people known as Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in 1959, Dr. Kennedy transformed it into 10,000-member Christian epicenter, with services broadcast to three million Americans and 200 nations. In addition, his commitment to cultural renewal and evangelism led Dr. Kennedy to found several organizations focused on training Christians to carry the Gospel into all parts of society.
"Dr. Kennedy was a true Christian leader for our time, and we are grateful for his example, wisdom, and uncompromising commitment to spreading the Kingdom of God. He was an outspoken foe of the ACLU and activist judges who were de-Christianizing our nation. He will be missed," said Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center.
Beverly LaHaye, Founder and Chairman of Concerned Women for America (CWA), knew Dr. Kennedy as a man of remarkable faith and a friend for many years. "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," she said.
"I was honored to work with him to restore a culture of life to the nation we both love so dearly."
Liberty Counsel Founder Mathew Staver commented, "Dr. Kennedy was a preacher who was committed to evangelism and cultural renewal. He was a courageous leader who stood for Christian and moral principles and never flinched from God's call on his life. I consider him one of my mentors and a good friend. He activated a new generation of Christian leaders. His legacy will live on through the lives of those of us he inspired. He will be greatly missed."
Public viewing and funeral services have been scheduled as follows:
Service Times:
Wed, Sept. 12 -- Noon to 9:00pm EDT: Dr. Kennedy will lie in repose in the Grand Narthex at CRPC, 5555 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale.
Thur, Sept. 13 -- 1pm: A public funeral service will be held in the sanctuary at CRPC. The service will be delay-broadcast in its entirety on TBN, time to-be-determined.
Fri, Sept. 14 -- A private, family-only interment will take place.
Visit the legacy Web site: http://www.djameskennedy.org/