Moral Majority Founder Was ‘Face And Voice Of The Religious Right,’ Says AU’s Lynn
Dr. Jerry Falwell, founder of the Moral Majority and one of the key architects of the rise of the Religious Right, died today at age 73.
The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United, released the following statement:
“Jerry Falwell politicized religion and failed to understand the genius of our Constitution, but there is no denying his impact on American political life. He will long be remembered as the face and voice of the Religious Right.
“Falwell manipulated a powerful pulpit in exchange for access to political power and promotion of a narrow range of moral concerns. I appeared with him on news programs dozens of times over the years and, while I disagreed with just about everything Falwell stood for, he was a determined advocate for what he believed.
“Falwell reached his apex of power in the 1980s. Since then, leadership of the Religious Right has passed to James Dobson, Pat Robertson, Tony Perkins, Donald Wildmon and others. However, Falwell remained influential in politics, with Republican presidential candidates seeking his support this year.
“Americans United extends its condolences to members of Dr. Falwell’s family, the congregants of Thomas Road Baptist Church and the students and staff of Liberty University.”
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I will share thoughts on Jerry Falwell later.
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