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 celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.