For Immediate Release: December 30, 2024
Contact: Heather Cabral I 202-550-6880 I hcabral@faithinaction.org
Shannon Craig Straw | 202-674-5921 | scstraw@westendstrategy.com
WASHINGTON — Leaders of the largest faith-based grassroots organizing network are mourning President Jimmy Carter, whose leadership, they say, was an inspiration for world leaders and regular citizens alike. In statements after Carter’s passing, leaders with Faith in Action recalled his efforts to make the government both “competent and compassionate.” They recalled Carter’s legislative agenda and accomplishments reflected that vision: a historic peace agreement between Israel and Egypt; establishment of full diplomatic relations with China, and negotiation of the SALT II nuclear limitation treaty with the Soviet Union. Carter also created the Department of Education and appointed a record number of women, Black and Brown staffers to Government jobs.
Bishop Dwayne Royster, executive director of Faith in Action, said: “President Jimmy Carter served the greater good on a global scale his entire life. Even after he left office, he worked through The Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity to continue making the world a better place for countless individuals. As he said, ‘One person, standing on principle, can make a positive difference in the lives of many.’ Truly the lives of generations of Americans and people around the world are better because President Carter put his deep faith into action and sought to care for all around him. ”
Fr. John Baumann, founder of Faith in Action said: “Jimmy Carter was a model public servant and a gracious and caring man. It is no wonder that among his many accomplishments is being awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. Carter was a farmer, businessman, naval officer, governor, and church leader. He taught Sunday School at his Georgia church for more than 40 years. Our society and faith communities are poorer for having lost this patriarch of service.”
The Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould, managing director of Power Building of Faith in Action said: “President Carter embodied putting faith in action. He led with integrity and spent his life attempting to create a world where everyone has freedom from oppression. He was not merely a politician but a humanitarian, who advocated for human rights in a global context. I witnessed his deep care for humanity when I was honored to participate in a convening at the Carter Center with my fellow peacemakers and leaders. Our world is better because of President Carter, whose legacy will continue to touch generations and improve the lives of all.”
Faith in Action is a movement of people for faith and moral courage organizing for racial and economic justice. Faith in Action is the largest grassroots, global faith-based community organizing network, with affiliates working in more than 200 cities and towns in 24 states and a dozen countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Eastern Europe. Faith in Action is non-partisan and does not support or oppose candidates or parties.
