December 31, 2024
The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) mourns the passing of President Jimmy Carter. As we do so, we remember his faithfulness as a servant of God and as a servant of humanity. At his side throughout his public life was his loving wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died in November 2023.
As the 39th President of the United States, his work was reflective of his life-long commitment to human rights, civil rights, women’s rights, the environment, nuclear disarmament, and peace. After he left the presidency, his work continued, especially through the Carter Center in Atlanta, as well as through initiatives of Habitat for Humanity and other organizations, to address poverty, eradicate disease, advocate for racial justice, and ensure free and fair elections. In all these areas, his ideals mirrored those of the NCC. Reflecting on his significant impact, NCC President and General Secretary Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie said: “Before, during, and after the presidency, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter shined a light that will not be dimmed today or in time.”
Notably, President Carter’s faith was visibly demonstrated even while he served in the White House. He attended church regularly and, as he did at his home church in Plains, Ga., sometimes taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C., a congregation affiliated with American Baptist Churches USA, an NCC member denomination. His faith-centered commitment to racial and social justice, as well as to the fellowship and cooperation amongst churches, was evident when he brought together thousands of Baptists from various backgrounds, traditions, and communities to find ways to address racism through the New Baptist Covenant (2008), which fortuitously anticipated the NCC’s A.C.T. Now! To End Racism initiative (2018). He gave leadership and direction to this initiative for many years, which included participation from several NCC-affiliated congregations.
In late 2023, the National Council of Churches, in partnership with the National Council of Synagogues, co-convened a session of the long-standing National Jewish-Christian Dialogue at the Carter Center. This event was particularly significant as it took place just weeks after the October 7 attack. Dr. Tony Kireopoulos, NCC Associate General Secretary, reflected, “To be able to discuss our shared hopes and concerns for society and the world, especially during such a fraught time, in a place dedicated to President Carter’s vision of peacebuilding and healing, was an immense honor. We will always remember our time at the Carter Center.”
Another instance of confluence with the NCC was the leadership of Ambassador Andrew Young, who served as an NCC intern in his early life and later as the NCC governing board chair. Young was appointed as the Ambassador to the UN during the Carter Administration, the first African American so named.
Noting the challenges he faced as President (including high inflation and the Iran hostage crisis), we celebrate the high points of his Administration, including the Panama Canal Treaty and the Camp David Accords, as well as his many notable achievements after his term.