By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News ServiceFT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (ANS) – Tributes are being made to the life and work of Dr. D. James Kennedy, retired founding and senior pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida, who passed away Thursday, September 6.

Tributes are being made to the life and work of Dr. D. James Kennedy, retired founding and senior pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida, who passed away Thursday, September 6.President George W. Bush, in a statement released by The White House, said: “Dr. D. James Kennedy was a man of great vision, faith, and integrity. Under his leadership, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church of Florida developed from a small group of worshipers in an elementary school cafeteria into one of America’s most prominent congregations.

“Dr. Kennedy’s message of love and hope inspired millions of Americans and others worldwide through the institutions he founded, including Coral Ridge Ministries, Knox Theological Seminary, and Westminster Academy. He was also a student of history and successful author who encouraged Americans of faith to exercise their democratic freedoms and put their values into practice. His legacy of grace and personal humility will continue to influence hearts and lives.

“Laura and I pray for Anne, his wife of over 50 years, and the rest of the Kennedy family.”

Praise and worship leader Dennis Jernigan issued the following statement on the passing of Dr. James Kennedy:

“I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. James Kennedy. Dr. Kennedy has been a strong and steady voice for righteousness in our nation for many years. It was my privilege to call him friend and to have been blessed by his ministry in my own life. The body of Christ has lost a powerful voice…but heaven has gained another voice of worship for the ages.”

Dennis Jernigan is one of Christian music’s most prolific songwriters. In a music career that extends over two decades, Jernigan has amassed dozens of hit songs to his credit, recorded over 30 projects, and authored five books. Jernigan performed during a cruise earlier this year sponsored by Dr. Kennedy’s church/ministry and has performed in concert at Coral Ridge Presbyterian.

“We will miss Dr. Kennedy enormously,” said Frank Wright, president of the National Religious Broadcasters. “His moral leadership and his legacy of impacting the globe for Jesus Christ is unmatched by few in the history of the Church. It is our desire to honor him by sustaining and multiplying his impact through Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and all the ministries founded by Dr. Kennedy in the years to come.”

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, said:”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.”

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.

Dr. Kennedy, who is survived by Anne, his wife of 51 years; his daughter Jennifer; and her husband Charles “Chip” Cassidy, preached his last sermon from the pulpit of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church on Christmas Eve Sunday 2006. He suffered a cardiac arrest four days later on Dec. 28, and has since been unable to return to the pulpit.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the D. James Kennedy Foundation, Inc. 980 N. Federal Hwy, Suite 440, Boca Raton, FL 33432. For updates and details on the funeral services, please visit the legacy Web site, www.DJamesKennedy.org.

Information and instructions will be provided for designated parking areas, as well as shuttle transportation between those locations and CRPC.