‘Red-Letter Christians’ Founder Tony Campolo Dead At 89
The Father of the Progressive Left, Tony Campolo, passed away this evening at the age of 89.
Campolo was a popular teacher, speaker, and sociologist who pastored several American Baptist Churches. He was perhaps best known for being the spiritual advisor to Bill Clinton and for founding the left-wing organization ‘Red-Letter Christians’ Movement 2007, with the help of Shane Claiborne and Sojourner’s Jim Wallis.
Red-Letter Christians was envisioned to be a counter-movement to the political influence of conservative Christianity, advancing social justice by focusing on the words of Jesus (the red letters) frequently at the exclusions or depreciation of other portions of the biblical text. By failing to see the entire bible as cohesive and God-breathed, all from the mouth of God, the organization quickly evolved into a liberal rag that eventually released articles supporting abortion and homosexuality.
Notably, Campolo emerged as fully LGBTQ-affirming in 2015 and ditched the moniker ‘evangelical’ a year later. He was known for employing hyperbole or shock value statements in his quest to get folks to consider his mission, saying things like:
“I have three things I’d like to say today. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don’t give a shit. What’s worse is that you’re more upset with the fact that I said ‘shit’ than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night.”
An obituary posted to his Facebook page reads:
It is with both deep sorrow and profound gratitude that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Tony Campolo, a beloved husband, father, friend, educator, Christian leader, and author, and a tireless activist for justice and compassion. Tony died at his home in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania on November 19, 2024, at the age of 89, surrounded by his family and loved ones. His life was a testament to faith, love, and the transformative power of relationships, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.
Born on February 25, 1935, in Philadelphia, Tony grew up in a close-knit family where his bond with his two older sisters, Rose and Ann, was the foundation of his formative years. Their steadfast nurture, faith, and laughter remained an enduring source of strength throughout his life.
Tony’s professional legacy is profound. For more than six decades, as a pastor, distinguished professor, mesmerizing public speaker, and prolific author, Tony touched countless lives around the world with his hopeful message of social justice, love, and reconciliation. While he richly enjoyed teaching at the University of Pennsylvania for more than a decade, Tony happily spent most of his academic career at Eastern University, where he first served as a professor of sociology and later became a spiritual mentor to many. Tony’s commitment to Eastern was not just intellectual, but deeply personal; he viewed Eastern as an extension of his family and poured his heart into shaping its mission and community.
Tony’s influence extended far beyond the classroom. As a lifelong public speaker and ministry organizer, he worked tirelessly to advance a combination of Biblical faith and Jesus-inspired care for the poor popularly known as Red Letter Christianity. Known for his charismatic storytelling and unique ability to blend humor with deep theological insights, he was a sought-after keynote speaker at churches, conferences and major events around the world, where he challenged individuals and communities to love their neighbors with radical compassion and live out their faith through sacrificial social action.
Tony was also a prolific author, writing over 35 books on topics ranging from theology and social issues to personal reflections on faith and family. His work resonated with people from all walks of life, and his passion for social justice inspired many to devote their lives to making the world a better place.
Tony is survived by his beloved wife Peggy, who was his devoted partner, wise guide, and best friend for more than 66 years. He is also survived by Peggy’s and his daughter Lisa Goodheart (Marc), son Bart Campolo (Marty), their grandchildren Miranda Stowers (Tyler), Roman Campolo (Ali), Nina Goodheart and Naomi Goodheart, and their great-grandchildren, Maya and Luca Stowers and Oscar Anthony Campolo. His love for each and all of them was deep, unshakeable, and unwavering, as was – and is – their love for him.
Throughout his life, Tony was a shining example of kindness, exuberance, authenticity, and commitment, and he leaves behind a wonderful legacy of evangelical scholarship, inspirational communication and missionary impact. Both his message and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him best and in the countless lives he touched through his work.
A memorial service to celebrate Tony’s life will be held at Eastern University in early 2025. Details will soon to be available at www.eastern.edu/campolocenter. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Campolo Center for Ministry, which is ably carrying Tony’s vision into the future.
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