Jimmy Swaggart, a prominent American televangelist, has died at the age of 90. The preacher passed away weeks after suffering a heart attack at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on 15th June. His family confirmed he had been in intensive care before his death, which was announced on his public Facebook page on 1st July.
“For over seven decades, Brother Swaggart poured out his life preaching the gospel, singing songs of the faith, and pointing millions to the saving power of Jesus Christ and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit,” his church, Family Worship Center, said in a statement.
US President Donald Trump was one of many tributes, honouring the late pastor. He posted on his social media site Truth Social: "Very sad, Jimmy Swaggart passed away today! He was an incredible Man of Faith and as our Nation's longest serving Televangelist, inspired millions with his Great Love of God and Country. Our hearts and prayers are with his wonderful wife Frances, his son Donnie, and their entire family. Jimmy will be deeply missed!"
Swaggart was a central figure in the rise of Pentecostal televangelism in the 20th century. His emotionally-charged preaching style and gospel music resonated with people around the world. By the 1980s, his sermons were broadcast in more than 100 countries, and his ministry brought in over $140m (£120m) annually.
Swaggart began his ministry in the 1960s and became a symbol of American revivalist preaching. His Baton Rouge church could seat 7,000 worshippers, and his services were marked by charismatic expressions of faith.
However, his legacy is also marked by controversy, which is now also being remembered on social media.
In 1988, Swaggart’s ministry was shaken when he was publicly exposed for soliciting a sex worker. The scandal was made more dramatic by his televised confession, in which he wept before his congregation and said: “I have sinned against you, my Lord.”
Three years later, Swaggart was again found with a sex worker, this time in California. His response was unapologetic: “The Lord told me it’s flat none of your business,” he said in a broadcast.
The events prompted significant fallout in his ministry and among supporters. His previous criticisms of other Christian leaders involved in similar moral failures made the scandal all the more controversial.
Swaggart also attracted criticism over his theological views, including public remarks about other faiths, calling Catholicism and Judaism "illegitimate." Despite this, he maintained a loyal following and continued to preach and broadcast into his later years.
