Tributes are flooding in for Tony Campolo, the popular pastor and theologian who has died aged 89.
The Philadelphia native, best known as the co-founder of the Red Letter Christians movement, inspired social action by championing the teachings of Jesus.
According to a statement on his Facebook page, he passed away “peacefully” at home in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, surrounded by 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,” it added.
Renowned for his charismatic preaching and humour, Campolo was a sought-after speaker at colleges, churches, and conferences, seamlessly blending altar calls with sharp social commentary.
He began his academic career teaching sociology at the University of Pennsylvania and later became professor emeritus at Eastern University, where he taught for decades.
In the 1990s, he served as a spiritual adviser to President Bill Clinton. Earlier, he founded the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, a nonprofit supporting education and development in countries like Haiti from the 1970s to 2014.
In 2007, alongside author and activist Shane Claiborne, Campolo launched Red Letter Christians to challenge the conservative evangelical bloc in the US. The name referred to Bible publishers’ tradition of printing Jesus’ words in red ink, emphasising his social and ethical teachings.
Claiborne shared his grief on social media, saying: “Today I lost a dear friend and brother…Tony Campolo has been my partner in ministry for 20+ years at Red Letter Christians. I will miss him something fierce, but I know there’s a party on the other side.”
Speaking to Premier, Ash Barker, a friend and fellow minister, recalled Campolo’s extraordinary storytelling and influence. “He was the party,” Barker said. “But he also had this quiet, mystical side and really flowed with the Spirit.”
Reflecting on Campolo’s legacy, Barker added: “The main takeaway? A surrendered life. Don’t try to control everything. Surrender to Jesus and let God’s Spirit take you on an adventure that will change your life.”
Campolo is survived by his wife Peggy, and two children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service to celebrate Tony's life will be held at Eastern University, Philadelphia in early 2025.