TRIBUTES have been paid to the “Christian service” of Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States, who died on Sunday, aged 100.
A former peanut farmer turned Navy veteran, he served as the Democrat governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. He was elected President in 1976, and served one term in the White House. He lost the presidency to Ronald Reagan in 1981.
In the decades afterwards, he became a champion of international relations and human rights — efforts that won him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He wrote numerous books, including political memoirs, poetry, and commentary on global affairs, including two books on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He was the longest-lived President in US history. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Smith, died in 2023. They had four children.
The current President, Joe Biden, described President Carter as a “dear friend” to him personally, as well as to the people of America and the world.
“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.
“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism.”
He concluded by urging young Americans to study President Carter — “a man of principle, faith, and humility” — as an example of a life of purpose and meaning.
The outgoing US Senate minority leader, Mitch McConnell, said that “Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, for 40. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most.”
The newly elected Presiding Bishop of the US Episcopal Church, the Most Revd Dr Sean Rowe, gave thanks for President Carter’s life and faithful service. “He was a devoted peacemaker and steadfast public servant whose faithful labor for his country, his Church, and the cause of global democracy and human rights has long been an inspiration to Christians across the world.”
When President Carter took the oath of office to become the 39th US President, “he did so on a family Bible laid open to Micah 6.8,” Dr Rowe said.
“The nation was hurting and divided in the wake of scandal, and to set forth a new vision, he read the words of the prophet: ‘He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.’ May we follow his example of Christian service.”
In a statement, Washington National Cathedral and the diocese described his faith as “quiet and humble, fueled by a much-needed sense of generosity. His devotion to God was evidenced by his pursuit of peace and his promotion of human rights, especially for the world’s poor. Indeed, on the global road to Jericho, he was often the Samaritan who stopped to help as others passed by.”
Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute to his “decades of selfless public service. His presidency will be remembered for the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, and it was that lifelong dedication to peace that saw him receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
“Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.”
The King said: “His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977. My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the American people at this time.”
The Archbishop of York posted on social media on Monday: “Jimmy Carter’s strong faith was expressed in actions as well as words throughout his life. In an era of global conflict he was a tireless advocate for peace and human rights. We thank God for his humility, determination and service. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
The Pope offered his “heartfelt condolences”. He recalled Carter’s “firm commitment, motivated by deep Christian faith, to the cause of reconciliation and peace between peoples, the defence of human rights and the welfare of the poor and those in need”.
Read Harriet Baber’s comment article about Jimmy Carter here.