Tony Campolo, a Baptist minister, author, evangelist and sociologist who spent decades trying to convince evangelicals and other Christians that their faith should motivate them to address social ills like poverty and racism, died Tuesday (Nov. 19). He was 89.
A native of Philadelphia, Campolo was known for his charismatic preaching and sense of humor, which made him a popular speaker at college campuses, churches and Christian conferences — and equally at home giving an altar call or social commentary.
The author of 35 books, Campolo held degrees from Eastern University, Palmer Theological Seminary and Temple University. He taught sociology first at the University of Pennsylvania and then for decades at Eastern Christian College, where he was named professor emeritus. He also served as an associate pastor at Mount Carmel Baptist, a predominantly Black church in Philadelphia, and in 2019 was named a co-pastor of St. John’s Baptist.
Campolo is survived by his wife, Peggy; his son, Bart; daughter, Lisa, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Eastern University in early 2025.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Bob Smietana and originally published by Religion News Service.
