Contact: Kristina Hill, 704-806-1511, khill@insp.com

CHARLOTTE, NC, Sept. 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is a statement by David Cerullo, Chairman and CEO of The Inspiration Ministries, on the death of D. James Kennedy:

"For more than forty years, Dr. D. James Kennedy has influenced our culture in countless ways ranging from education to politics. He was a pioneer in evangelism and a bold champion for Christian principles. His strong intellect and firm grasp of history made him an important apologist for the Christian faith. He demonstrated that being a Christian meant standing up for our beliefs, and also living with integrity. As the pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida he set a high standard both for local churches and national ministries. His public service has left a lasting legacy for the Christian faith that will be felt for generations to come. He was a personal friend, and a friend of our ministry. For many years, it has been our privilege to telecast 'The Coral Ridge Hour,' a program he hosted. We count it an honor to have worked closely with Dr. Kennedy and his staff. Our prayers are with his family and Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church during this time."

Dr. D. James Kennedy died this morning in his home in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

The Inspiration Ministries is the parent company to The Inspiration Networks, which are available in more than a billion homes worldwide through its various distribution platforms, including its Internet Broadband site (www.inspiration.net) and three satellite and cable TV networks: INSP - The Inspiration Network; Inspirational Life Television (i-Lifetv); and Inspiration Network International (INI). The Inspiration Networks also operate "Inspiration Video On Demand," the first inspirational platform for cable television video on demand (VOD) delivery; "Inspiration Global," providing broadband video content in the four major trade languages – French, Italian, German, and Spanish; and "Inspiration Mobile," capable of simultaneously delivering daily inspirational messages to millions of cell phone users nationwide. Please visit www.insptoday.com for more information.