Contact: Dane Rose, 202-546-8329, ext. 106, DaneRose@FaithAndAction.org; Rev. Rob Schenck, 703-447-7686 cell; both with the National Clergy Council

WASHINGTON, May 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced SHANK), 48, president of the National Clergy Council in Washington, DC, and chairman of the Committee on Church and Society for the Evangelical Church Alliance, America's oldest association of Evangelical ministers, churches and institutions, released this statement today following the death of Dr. Jerry Falwell:

"Dr. Falwell defined himself. He was a bold, unapologetic, uncompromising voice for Biblical truth that pushed the envelope and challenged secular culture to its limits. He was a great inspiration to younger leaders like myself. Jerry Falwell's legacy will long outlast him, but many of us will miss him as a father in the faith and a religious Dutch uncle."

Rev. Schenck had met with Jerry Falwell on a number of occasions, spoke from Dr. Falwell's Liberty Baptist Church pulpit and worked with many of his staff, colleagues and friends.

Rev. Schenck is available for further comment at 202-546-8329, extension 106 or after hours, mobile 703-447-7686.