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Jerry Falwell

Jerry Falwell was an American Baptist pastor, televangelist, and conservative political activist.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jerry Falwell (August 11, 1933 – May 15, 2007) was an American Baptist pastor, televangelist, and conservative political activist. He founded Thomas Road Baptist Church, Liberty Christian Academy, and Liberty University, and co-founded the Moral Majority, helping shape the U.S. Christian right in the late 20th century.

Early life and ministry

Falwell was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, and became a Baptist pastor. In 1956, he founded Thomas Road Baptist Church and began the Old-Time Gospel Hour broadcast ministry.

Education and institutions

Falwell founded Lynchburg Christian Academy in 1967 and Liberty University in 1971. These institutions became central to his broader evangelical network.

Political activism

Falwell became a major figure in the Religious Right through the Moral Majority, which he co-founded in 1979. The organization promoted conservative social and political values and influenced U.S. politics in the 1980s.

Public legacy

Falwell remained a highly influential and controversial figure in American religion and politics. His legacy is closely associated with televangelism, evangelical institution-building, and the rise of politically engaged conservative Christianity.

Key facts

  • Founded Thomas Road Baptist Church in 1956.
  • Launched the Old-Time Gospel Hour broadcast ministry.
  • Founded Liberty University in 1971.
  • Co-founded the Moral Majority in 1979.
  • Influential figure in the Christian right.
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Canadian context

Falwell had no direct Canadian public role, but his influence on evangelical politics, media ministry, and social conservatism is relevant to Canadian readers studying North American religion and politics.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Jerry Falwell?
Jerry Falwell was an American Baptist pastor, televangelist, and conservative activist who became a leading figure in the Christian right.
What is Jerry Falwell known for?
He is best known for founding Thomas Road Baptist Church and Liberty University, and for co-founding the Moral Majority.
When was Jerry Falwell born and when did he die?
He was born on August 11, 1933, and died on May 15, 2007.
What was the Moral Majority?
The Moral Majority was a conservative Christian political organization co-founded by Falwell in 1979 to promote socially conservative values.
What is Jerry Falwell's connection to Liberty University?
He founded Liberty University in 1971 as an evangelical Christian university.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Falwell
    Supports: Birth and death dates, ministry founding, Liberty University, Moral Majority.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jerry-Falwell
    Supports: Biographical overview, birth and death places, role as religious leader and founder of the Moral Majority.
  3. Liberty University — https://www.liberty.edu/about/founder-jerry-falwell-senior/
    Supports: Founding of Thomas Road Baptist Church, Old-Time Gospel Hour, and Liberty University.
  4. Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/article/world/factbox-jerry-falwell-a-leader-of-us-religious-right-idUSN15427553/
    Supports: Role in the Religious Right, founding of Thomas Road Baptist Church, Liberty University, and Moral Majority.
  5. Pew Research Center — https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2007/05/16/publicationpage-aspxid806/
    Supports: Assessment of Falwell as a founder of the Christian right movement.