Share Your Tribute

As we celebrate Forrest’s life, we invite you to take a moment to read some of the reflections, condolences, and prayers below and to share your own.

Comments

[Rev. Eriberto (Eddie) Soto]

I met Dr. Forrest church in the early 1980-s at the All Souls UU Church. I had attended a wedding there and we were able to have some time to speak. I told him I was an American Baptist Minister at the time and even though I was and continue to be a convinced evangelical Christian, he treated me with the utmost respect and was very enthused about knowing of my ministry among Hispanics in New Jersey. He was a true gentleman and I truly enjoyed my conversation with him. I was truly saddened when I learned of his death. May he rest in peace! Thank you.

[Mary Sears]

Can't approach Christmas without thinking of Forrest. Feel so lucky to have known him.

[Fidel]

You made so much sense to me, when ever I was lucky enough to catch your sermon, Sunday mornings. I knew you were ill, but I was not aware of your passing. We are less fortunate, for not having someone like you, here on earth. I believe in energy and yours will be a part of me, for ever.
Thank you,
Fidel.

[Nancy Moothart]

Though I never had the honor of meeting Forrest Church, I feel he touched my life just the same. A few years ago as I was listening to a Christian radio station, his name was mentioned along with his book, Love and Death. I can't recall whether it was before or after his death, but something about what I heard that day resonated with me and I ordered the book. At the end of it was an interesting and powerul poem, A Christmas Prayer. I can't tell you how many times I've read it just to ponder his mantra," want what you have, do what you can and be who you are." I also took time to listen to some of his sermons on You Tube, particulary a three part Easter sermon, and began reading some of his other sermons online. Here is someone I never met, and yet I felt as if I'd been a member of his congregation. I recently ordered The Cathedral of the World. What an incredible theologian, and an obvious inspiration to all whose lives he touched. My own belief leads me to believe that he has returned home to His loving, open handed God. May he be at peace. Thank you, Forrest.

[Ron Pelt]

I had the distinct pleasure and honor to hear Rev. Church preach at All Souls in Tulsa many years ago. His books have been life changing and life guiding. They continue to be. I will try, in his honor, to want what I have, do what I can, and be who I am. Thanks to Forrest, I have more than I did, I want what he gave me, and I am more than I would have been without him. Thank you Forrest. May flights of angels, wrapped in brown paper, wing thee to thy rest. -Ron Pelt

[Dan Kennedy]

I am very disappointed I never had the opportunity to meet Forrest Church. I met his father Senator Church during a tour of duty as an Air Force Senate Liaison Officer in the late 70's and early 80's, but I wasn't aware of Forrest, or his work until just recently as I struggled with my faith and tried to prepare for the death of my Mother. I read a lot, and by chance read "Bring God Home" followed by "A Chosen Faith" and "Love and Death". By that time I was hooked. My reading of Forrest's works continues. A personal thanks to Rev. Church for helping me prepare for my Mom's death. His thoughts helped me put the right perspective on her death, so much so that I shared many of those perspectives during her memorial service. And thanks to Rev. Church's continuing outreach to me through his books, I suspect I will find closure with my struggle over beliefs, and may find a church I can comfortably attend again.

[Rev. Evan Farrar]

Somehow I missed hearing of Dr Church's death. As a student at Union Theological Seminary many years ago I would often attend worship to hear the brilliant preaching of Dr Church. At one point he took time to talk with me about my spiritual journey which I will never forget. He combined a great intellect with and even greater kindness of heart to help people know; understand, and be motivated by the unceasing love of God. We are all diminished by his passing at such a young age.

[Ken and Asa Miller]

My wife Asa and I met Forrest Church just about when he started at All Souls. We were introduced by a dear friend Robert Cox.
I remember after going to our first 'sermon' we all went to dinner at a local Turkish restaurant.

My wife and I both fell in love with Forrest and his humaness. He was a special person that simply had the ability to make you feel welcome and special.
We were looking forward to seeing him this Christmas midnight mass as we had many times before.
He was one of our rocks.We are saddened not to have him just to say hello.
His spirit will always be with us - he touched our hearts.