John Shelby Spong
John Shelby "Jack" Spong (June 16, 1931 – September 12, 2021) was an American bishop of the Episcopal Church, born in Charlotte, North Carolina. He served as the Bishop of Newark, New Jersey from 1979 to 2000. Spong was a liberal Christian theologian, religion commentator, and author who called for a fundamental rethinking of Christian belief away from theism and traditional doctrines. He was known for his progressive and controversial views on Christianity, including his rejection of traditional Christian doctrines, his advocacy for LGBTQ rights, and his support for interfaith dialogue. Spong was a contributor to the Living the Questions DVD program and was a guest on numerous national television broadcasts. Spong died on September 12, 2021, at his home in Richmond, Virginia, at the age of 90.
The Right Reverend John Shelby Spong | |
|---|---|
| Bishop Emeritus of Newark | |
Spong in 2006 | |
| Church | Episcopal Church |
| Province | Province 2 |
| Diocese | Newark |
| In office | 1979–2000 |
| Predecessor | George Rath |
| Successor | John P. Croneberger |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | December 1955 by Edwin A. Penick |
| Consecration | June 12, 1976 by John Allin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 16, 1931 Charlotte, North Carolina, US |
| Died | September 12, 2021 (aged 90) Richmond, Virginia, US |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Parents | John Shelby Spong, Doolie Boyce Griffith |
| Spouse | Joan Lydia Ketner (m. 1952, d. 1988) Christine Mary Bridger (m. 1990) |
| Children | 5 |
| Previous post(s) | Coadjutor Bishop of Newark (1976–1979) |
| Alma mater | University of North Carolina Virginia Theological Seminary |
| Website | johnshelbyspong |