Obituaries
Funeral for Bishop Spong, LGBTQIA+ Advocate
Bishop Spong died September 12, 2021, at age 90. The LGBTQIA+ advocate was the first to ordain an openly gay man into the USA.
"Why Christianity Must Change or Die" by Bishop Spong was perhaps the piece de resistance of Bishop Spong's life. Ever a critical voice towards the catholic church, this man of God was a progressive voice among what are often stringent and conservative values. Bishop Spong was an avid supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community. Bishop Spong led the Diocese of Newark from 1979 - 2000. Bishop Spong died at age 90 on September 12, 2021.
"I really resent having the Christian faith being taken over by people who identify with hating gay people and abortion rights," Spong told The Record in a 2005 interview.
Spong's progressive values and warm demeanor will be missed dearly.
Bishop Spong's funeral will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Morristown. Space at the funeral service is limited to those with reservations. A live stream of the funeral will be available to all interested.
Above is pictured Rev. Cynthia Black of Morristown's Redeemer Church. Rev. Black was ordained by Bishop Spong despite her fears that her sexuality would prevent her from accomplishing such a position.
Find out what's happening in Morristownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"He wanted people to move beyond the religion of their childhoods," Rev. Black said, now rector at the Church of the Redeemer in Morristown.
Spong was a champion for expanding the current thinking of the Catholic Church. His views and beliefs made him a target for many in the Catholic Church. Despite his controversial opinions and enemies within the Church, Spong spent his life advocating for a more inclusive form of Christianity.
In the world we live in today, we could use more people like Bishop Spong. He will be missed.
