John Shelby Spong
June 16, 1931 – Sept 12, 2021

“Jack” Spong was an Episcopal Bishop (USA) from 1979 to 2000. As an author, teacher and much sought after speaker, Spong made significant contributions to progressive, liberal Christian theology. His support of LGBTQ full inclusion in the life and work of the church, along with his “12 Points of Reform” for Christianity cost him alienation from many in the Episcopal Church, with some calling him a heretic. In a 2013 interview with Religion News Service, Spong said, “The older I get, the more deeply I believe but the fewer beliefs I have …I have a sort of mystical awareness (of God) that’s indescribable, but I can’t avoid it. When I’m asked to define God I’m almost wordless.”