'A Pioneer': Politicians, Christian Leaders Remember Pat Robertson as 'True Visionary'
Condolences, prayers, and remembrances from all across the nation were expressed Thursday after it was announced CBN Founder Pat Robertson had died
Robertson, longtime TV host, religious broadcaster, educator, humanitarian, and one-time presidential candidate died at his home in Virginia Beach early Thursday morning. He was 93.
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee called Robertson "a pioneer in Christian television" and a "true visionary."
"I was saddened by news of the death of Pat Robertson at the age of 93. Pat was a pioneer in Christian television and was a true visionary and had an uncanny business savvy that most people never fully appreciated," Huckabee said in a statement.
"A clear mark of Pat's projects was that he always did things with standards of professionalism that were second to none. CBN utilized cutting-edge TV technology that produced a quality that rivaled and often surpassed the major networks. With Regent University, he also created a campus that was elegant and classy, but never opulent," he said.
"Personally, Pat was a genuinely gracious and kind human being whose love for God and commitment to the Bible were genuine to the bone. I enjoyed being around him. His mind was filled with visions of impacting the world and those who criticized or caricatured him failed to understand him," Huckabee continued.
"I'll forever be grateful for his impact on the Kingdom of God, the world, and the USA. He was a cherished friend and a noble gentleman. "Well done, good and faithful servant!" he concluded.
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The Rev. Johnnie Moore, the founder of the interdenominational Congress of Christian Leaders, said Robertson's "legacy reminds all of us what's possible in a single life."
"Pat Robertson was an evangelical leader whose legacy reminds all of us of what's possible in a single life," Moore wrote. "Pat was …Groundbreaking. Innovative. Courageous. Compassionate. Brilliant beyond belief. Almost no leader in Christian history has had more of an impact across so many sectors of society than Pat. Ultimately, and above all, he was a man motivated by an immovable faith in God which he honed through a lifetime of private prayer. His global ministry will continue to impact countless millions for generations. Sending all my prayers today to the Robertson family & the broader CBN community."
Pat Robertson was an evangelical leader whose legacy reminds all of us of what’s possible in a single life.
— Rev. Johnnie Moore ن (@JohnnieM) June 8, 2023
Pat was …
Groundbreaking. Innovative.
Courageous. Compassionate.
Brilliant beyond belief.
Almost no leader in Christian history has had more of an impact across so… https://t.co/TM6DPvg37Y
James Dobson, Ph.D., founder of the James Dobson Family Institute, said, "Sadly, within the last six months, a generation of Christian leaders has passed—Dr. Charles Stanley, Dr. Jack Hayford, and now, Dr. Pat Robertson. All of these men were dear friends and had a profound spiritual impact on our nation.
"Dr. Robertson was a giant among Christian leaders and contributed enormously to the cause of Christ. He led multiple millions to a saving knowledge of the gospel, and heaven will be populated by people who came under Pat's influence. He pioneered Christian radio and television, paving the way for many of us who came behind," Dobson said.
"We will miss him, especially now that America is experiencing a spiritual crisis. Pat always had a clear perspective on morality and truth, and he had the courage to stand for righteousness, whether it was popular or not," he said.
Greg Laurie, the senior pastor of the Harvest Christian Fellowship, said, "The world is a much better place because Pat Robertson was in it."
"Pat Roberston was truly a Pioneer of the Evangelical world," Laurie said. "If there is a single word that would sum him up it would be, vision. It's been said, "Faith sees invisible things" and Pat applied his faith to the great commission to go into all the world and preach the Gospel literally."
"The result was millions of people came to a life-changing relationship with Christ through his television ministry. It was my honor to spend some time with him over the years and I can tell you that Pat was a truly kind and generous man. Thank God for his life and legacy. The world is a much better place because Pat Robertson was in it," he concluded.
Dr. David Jeremiah said, "A kind and gracious servant went to be with Jesus today. Having had the opportunity to know Pat, it was clear he wanted everyone he met to experience the love of Christ and salvation for themselves. He was bold and brave, steadfast in his commitment to serve the Kingdom of God with his many giftings. He'll indeed be missed, yet his legacy of sharing the Gospel - on the airwaves, worldwide - carries on. Praise God for that."
Former Vice President Mike Pence called Robertson "an inspiration to millions."
"Pat Robertson's bold faith was an inspiration to millions and we mark his passing with a sense of personal loss. Through his writings, broadcasts, and advocacy, Pat touched countless lives with the gospel of Jesus Christ including mine," Pence said in a statement.
"I have long been inspired by his stand for America and our traditional values. Pat Robertson will be deeply missed. Karen and I send our deepest sympathies and prayers to Gordon, the entire Robertson family, and all who cherished this good and godly man. America is poorer but Heaven is richer with the passing of this faithful servant. God bless Pat Robertson," he concluded.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, "My prayers are with the Robertson family. Pat Robertson stood alone in his influence on Christians in America and around the world. He left a deep mark on so many lives. We are all mourning today, but we know that Pat has returned to the Lord to rest in His kingdom."
Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, said Robertson was a "modern-day Joshua who brought down the wall separating Christianity from broadcast journalism."
"Pat Robertson single-handedly transformed the world of broadcast journalism. To a great degree, he can be described as a modern-day Joshua who brought down the wall separating Christianity from broadcast journalism. Way beyond the legacy of CBN, the favor upon Dr. Robertson's life cannot and will not be denied. As the founder of Regent University, he reconciled once again faith with the highest level of academic rigor," Rodriguez said.
"Yet, at the end of the day, Pat was primarily an evangelist. His desire and commitment to sharing the gospel of Jesus with everyone without exception makes Pat Robertson a Christian leader who, without one iota of doubt, changed the world," he said.
Nick Hall, founder, and president of Pulse, said, "Pat Robertson's life was one of tremendous impact, and he was always incredibly kind and gracious to me. As an evangelist, his message impacted millions through live and digital efforts. I will never forget hearing his voice in my home as the 700 Club was on. A true innovator and statesman, his legacy lives on."
In a statement, former North Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said, "Pat Robertson touched so many lives and changed so many hearts. He stood for America — and more importantly, for truth and faith. He did the Lord's work and we will always remember his witness."
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin called Robertson an "inspiring Virginian" and a "passionate servant of the Lord."
"Pat Robertson was an inspiring Virginian and a passionate servant of the Lord whose lifelong example leaves a legacy matched by very few," Youngkin said in a statement.
"I was grateful for the time we shared together just last year at Regent University's commencement. While Suzanne and I are praying for the Robertson family, CBN family, and Regent family during this difficult time we also know heaven is rejoicing this morning," he concluded.
Dr. Tim Clinton, president of the American Association of Christian Counselors, said, "We are saddened to hear of the passing of Pat Robertson, a Christian powerhouse, who dedicated his life to glorifying the Lord. His impact will live on for generations to come, as someone who remained steadfast in his Christian faith and values, no matter what was thrown his way. During this time, we are praying for his family's peace and strength as they navigate this difficult loss."
National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) President & CEO Troy A. Miller praised Robertson's influence on Christian television.
"Pat Robertson's influence on the field of Christian television broadcasting cannot be overstated, and we commend his lifetime of leadership in global media ministry and humanitarian outreach," said NRB President & CEO Troy A. Miller. "We were blessed to have Robertson and CBN as veteran members of the NRB. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Robertson family, and while we mourn his passing, we know that Pat Robertson is now with our Lord and Savior."
In a statement on his Truth Social platform, former President Donald Trump said: "Today, the World lost an incredible and powerful Voice for Faith and Freedom. Pat Roberston showed us that Belief in God produces results that can change the course of History. Pat's legacy lives n in the many endeavors and lives that he touched. He will be greatly missed. Our hearts and prayers are with his family."
Franklin Graham, the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and of Samaritan's Purse, called Robertson, "a great friend."
"Pat Robertson, a great friend to my father, to me, and to our ministries, has graduated to a new address in Heaven," Graham said in a statement to CBN News. "Heaven is real and awaits everyone who puts their faith and trust in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. I will miss Pat, but I know that I will see him again one day. I'm sure that his family would appreciate our prayers."
"I'm grateful for how Pat Robertson helped bring Jesus Christ into the mainstream. He set the standard for others to follow. So many people in Christian broadcasting measured their TV programs based on the standard at CBN," he continued. "Pat had a high bar and I appreciate that. He also set a standard in his willingness to engage the culture in topics of faith. My father would preach a Crusade and it would be on television several times a year for a few days, but this is something that Pat did every day. He shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ every chance he had. There's no question he was a trailblazer, and I thank God for him."
"Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. (John 11:25-26)," Graham concluded.
