By Emily Enders Odom, Presbyterian News Service.
Jack Rogers
The Rev. Dr. Jack Bartlett Rogers (1934-2016), Moderator of the 213th General Assembly (2001) of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and author of nearly 50 published works, died at his home in Pasadena, California, on Wednesday, July 13.
A native of Nebraska, Rogers was an honorably retired member of San Gabriel Presbytery. He was Professor of Theology Emeritus of San Francisco Theological Seminary, where he also served as vice president. Rogers past leadership roles include assistant academic dean at Westminster College, Pennsylvania; associate for theological studies in the Office of Theology and Worship at the PCUSA; and associate provost and director of Presbyterian ministries at Fuller Theological Seminary.
“Nearly 35 years ago this month, Dr. Rogers professed his belief in my call to ministry and voted to approve my candidacy as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in San Gabriel Presbytery,” said Ruling Elder Tony De La Rosa, interim executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. “His belief in my call never wavered, even when the presbytery later determined otherwise. I believe—without any doubt—that he sings today with the angels. Rest in peace, dear brother Jack.”
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Loyal PC USA churchman, diligent in promoting his sincerely held viewpoints, whose writing and teaching were appreciated by many. An objective assessment is also that he was a leading figure in a movement that advocated a sharp break from tradition on a certain contentious issue, the success of which movement prompted tens of thousands to leave the denomination, seriously weakening it. So it seems objective and accurate to say that his legacy with regard to the health of the denomination is mixed.