Pioneering televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, one of the first preachers to bring his ministry to a massive TV audience before enduring a damaging sex scandal, died in Louisiana following a two-week hospitalization, a family representative said on Tuesday.
He was 90.
“Today, our hearts are heavy as we share that Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ,” according to a statement posted on his Facebook page.
“He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory. At the same time, we rejoice knowing that we will see him again one day.”
Swaggart was taken to the hospital on June 15 after suffering cardiac arrest, his family said.
The pastor’s loved ones thanked the staff at Baton Rouge General Medical Center “for their incredible support and care given during this time,” the statement said.
Swaggart became famous in 1975 when, according to his Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, “his television crews were able to capture the services live and replay them on his weekly program.”
And by the mid-1980s, his Sunday show was aired on hundreds of TV stations across America.
But his standing in the TV Christian community suffered a terrible blow when allegations emerged that he frequented a local prostitute.
Swaggart famously gave a tearful 1988 sermon, telling the congregation he had “sinned,” though he didn’t offer any specifics.
“I have sinned against you,” Swaggart said. “I beg you to forgive me.”
Jimmy Lee Swaggart was born March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, to parents W.L. and Minnie Bell Swaggart.
The family was blessed with showmanship and musical talent, exemplified by Swaggart’s TV acumen and the singing ability of his famed cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley.
The pastor was comfortable spreading his Pentecostal message at a typewriter, behind a radio microphone and eventually in front of a TV camera.
But with his microphone always metaphorically on, Swaggart was often caught making deeply divisive statements.
He once described the Catholic Church as “the whore of the Apocalypse” and as a false religion.
Misfortunes endured by Jewish people came “because of their rejection of Christ,” according to Swaggart.
The TV preacher’s flock didn’t seem to mind those statements. Still, his career took a decided turn south when Swaggart was photographed leaving a Louisiana motel after spending time inside with a prostitute.
Swaggart was eventually defrocked by the Assemblies of God.
Austin Mullen and Associated Press contributed.
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