Richard John Neuhaus facts for kids

Richard John Neuhaus (born May 14, 1936 – died January 8, 2009) was an important writer and Christian leader. He was first a Lutheran minister and later became a Catholic priest.

Born in Canada, Neuhaus later moved to the United States and became a U.S. citizen. He was known for editing the Lutheran Forum magazine. He also started and edited a monthly journal called First Things. Richard John Neuhaus wrote many books throughout his life. He even served as an unofficial advisor to President George W. Bush on topics like medical ethics.

Early Life and Education

Richard John Neuhaus was born in Pembroke, Ontario, Canada, on May 14, 1936. He was one of eight children. His father was a Lutheran minister.

When he was 16, Neuhaus left high school to work at a gas station in Texas. However, he later went back to school. He graduated from Concordia Lutheran College in Austin, Texas, in 1956. In 1960, he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.

His Work as a Minister

Lutheran Minister and Activist

Neuhaus began his career as an ordained minister in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. This was a more traditional Lutheran group. Later, he joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which was formed by a merger of several Lutheran churches.

From 1961 to 1978, he was a pastor at St. John the Evangelist Church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This church served a poor community, mostly Black and Hispanic people. From his church, he spoke out about civil rights and fairness for all people. He also spoke against the Vietnam War.

In the late 1960s, he became well-known across the country. He co-founded a group called Clergy and Laymen Concerned About Vietnam. He worked with other religious leaders like Jesuit priest Daniel Berrigan and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel.

Neuhaus was also involved in a movement within Lutheranism called the Evangelical Catholic movement. He supported the idea of bringing back the role of deacon as a full-time position in the church.

In 1981, Neuhaus helped start the Institute on Religion and Democracy. He stayed on its board until he passed away. He wrote the group's first document, called "Christianity and Democracy." In 1984, he created the Center for Religion and Society. This center was part of a conservative research group called the Rockford Institute.

In March 1990, Neuhaus founded the Institute on Religion and Public Life. This group publishes the journal First Things. This journal aims to share ideas about how religious beliefs can help shape society.

Becoming a Catholic Priest

In September 1990, Richard John Neuhaus joined the Catholic Church. About a year later, he was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of New York. Cardinal John O'Connor performed his ordination.

As a Catholic priest, he continued to edit First Things. He was a popular public speaker and wrote many books. He also appeared in the 2010 film The Human Experience, which was released after his death.

His Influence on Politics

Richard John Neuhaus was a close, but unofficial, advisor to President George W. Bush. He advised President Bush on many religious and ethical issues. These included topics like stem-cell research and cloning.

In 2005, Time magazine named Neuhaus one of the "25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America." The article noted that President Bush often quoted Neuhaus in his speeches. Bush reportedly said that Neuhaus helped him explain his religious ideas.

Personal Life and Death

Richard John Neuhaus passed away in New York City on January 8, 2009. He was 72 years old. He died from problems related to cancer.

See also

In Spanish: Richard John Neuhaus para niños