Pastor Found Dead In Essex County Church: No Foul Play Suspected, Authorities Say

The Rev. Ron Christian – pastor at Christian Love Baptist Church in Irvington – was found dead on Friday morning in the church’s office, authorities stated.

According to Katherine Carter of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, no foul play is suspected in the 51-year-old’s passing, but the cause and manner of death will be determined following an autopsy.

The news stunned many members of the church’s congregation.

“God called back an angel,” one mourner wrote on the church’s Facebook page.

NJ.com described Christian’s importance to the community:

“A former heroin addict and career criminal, Christian turned to religion after being released from prison in 1997, and quickly developed a reputation as an energetic, fiery preacher with almost limitless compassion… His stature often led murder suspects and other wanted criminals to seek him out for guidance. After some prayer and conversation, many opted to turn themselves in.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo called Christian a “very special and tremendous individual” in a statement.

“[Christian’s] energetic sermons spiritually motivated his congregation at Christian Love Baptist Church, and his dynamic personality and kind words inspired everyone he met,” DiVincenzo said. “It didn’t matter who you were because Rev. Ron welcomed people from all walks of life into his church and into his own life. He was a very dear friend and we will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Video via Risen TV

Rev Ron Christian Mini Doc from Risen TV on Vimeo.

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