Rev. Timothy Keller (1950–2023), pastor and bestselling author

Rev. Timothy Keller was the well-known pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, New York, as well as the author of bestselling books of Christianity and faith.

• Died: May 19, 2023 (Who else died on May 19?) 
• Details of death: Died at his home in New York City after fighting pancreatic cancer at the age of 72.
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Rev. Timothy Keller’s legacy

Keller was working as the pastor of Virginia’s West Hopewell Presbyterian Church when he was recruited to found Redeemer Presbyterian Church in 1989. The unlikely venture – a conservative church in the heart of Manhattan – started small but grew to attract thousands of people every week. Technically an evangelical Christian, Keller preferred the label “orthodox,” as his theology differed from the politically conservative evangelical movement in the U.S. His church became known for attracting many young urban professionals.

As Redeemer attracted increasing numbers of attendees, Keller expanded the church to additional locations across New York City. In 2001, Keller founded Redeemer City to City, establishing churches around the world. He stepped down as senior pastor in 2017 to focus on the efforts of Redeemer City to City.

Keller wrote dozens of books, including the 2008 bestseller, “The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism.” His most recent publication was 2022’s “Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?”

Notable quote

“Everyone knows they’re going to die, and everyone, in some way, represses that and lives as if they’re never going to die.” —from a 2023 interview for Premier Christianity

Tributes to Rev. Timothy Keller

Full obituary: The New York Times

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