Former US president showed Jesus' love

Lifelong Christian and former US President Jimmy Carter has been remembered for putting “Jesus’ love into action”.

Carter, the Democrat who was the country’s 39th President from 1977 to 1981, died aged 100 with his Christian legacy intact.

Some obituaries referenced his introductory speech to reporters on announcing his campaign for the presidency: “I am a farmer, an engineer, a businessman, a planner, a scientist, a governor, and a Christian.”

He was credited with popularising the term ‘born-again Christian’ during his campaign, and stressed the importance of his beliefs throughout.

Lori Amber Roessner, professor at the School of Journalism and Electronic Media, University of Tennessee, interviewed Carter in 2014 and was struck by the importance of his faith.

She wrote: “One observation is certain – Carter was a man of faith committed to a vision of the nation that aligned with his views of Jesus’ teachings.”

Professor Roessner added: “Carter continued to share his understanding of the gospel with journalists and their audiences in a plain-spoken manner, even though it was not always advantageous to his political fortunes.

“Carter remained steadfast in his commitment to his Christian values and a faith-inspired vision for the nation that advanced human rights at home and abroad.”

That was reflected in his inaugural address in January 1977, in which he told the US: “Our commitment to human rights must be absolute, our laws fair, our natural beauty preserved; the powerful must not persecute the weak, and human dignity must be enhanced.”